Amsterdam: Evening Pizza Cruise Along the Canals

If you’re in Amsterdam and looking for a laid-back yet memorable way to see the city’s iconic waterways, the Evening Pizza Cruise by Stromma Netherlands might just be your ideal choice. This 1.5-hour cruise offers a relaxed vibe, delicious New York-style pizza, and unlimited drinks—all from the comfort of a heated boat.

Our review is based on a comprehensive look at the experience, combining traveler feedback and the tour’s features to give you an honest, detailed picture. What we love: the friendly crew, the scenic views with informative commentary, and the tasty pizza. What to consider: the seating is pre-arranged, so planning ahead is a good idea for groups wanting to sit together.

This tour suits couples, small groups of friends, or families seeking a fun, casual way to enjoy Amsterdam’s canals without the fuss of a formal dinner cruise. It’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing, good food, and drinks in a single, relaxed activity.

Key Points

• Convenient location: Starting point at Damrak Pier 5, just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station.
• Inclusive experience: 1 New York pizza and unlimited drinks—wines, beers, or soft drinks.
• Informative commentary: Your captain shares stories about the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt.
• Comfortable setting: Heated boat with Wi-Fi and a toilet onboard.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Group seating: Arranged prior to departure; separate bookings may not guarantee adjacent seats.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect on This Canal Cruise

When you arrive at Damrak Pier 5, you’ll find the boat ready to go, just a quick 3-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Once aboard, you’ll notice how cozy and warm the boat feels thanks to its heating—perfect for cooler evenings. The crew, known for their friendliness and knowledge, make sure your drinks are flowing and your questions about the city are answered.

As the cruise sets off, your captain begins sharing stories about the historic Canal Belt, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This gives you context about the city’s past, even if you’re not a history buff. Expect to drift beneath charming merchant houses, cross over picturesque bridges, and enjoy views of iconic sights like the Anne Frank House, Magere Brug, and even the NEMO Science Museum, all from the water.

The Highlight: Your Pizza and Drinks

While cruising, you’ll be able to select your favorite New York-style pizza from a menu that offers vegetarian options like Margherita and Californian Veggie, as well as meat options like Pepperoni, Hawaii, or Chili Chicken. The pizzas are freshly prepared and served hot, with many reviews praising their crust and flavor. One guest mentioned, “The pizzas were delicious, and the unlimited drinks kept us happily afloat.”

Included in the ticket price are unlimited wines, beers, or soft drinks, which reviewers say keep coming throughout the journey. For many, this is a highlight—especially considering the value. As one traveler noted, “Good value for money, with drinks flowing and plenty of pizza.”

About the Itinerary

The cruise begins at Damrak 16, then passes by several key sights, including:

• Amsterdam Centraal Station
• Brouwersgracht and Prinsengracht—two of the most picturesque canals
• Grachtengordel—the iconic canal ring
• Anne Frank House—a poignant reminder of Amsterdam’s history
• Magere Brug—the famous “Skinny Bridge”
• Dancing Houses and the NEMO Science Museum—adding a touch of modern architecture and culture.

The route offers a comfortable balance of sightseeing and storytelling, with the captain providing some interesting tales along the way. The entire journey wraps back at Damrak Pier 5.

The Experience for Different Types of Travelers

This cruise is particularly suited for those who want a laid-back, social experience. Couples and small groups will appreciate the intimate setting and the chance to enjoy drinks and pizza without rushing. Families with children might find it a fun, relaxed way to see the city from the water—many reviews highlight its suitability for all ages.

If you’re someone who enjoys informative guides, you’ll find the captain’s commentary engaging without being overbearing. Many reviewers mention the crew’s friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the enjoyment. For example, a guest called the crew “very friendly and kept checking if you needed a drink,” adding to the relaxed vibe.

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The Value and Practicalities

The cost of around €30-€40 per person for 1.5 hours with unlimited drinks and pizza is quite reasonable, especially considering the prime location, the quality of food, and the scenic views. The food itself is praised as being tasty, with some reviewers mentioning the pizza as a standout highlight. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and a toilet onboard adds to the comfort, making it a hassle-free experience.

However, it’s worth noting that seating is pre-arranged by Stromma, and groups booking separately might not be seated together. Those wanting to sit next to friends or family should book all tickets in one reservation.

A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great value for money with unlimited drinks and fresh pizza included.
• Engaging commentary from knowledgeable and friendly crew members.
• Comfortable, heated boat suitable for cooler evenings.
• Excellent location close to Amsterdam Central Station.
• Relaxed pace allows for unwinding and taking in the sights.

Cons

• Pre-arranged seating could be restrictive for groups wanting to sit together.
• Limited to a 1.5-hour duration, so you won’t see all of Amsterdam’s sights in one go.
• No detailed or formal sightseeing narration—the stories are light and casual.
• Not suitable for bachelor or bachelorette parties, as per the tour rules.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This pizza canal cruise offers a pleasant blend of sightseeing, good food, and unlimited drinks in a relaxed setting. It’s particularly appealing if you’re after a fun, social activity rather than a serious tour of Amsterdam’s history.

You’ll love the friendly crew, the scenic views, and the delicious pizza. The experience is well-suited for families, small groups, or couples who want a casual evening with minimal fuss. The price point is fair considering the inclusions and prime location, making it a solid choice for a relaxed, memorable evening on the canals.

For those who enjoy a mix of good company, tasty food, and stunning views, this cruise hits the right notes. Just remember to plan ahead if you want your group to sit together, and go in with the expectation of a light, enjoyable experience—not an in-depth historical tour.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with departure times varying; check availability for specific times.

Where does the cruise start?
It departs from Damrak Pier 5, which is a short 3-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, guests can enjoy unlimited wines, beers, or soft drinks throughout the cruise.

What type of pizza is served?
You can choose from New York-style pizzas, with vegetarian options like Margherita and Californian Veggie, and meat options such as Pepperoni, Hawaii, or Chili Chicken.

Can I sit with my friends or family?
Seating is arranged prior to departure, so groups should book all tickets together to sit together. Separate bookings might not be seated side by side.

Is the boat heated?
Yes, the boat is equipped with heating, making it comfortable even on cooler evenings.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, many reviews note it’s a family-friendly, relaxed activity, ideal for all ages seeking a fun way to see the canals.

In summary, this evening pizza cruise offers a practical, enjoyable way to see Amsterdam from the water while indulging in tasty food and unlimited drinks. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking a laid-back, social activity that combines sightseeing with relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here: