Customer case: Staff on the water in Amsterdam: An unforgettable holiday on the canals
Organize an original staff outing in Amsterdam? A private cruise through the Amsterdam canals is a special way to bring employees together, to celebrate successes and to strengthen team spirit. With a comfortable boat, delicious catering and a relaxed atmosphere, a staff outing on the water becomes an experience that colleague’s will talk about for a long time.
At Event on the water We organise staff trips in Amsterdam for small and large groups. From a cozy drink on a luxury boat to a fully maintained company party on a spacious salon boat or event ship.
The challenge: Organising an original staff outing in Amsterdam
Organising a successful staff getaway requires more than just a nice location. It must be an activity in which colleague’s get to know each other better, enjoy themselves relaxed and feel part of the team.
For this example case we assume an Amsterdam company that wants to organise a staff outing for about 45 employees.
The organizer's wishes:
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An original location in the centre of Amsterdam.
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A completely private organised activity.
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Plenty of room for 45 colleagues’s.
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Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks during the trip.
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An extensive drink package with snacks.
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A comfortable boat with roof and heating.
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A central and easily accessible boarding location.
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A relaxed atmosphere in which employees can meet each other.
The most important challenge? Organise a staff getaway that is both cozy and practical, without the organizer constantly having to deal with the execution.
The solution: A private salon boat through the Amsterdam canals
For this group a comfortable salon boat with sufficient indoor and outdoor space is an appropriate choice.
A private salon boat offers an attractive environment in which employees can walk around freely, have conversations and enjoy the view of the historic city centre.
The proposed programme
4:30 p.m.
The employees gather at a centrally located starting point in Amsterdam. Upon arrival they will be welcomed by the crew and can enjoy a drink immediately.
17:00 hrs
The salon boat leaves for a relaxing tour of famous sights. Meanwhile, colleague’s will have every opportunity to catch up and make new contacts.
5:30 p.m. Drinks and snacks
During the tour several snacks are served. Thanks to the drink arrangement, guests can enjoy beer, wine and soft drinks.
6:15 A.M. Joint moment
Halfway through the sailing trip there is an opportunity for a short speech from the board or a joint moment to celebrate the results achieved.
6:30 p.m.
The cruise continues while colleague’s enjoy music, snacks, drinks and the view of Amsterdam.
7:00 p.m.
After two hours of sailing, the boat returns to the scheduled boarding point. The employees can then go home or continue the staff outing in the city centre.
What do guests say about us?
Our customers
Why Amsterdam is the perfect location for a staff outing on the Water
Amsterdam is one of the most attractive cities in the Netherlands for business events and business trips.
The historic canals, monumental canal houses and characteristic bridges provide a special setting for a staff party.
During a private cruise, employees can enjoy:
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The Herengracht: impressive canal houses and historical architecture.
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The Keizersgracht: one of Amsterdam's most famous canals.
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The Prinsengracht: atmospheric bridges, houseboats and authentic Amsterdam street images.
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The Amstel: a beautiful view of the Skinny Bridge.
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The surroundings of the Maritime Museum: maritime history and special buildings.
The exact sailing route depends on the chosen boat, the starting location, the available sailing time and the current sailing conditions.
The advantage of a staff getaway on a boat is that the environment is constantly changing. Employees discover Amsterdam from a different perspective, without having to move between different locations.
Catering and drinks during a staff outing
A staff outing on the water is excellent to combine with different culinary arrangements.
1. Drinking boat with unlimited drink
A popular choice for companies who want to come together in a relaxed way.
The arrangement may consist of:
- Private boat with professional skipper.
- Beer, wine and soda.
- Drinks and bitter shrimp.
- Control on board.
- Background music.
2. BBQ boat in Amsterdam
A BBQ on board is a cozy combination of good food, relaxing sailing and team building.
Depending on the ship chosen, various BBQ menu’s are possible, including vegetarian and other dietary options.
3. Dinercruise for staff
For companies that want to thank their employees extensively, a dinner cruise is a special experience.
Think of a well-kept buffet, walking dinner or multicourse dinner during a tour of Amsterdam.
4. Cocktail cruise with colleague’ s
A cocktail cruise gives the staff outing a festive character. Combine the cruise with cocktails, alcohol-free alternatives and matching snacks.
5. Staff party with DJ or live entertainment
For larger groups, an event ship can be arranged as a party location.
Depending on the boat and the sound rules in force, a DJ, live singer or saxophonist are possible.
Staff outings for small and large groups in Amsterdam
Event on the Water offers various types of boats for staff trips. This allows the arrangement to be tailored to the group size and the desired atmosphere.
| Group size | Suitable boat type |
|---|---|
| 10.10.2012 persons | Private boat |
| 20.10.140 persons | Spacious boat or salonboat |
| 40 | Luxury saloon boat |
| 70 | Passenger ship |
| 150/ 22300 persons | Large event ship |
| 300 | Event ship or appropriate combination of ships |
The actual capacity varies by ship and depends on the desired layout and arrangement.
Whether it's a small team outing or a big staff party: there are various possibilities on the Amsterdam water.
How much is a staff outing on the Water in Amsterdam?
The cost of a staff getaway on a boat in Amsterdam depends on several factors.
The main pricing components are:
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The number of participants.
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The type of boat.
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The duration of the cruise.
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The chosen booze arrangement.
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The desired catering.
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Any entertainment.
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The date and availability.
A simple private tour with drinks usually has a different price structure than a fully catered staff party with dinner and live entertainment.
At Event op het Water you can request a free quote that is tailored to the number of employees, the budget and the desired content.
Tip: Please indicate the maximum budget per person for the quotation request. For example, suitable boats and arrangements can be targeted.
The result: A staff outing that brings together colleague’s
The intended result of this example program is a relaxed staff outing in which employees outside the usual working environment get in touch with each other.
A staff outing on the water offers several advantages:
More interconnection
During a cruise, informal conversations between colleagues ’s from different departments arise.
A special experience
The Amsterdam canals provide a unique environment that differs from a traditional drink in the office.
Less organizational stress
By arranging the boat, catering, drinks and any additional activities in advance, the organizer can also enjoy the staff holiday.
Suitable for different ages
A cruise is an easy-to-access activity in which employees with various interests can participate.
A flexible version
From an informal Friday afternoon drink to an extensive staff party: the programme can be adapted to the needs of the company.
Why book a staff outing through Event on the Water?
Event at the Water has been active since 2017 in organizing and mediating private cruises, company trips and events on the water.
By working with various professional shipping companies in Amsterdam we can offer a wide range of boats and packages.
The benefits of Event on the Water
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Large choice of boats: from intimate boats to large event ships.
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Private arrangements: The boat is exclusively available to your company.
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Customization: catering, entertainment and the duration of the cruise can be tailored to the event.
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Local knowledge: experience with business tours in Amsterdam.
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Personal support: help to find a suitable arrangement.
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Non-binding quotation: receive a proposal based on your wishes.
We are happy to help companies organise a staff getaway that matches the group size, the available budget and the desired atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions about staff trips on the Water in Amsterdam
What is an original staff outing in Amsterdam?
A private cruise through the Amsterdam canals is an original staff getaway in which fellow ’s together enjoy a special location. You can combine the cruise with a drink, BBQ, dinner or live entertainment.
How many people can participate in a staff outing on a boat?
Depending on the type of boat, staff trips are possible for groups from about 10 to several hundred participants. Passenger and event ships are available for large groups.
Can we have unlimited drinks on the staff outing?
Yes, with different packages, a drink pack with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks is possible during the agreed sailing time. The exact content is pre-recorded.
Can we combine a staff outing with a BBQ or dinner?
Yes. There are several catering options including BBQ packages, buffets, walking dinners and extensive dinners.
What happens when it rains on the staff trip?
Many boats have a roof and heating. As a result, the staff getaway can continue even in less good weather. Only in extreme weather conditions can navigation be adapted or cancelled for safety reasons.
Can we play music ourselves on board?
There is a music installation on many boats. For larger events there may be additional possibilities for a DJ or live entertainment. The rules of the boat and the sailing area apply.
Where can employees quit Amsterdam?
Depending on the boat and availability, several starting points in Amsterdam are possible, for example in the city centre or near the Central Station. The final location shall be pre-tuned.
How long does a staff outing on the water last?
A staff outing often lasts between 1.5 and 4 hours. Shorter and longer arrangements are possible in consultation.
Are staff trips on a boat suitable for large companies?
Yes. Large passenger ships and event ships are available for larger companies. These can be arranged for staff parties, company drinks and business meetings.
How do I request a quote for a staff outing in Amsterdam?
Through Event on the Water you can easily request a free quote. Please indicate the number of persons, the desired date and your preferences. On this basis an appropriate arrangement will be considered.
Questions or a tailor-made solution?
The advisors of Event op het Water are happy to answer your questions and offer free advice. Feel free to contact us, available 7 days a week.
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