Amsterdam: Covered Canal Cruise with Drinks & Bites

If you’re looking to see Amsterdam from a comfortable, stylish boat while savoring local treats and drinks, this Covered Canal Cruise with Drinks & Bites by The Green Saloon might just be your ideal choice. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, reviews consistently highlight it as a perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and genuine local insights.

What immediately catches our eye are three standout features: the all-inclusive drinks, the cozy atmosphere of the boat, and the chance to learn intriguing stories from knowledgeable guides. Plus, the traditional Dutch snacks, especially the crispy bitterballen, add a delicious touch halfway through. However, travelers should note that this experience isn’t suitable for children under 14, wheelchair users, or those with nut allergies, which might be a consideration for some.

This cruise seems best suited for those wanting a relaxed, intimate way to enjoy Amsterdam’s scenic canals with friendly hosts, good food, and drinks in hand. Whether you’re celebrating, catching up with friends, or simply soaking in the views, it promises an authentic and comfortable experience.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: With a maximum of 16 guests, you’ll enjoy a personalized and cozy atmosphere.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks keep the mood lively and carefree.
• Traditional Dutch Snacks: Halfway through, indulge in crispy bitterballen and other local bites.
• Learn from Local Guides: Your host shares engaging stories, secrets, and hidden gems of Amsterdam.
• Stylish and Comfortable Setting: The boat, Green Saloon, offers a covered roof, heaters, and open windows on nice days.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility to your planning.

Stepping aboard the Green Saloon, a vessel described as a “cozy floating living room,” sets the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable journey. The boat’s design emphasizes comfort, with a covered roof ideal for uncertain weather and open windows to soak in the scenery on warmer days. The 90-minute duration strikes a balance—long enough to explore the city’s iconic canals without feeling rushed.

This cruise covers the heart of Amsterdam’s waterways, revealing many of the city’s best sights from the water. But what really elevates this experience are the stories and insights shared by your local hostess—something that’s frequently praised in reviews. Guests mention how guides like Roman, Jango, Robin, and Jasmine bring the city’s secrets to life, with one reviewer calling their guides “really nice and friendly people that know a lot about the city.” It’s clear that engaging, personable hosts are a highlight.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect During the Cruise

Upon arriving at the meeting point, look for the green boat named Challenger, on the Central Station side, across from the Victoria Hotel. The start time varies, so checking availability beforehand helps you plan. Once settled aboard, you’ll find yourself in a comfortable environment with plenty of space for your drinks and snacks.

The cruise begins by gliding through Amsterdam’s famed canals, passing iconic sites and lesser-known spots, all while your guide shares stories that make the city come alive. You’ll learn about the history and hidden gems of Amsterdam in a relaxed setting, far from the crowds and tourist traps. The intimate group size means you can ask questions and get personalized insights.

Halfway through, the boat pauses for a snack break—an authentic Dutch tradition. The crispy bitterballen, often described as savory, crunchy bites, are paired with your choice of unlimited drinks. One review enthusiastically notes, “the snacks were great,” emphasizing how well the bites match the cozy, social vibe of the tour.

Why the Drinks Matter: Relaxing and Social

The allure of unlimited drinks—beer, wine, and soft drinks—cannot be overstated. It turns the cruise into a laid-back social gathering, perfect for friends, couples, or solo travelers wanting to meet new people. The inclusion of wine and beer adds a touch of luxury, while soft drinks cater to those who prefer non-alcoholic options.

A few guests mention they enjoyed upgrading to premium drinks or exploring the exclusive cocktail menu available on board, although cocktails aren’t included in the all-inclusive package. The drinks keep the atmosphere fun and lively, encouraging conversations as you drift through the historic waterways.

Food and Beverage Quality: Worth the Value?

The traditional Dutch snacks are a highlight—crispy, flavorful, and freshly served, they add a genuine local flavor. One reviewer appreciated the quality, saying, “the local snacks were really good,” and noted the excellent guidance from the hosts. While the drinks are unlimited, the option to purchase premium spirits or cocktails makes for a fun addition if you’re looking to elevate the experience.

Considering the 90-minute duration, the all-inclusive drinks and snacks offer excellent value, especially since many comparable tours charge extra for drinks or food. The experience strikes a good balance—enough to feel indulged without overdoing it.

The Guides: Making the Difference

Guests consistently mention the guides’ friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling skills. A reviewer shared, “Roman and Jango are really nice and friendly people that know a lot about the city,” which underscores how guides can turn a scenic cruise into a memorable learning experience. Their stories provide context, quirks, and secrets of Amsterdam, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

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Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Meeting Point: On the Central Station side, look for the green Challenger boat across from the Victoria Hotel.
• Duration: 1.5 hours, with starting times available depending on availability.
• Group Size: Up to 16 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere.
• Weather: The boat has a covered roof and heaters; on sunny days, windows are open, offering fresh canal air.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or children under 14.
• Booking Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and you can reserve now and pay later—perfect for flexible planning.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise appeals most to travelers seeking comfort, good company, and local authenticity. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, groups of friends looking for a relaxed outing, or solo travelers wanting a friendly environment. If you love good drinks, tasty bites, and stories about the city, this is a fantastic way to spend 90 minutes.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer fewer crowds, as the small group size ensures personalized attention and a more exclusive experience.

Yes, absolutely, if you’re after a relaxed, social way to see Amsterdam’s canals in comfort. The combination of unlimited drinks, traditional snacks, knowledgeable guides, and a cozy setting makes this cruise stand out from more generic tours. The price offers compelling value, especially considering the quality of food and drinks included.

While it’s not suited for very young children or those with specific dietary restrictions, it’s an excellent pick for anyone wanting an authentic, fun, and informative waterway experience without the rush or crowds.

In essence, this tour is perfect for those who want to combine scenic beauty with cultural storytelling and good company in a stylish environment.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 14 years old, as the experience is geared more towards adults, especially with the alcohol included.

What should I bring?
A passport or ID card for children may be required. No large luggage or bags are permitted onboard, and smoking indoors is not allowed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the boat covered in bad weather?
Yes, the boat has a covered roof and heaters. On nice days, windows are open to enjoy the fresh air.

What’s included in the price?
You get a 90-minute scenic canal cruise with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus traditional Dutch bitterballen halfway through.

Are spirits and cocktails included?
No, spirits and cocktails are available at an additional cost, but the all-inclusive drinks do cover a good selection of beers, wines, and soft drinks.

How do I find the meeting point?
Look on the Central Station side of the canal, across from the Victoria Hotel, for the green boat named Challenger.

To sum it up, this canal cruise offers a relaxed, intimate, and authentic taste of Amsterdam. Perfect for those wanting to combine scenic views with good company, tasty bites, and local stories—it’s a memorable way to enjoy the city’s waterways without the fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: