Private Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: What It Is and Who It's For
On a private canal cruise the boat belongs to you and your group alone. No other guests, no shared schedule: you set the mood, the pace and the programme on board. A captain steers while a host looks after you.
Floating Private is the self-service option: your own boat with a fixed, easy set-up. Want something fully bespoke, with any catering and a custom route? Our tailor-made Floating Events cover that too. Below you will find how a private canal cruise in Amsterdam works, who it suits and what to look for when you book.
What is a private canal cruise?
On a private canal cruise you hire an entire boat exclusively for your group. Unlike a public canal cruise, you share the boat with no one but your own guests. That is the difference: conversations stay among you and the cruise revolves entirely around your occasion.
Our boats are fully electric and silent. No engine noise, no smell of petrol, just the water, the city and you.
What is included on board
A private canal cruise with Floating Amsterdam includes:
- Your own luxury electric boat, exclusively for your group
- An experienced captain who guides you safely through the canals
- A host who looks after you on board
- An optional Open Bar with soft drinks, beer and wine
- Optional snacks: bitterballen, pizza and hamburgers
- A fixed boarding point at Stationsplein 36, right in front of Amsterdam Centraal
Why the private setting is worth it
On a public boat the cruise caters to everyone. Private, it caters to you. You can toast, celebrate, play music and talk freely, with no strangers to consider. That is exactly why so many groups choose the private setting for birthdays, hen and stag parties and special occasions.
The captain knows the canals and is happy to tell you what you see along the way. Or you can simply enjoy the view.
Who is a private canal cruise for?
- Birthdays and anniversaries
- Hen and stag parties
- Family celebrations
- Get-togethers with friends
- Smaller company outings
Because the boat is yours alone, you shape the occasion to suit you.
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit on a private boat?
That depends on the boat. Tell us your group size and we will find the right fit.
Can we add food and drinks?
Yes. You can add an Open Bar with soft drinks, beer and wine, plus snacks: bitterballen, pizza and hamburgers. Want more, from oysters to a full menu? See Floating Events.
Does a captain steer the boat?
Yes. A private canal cruise always comes with an experienced captain, plus a host on board.
Where does the cruise start?
You start at Stationsplein 36, right in front of Amsterdam Centraal. All the details are in your confirmation.
Does the boat sail in bad weather?
Yes. Our boats are built for every season, so you stay comfortable on board even in rain or cold.
Want more? Floating Events
Want more than bitterballen, pizza and hamburgers, or a pickup other than Amsterdam Centraal? Our tailor-made Floating Events arrange it all: from oysters and sushi to a full menu, with a pickup and drop-off to suit you.
Ready for your own boat on the canals? Discover Floating Private and put together your private canal cruise.