The Amsterdam Light Festival is a captivating annual event that transforms the city’s historic canals into a dazzling display of light art. Now, you can experience this enchanting spectacle from the comfort of a private boat, complete with a complimentary welcome drink. Guided by a knowledgeable captain, this intimate cruise offers a unique perspective on the festival’s breathtaking sculptures and installations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this exclusive experience promises an unforgettable evening on the water.
Key Points

- Private 12-seater boat cruise showcasing the Amsterdam Light Festival’s art displays and light sculptures with a knowledgeable captain.
- Includes a complimentary welcome drink upon boarding, as well as bottled water, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.
- Provides an intimate and personalized experience, with opportunities for impressive photographs from the water.
- Covers iconic sights like the National Maritime Museum and passage under historic bridges with vibrant lights.
- Highly rated for the knowledgeable captain and exceptional way to view the festival from the water.
Overview of the Amsterdam Light Festival Private Cruise

The Amsterdam Light Festival Private Cruise offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s renowned light festival from the serene vantage point of a private 12-seater boat.
The cruise takes passengers along the city’s picturesque canals, showcasing the festival’s stunning art displays and light sculptures. With a knowledgeable captain guiding the way, guests can enjoy the sights while sipping complimentary drinks and snapping photos.
The route includes the iconic National Maritime Museum, providing a well-rounded experience of Amsterdam’s rich history and vibrant cultural offerings.
This private tour ensures an intimate and personalized journey through the heart of the festival.
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Inclusions and Amenities

Upon boarding the private boat, guests are welcomed with a complimentary drink.
The cruise offers a variety of additional amenities, including:
- Bottled water, coffee, and tea served throughout the experience
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages, as well as a minibar stocked with white wine, red wine, beer, and Champagne available for purchase
- Knowledgeable crew providing insights into the festival and the city’s sights along the canals.
With these inclusions, guests can fully enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the Amsterdam Light Festival from the comfort of the private 12-seater boat.
Meeting Point and Pickup
Participants meet at Oosterdokskade 8, 1011 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands, next to the Chinese restaurant Sea Palace. This is the designated meeting point for the Amsterdam Light Festival Private Cruise.
After gathering, the group will board a private 12-seater boat and depart for the festival. At the end of the experience, the boat will return to the same meeting location.
The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation options for easy access to and from the event.
Tour Highlights and Sights
Guests aboard the private 12-seater boat enjoy breathtaking views of the festival’s stunning art displays and light sculptures as they float along the city’s picturesque canals.
The route includes:
- Sights like the National Maritime Museum, offering a unique perspective of the festival’s illuminated installations.
- Passing under historic bridges adorned with vibrant lights, creating a mesmerizing ambiance.
- Opportunities to capture impressive photographs of the festival’s most captivating features from the water.
The knowledgeable captain provides insightful commentary, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring guests make the most of this enchanting tour.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Amsterdam Light Festival Private Cruise is priced from $255.81 per person, with the exact cost varying based on the group size.
Travelers can take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
This private tour ensures that only your group participates, providing a personalized and exclusive experience.
With a total review count of 5.0 based on 27 positive reviews, the cruise’s knowledgeable captain and great photo opportunities have received high praise from previous guests.
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Guest Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have enthusiastically praised the Amsterdam Light Festival Private Cruise, with a perfect 5.0 rating based on 27 reviews.
Highlights include:
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A knowledgeable captain who provides excellent narration and insights about the festival’s art displays and light sculptures.
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Unparalleled photo opportunities from the intimate 12-seater boat as it navigates the city’s picturesque canals.
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The inclusion of complimentary welcome drinks, as well as coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages, creating a relaxing and memorable experience.
With no negative ratings, the Amsterdam Light Festival Private Cruise offers an exceptional way to view the festival from the water.
Accessibility and Transportation

Although the Amsterdam Light Festival Private Cruise is not wheelchair accessible, it is conveniently located near public transportation. The meeting point is at Oosterdokskade 8, just a short walk from the nearest metro and bus stops. This makes it easy for guests to arrive and depart the cruise.
| Transportation Mode | Distance from Meeting Point |
|---|---|
| Metro | 0.1 miles |
| Bus | 0.2 miles |
| Taxi | 0.3 miles |
| Walking | 0.1 miles |
While the boat itself is not wheelchair-friendly, the overall experience is accessible to most travelers who can board the vessel. The private nature of the tour also allows for a more personalized experience.
Additional Details and Considerations

As the private cruise offers an intimate and exclusive experience, guests can expect personalized attention from the knowledgeable captain.
The experience is private, with only your group participating. Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed.
Lastly, the activity is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for visitors.
With a 5-star rating based on 27 reviews, this Amsterdam Light Festival cruise promises an unforgettable way to experience the event from the water, surrounded by stunning art displays and light sculptures.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the private cruise. The cruise includes a welcome drink, bottled water, coffee, tea, and complimentary alcoholic beverages. Additional drinks are available for purchase from the minibar.
Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?
There’s no strict dress code for the cruise, but guests are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally suitable, as the focus is on enjoying the light displays rather than formal wear.
How Long Is the Duration of the Cruise?
The cruise duration is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely around 1-2 hours based on the typical length of such private canal cruises in Amsterdam. The itinerary covers major sights along the city’s canals during the light festival.
Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Cruise?
You can’t purchase tickets on the day of the cruise. The experience requires advance booking, as it’s a private tour with limited capacity. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Do I Need to Know Dutch to Understand the Tour Guide?
No, you don’t need to know Dutch to understand the tour guide. The cruise is provided in English, so English-speaking travelers can fully enjoy the experience without any language barriers.
Final Words
This private cruise offers a unique and enchanting way to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival. With a knowledgeable captain, complimentary welcome drink, and intimate setting, guests can marvel at the stunning art displays and light sculptures along the city’s canals. The cruise provides an unforgettable perspective of the festival, ensuring a memorable evening on the water.
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