Amsterdam Open Boat Cruise: Your Unlimited Drinks Getaway

Right, so you’re thinking of hitting up Amsterdam, are you? And, you know, you’ve heard whispers about seeing the canals. That’s fantastic! But forget those big, boring tourist boats. What if I told you there’s a way to really, really see Amsterdam, kicking back on an open boat with, that is, yeah, unlimited drinks? Intrigued? You should be. I figured I’d give you my own lowdown on one of these tours after trying it out, because I tell you what, it definitely beats walking!

Why Choose an Open Boat Cruise?

What even is the big deal with these open boat cruises, you might wonder? I can let you know from my experiences. Basically, ditch the closed-off cabin feeling! An open boat, it’s almost like floating in someone’s backyard – yet you have a stunning scenic environment. Seriously, it’s a very different vibe than being crammed inside a big tour boat with a load of other folks, that’s the thing. You can, for instance, feel the breeze, soak up the sun (if you’re really lucky, anyway), and it’s almost like, be genuinely connected to the city, that is.

They usually are, that is, smaller too, these boats. This means they can meander down the narrower canals where the bigger ones can’t get to. In some respects, you get to see those cute little houseboats and charming bridges you’d straight up miss otherwise, so to me this is one of the biggest perks, yeah? And those unlimited drinks? Come on, that just makes everything way more festive, does’nt it? You won’t be dehydrated on your journey, so that means no sunstroke!

What’s Included in the Unlimited Drinks Package, typically?

Let’s have a look, as you certainly would want to know exactly what “unlimited drinks” translates to in Amsterdam. Don’t think it’s just tap water! Most tours actually go a bit further, typically offering, in a way, beer, they do, actually. Often there’s local stuff available and wine, in fact, in some respects – usually red, white, and rosé, and of course there will be a supply of soft drinks. Water and juice, that sort of stuff. Usually, too it’s almost, the exact selection will vary depending on the company you go with, I am pretty sure.

And you can bet, so to speak, they will often try and use local breweries and suppliers. I definitely recommend asking when you book what they have onboard because I assure you, you’ll be surprised! Remember that drinking is non-stop – I mean, from beginning to end, yeah? Pace yourself! Okay? Nobody wants to be *that* person falling overboard. More or less, take your time and really, really savour both the drinks and the scenery!

Booking Your Cruise: Key Considerations

Ready to book your trip, so to speak, do you think? Just a bit, you really, really have to factor in a handful of things. As a matter of fact, cruise companies in Amsterdam there are literally hundreds. Well, loads! But not all are made equal. Some things you really have to consider are what I found most insightful:

Read reviews: Look, in short, find out what other people’s personal experiences are, like your’s is right now. Was the staff nice? In fact, was the boat in good shape? Did they genuinely keep those drinks coming?
Compare prices: Now, nobody likes overpaying, alright? Get an idea of the going rate for this kind of trip. Factor in what is and isn’t included too – some of the “premium” tours may actually have those, let’s say, fancier drinks and nicer snacks on offer.
Check the route: Virtually, look at where the boat goes! Very, some routes will focus more on those central canals, you see, but maybe others head out to different locations, that is – like the IJ harbor or somewhere equally special, very. You want to make sure it hits the spots *you* want to see, seriously!
Consider the duration: Most tours, you might find, will average from, in other words, like, an hour and a half to two hours. Can you actually handle unlimited drinks for longer, by the way? (Think about the bathroom situation!)

Onboard Experience: What to Expect

Right then, the big day arrives and you’re finally ready to get on your way. In short, what should you anticipate when you get onboard, like? I’ll explain exactly what my day was like. In the same way, find that boarding point, yeah? Usually these are situated close to Central Station, usually or in other spots across the city, anyway. Get there a bit early because you have to give yourself enough time to find the right boat and not look as if you are in a crazed dash. So, relax! They will depart on time and don’t hang about for anyone, that is a common thing to do, yeah?

Then, as a matter of fact, you get on the boat, like? Find yourself a good spot – near the front is great for taking photographs. Basically, and start getting acquainted with your fellow travelers. These tours often draw a mixed crowd, and to be fair, striking up a conversation or two makes the journey all the more special, to be honest. Very soon then, that drink service kicks off. Remember, don’t be shy – that’s what you’ve paid for! Chat with your tour guide to know exactly the local area too it’s almost. Basically, that way you learn cool stories and quirky tidbits that those bog-standard audio tours are going to miss, anyway. Just listen intently and make the most of the adventure, of course!

Making the Most of Your Cruise

Anyway, you’re on the water. How might you seriously make the *most* of your cruise? Easy, to be honest! The main thing that anyone wants is good tips, honestly, is not it?

Charge your phone: Clearly, if you are a camera fanatic, you can bring a fancy camera instead. Basically, all of those picture-postcard scenes will scream to be captured – you don’t want your phone dying halfway!
Dress appropriately: Virtually, even in summertime, as a matter of fact, a light jacket can actually come in handy, you see. The weather on the canals can potentially shift quickly. Layers are always, really, your friend.
Tip your guide: That is, should you be pleased with your service, in short, showing some gratitude actually is greatly appreciated. It’s also just a very, really nice thing to do. It shows, certainly.
Ask questions: What is more, these guides are actually fountains of information. Definitely ask anything that springs to mind – they really, really will love it. You could also be as equally surprised as the level of trivia they tell, also.
Just chill, really, okay?: Actually, yeah, you’re on a boat. Actually, and you’ve got a drink in hand. The buildings are stunning, you could potentially discover an awesome fact you have never come across before. This experience is, almost, all about kicking back, as I said, and really soaking it all in. Honestly, though, don’t feel the demand to document *everything* for Instagram, but make sure to be happy and calm. Settle down. Basically, soak in the moment instead, you know? It is one to really take to your grave with you, honestly!

Photo Tips

Golden Hour Magic: What is more, plan your cruise close to dawn or dusk, also called “golden hour” and “blue hour”, for softer, warmer lighting. As I said, light up that camera and fill that memory card!
Canal Reflections: In the same way, grab great reflected shots off the surfaces. It’s actually ideal on those tranquil, glassy mornings. Actually, you may think you are on the streets yourself, I assure you.
Composition Counts: Remember the “rule of thirds”. Actually, so to speak, position canal scenes with interesting architectural designs. In that case, go wild and use leading lines from bridges to draw the eye deep within photos, virtually.
Tell a Story: I believe the very essence is to take an environmental picture with story. You could also get pictures of a guide leading boat tours to reveal more stories. What I mean by environmental picture, anyway, is take the scenic imagery, I mean it all shows where it is being taken.

Common Amsterdam Scams to Avoid on Your Adventure

“Free” Bracelet Tactic: Usually, there are, as a matter of fact, scam artists going up to people to supposedly giving gifts. Well it never ends up being “free”, it comes at a big cost. Obviously, ignore and deflect!
Fake Police: What is more, be highly wary of people claiming police are real or genuine and checking documents, alright? Often, they steal stuff if it is in plain sight for you to see. In short, request to view their credentials before letting anything.
Taxi Turmoil: Remember to book transport at official ranks or book a driver or private pick-up online, so it reduces the changes of scams on meter prices for local transport.
Pigeon Feeding Trick: Be on guard! Apparently, someone unexpectedly throws food towards one of your possessions so that birds surround the area to mess around, with someone in partner coming over “offering assistance” by attempting to rob from a nearby victim to take a phone for instance!
ATM Skimming: Often there are cameras attached at locations around banks. This means you must guard it from anyone peeking when entering PIN codes, or use the digital cards and contact free instead.

FAQ

Are these cruises actually worth the cost, by the way?

As a matter of fact, for me, I certainly think so! Specifically, you are sort of, paying for both an activity *and* all those drinks. It’s sort of like, you get very decent bang for your buck in Amsterdam, by the way.

What happens if it rains?

Alright, Amsterdam and wetness can never be too far behind. That is, you really should check with your specific cruise operator. A little, that said, some have covered boats they make use of and others will potentially provide ponchos or something like this – if the rain actually looks light. If it rains that much then, to be honest, they really will allow a change of date.

Can I actually bring my own drinks or snacks?

Apparently, typically speaking, like, no. Anyway, this basically defeats the point of “unlimited drinks included”, so really don’t expect it! Also they often will charge hefty fines too it’s almost. Seriously, but feel totally free to check when you are seriously looking into those cruises to stop the potential of getting penalised.

So there you go, in short. That’s, I mean, like, my take on Amsterdam’s unlimited drinks canal cruises. Arguably, I had a total blast – and saw some of the beautiful things of the city from a totally unique perspective, right? Basically, just do that research, be sensible, and get ready to kick back. Also, by the way, you are going to, actually, create some brilliant memories. I’m telling you the honest truth!

Key Takeaways:

Open boat cruises provide a very chill viewing experience on those well-known Amsterdam canals.
“Unlimited drinks” usually includes very simple soft drinks, those lovely beers, or those amazing wines.
You want to factor in those reviews, routes, and timings to find one for best match.
Get those camera’s prepared! Because you will not regret filling that memorty card.
Have that emergency money at the ready if some locals get a bit shady or cheeky when visiting!