Amsterdam Light Festival Heated Cruise: Is it Really Worth It?

So, you’re thinking about doing that Amsterdam Light Festival heated cruise, too? You’re not alone. When the temperatures drop, plus the nights become oh so long, Amsterdam really comes alive, though it’s thanks to the amazing Light Festival. And what nicer way to soak all of that in than from a boat, with maybe something warm to hold in your hands, actually?

What Exactly *Is* the Amsterdam Light Festival?

Basically, picture this: Amsterdam’s iconic canals, yet they’re splashed with lights. Big lights. We’re talking light art installations from global artists, truly, it’s quite the spectacle. The Amsterdam Light Festival, often taking place annually from around the start of December until late January, transforms that entire city into a very twinkly outdoor gallery. But why a heated cruise, too?

Well, think about wandering around Amsterdam in December. It *can* be amazing, with that crisp air and maybe some frost here and there. However, it can also be seriously cold, especially at night. Plus, walking means, well, you’re walking. And perhaps standing. A canal cruise lets you snuggle in comfort while everything just glides by. Some find that preferable. Actually, there is also the wind to think about, too. It whips down those canals, after all.

Snagging That Seat: Booking My Cruise

Okay, so booking things *can* feel a bit like herding cats, to be honest, so it is especially with events that happen only for so long like the Light Festival. What I did, yet it worked out pretty good, I booked online, way earlier than I thought I might need to. Spots, as you’d imagine, truly they disappear quicker than free cheese at a party, seemingly. I went with one of those sites that offers loads of tour options. Check what’s included too, for example, I was watching for things like those heated seats, very key for staying toasty, or even an open roof. Open roof meaning that I can take photos without glass getting between me and all the lights!

It might be interesting to consider what kind of boat you might like, and it depends to some degree upon that you value in that kind of thing, in some respects. Are you traveling solo, too? Do you maybe want something more like cozy and intimate? A smaller boat might then just feel that little bit more special. Traveling maybe with kids, too? Check there’s room for them to wander a little bit safely – boredom on boats, you know? So do consider that too.

Aboard the Boat: What to Expect

So, picture stepping aboard from that icy dock. Ahhh, warmth! Most of these cruises, really they make a big deal of making sure that it feels inviting. Heaters cranking away. Windows all fogged from the heat, even. Plus, often a crew member hands you a welcome drink, such as mulled wine, to be sure, but don’t depend on that! Maybe sometimes you can grab something for the children, like hot chocolate.

Seating can just vary, yet normally you might find that there’s bench-style seating along the sides of that boat or individual chairs positioned so that passengers actually face those windows, clearly ideal for taking photos. What really caught me by surprise too: that sound. The water lapping, kind of. Plus the low hum of the boat’s engine. Yet somehow it all just combined, providing that very comforting backdrop, arguably, too, with all of those views! It should be stated that there is normally background information and that the tour has background information playing. The boat goes slowly and often pauses for just a few moments so you can grab a memorable photograph too.

Drinks and Nibbles: Warming Up From the Inside

Okay, this *is* important, admittedly: What treats might be offered? It differs depending upon who you go with. My cruise had unlimited hot chocolate – big win. Seriously. Others maybe throw in things, for instance, like cookies or those little Dutch pancakes (poffertjes). I spotted another company that offers cheese and biscuits – maybe if you’re after a little something slightly more sophisticated. Be sure to carefully check the specifics of the trip details though, that.

Oh, and speaking of drinks, you just usually get those traditional options: hot chocolate, tea, coffee. Yet often they also serve that festive mulled wine – definitely helps melt away those chills. Most trips, so they’ll have at least one staff member who just moves around to regularly take orders, to be honest, too. Just so you can kind of sit back and relax.

The Light Show Itself: More Than Just Pretty Lights?

Well yes, lights are indeed, too, beautiful, obviously, to be sure, yet what truly got me, actually, too, *were* just those stories and those meanings hiding behind it all. Each year comes with different themes and that artists express all sort of concepts through these light sculptures, honestly, there’s no limit. Several might send thoughts racing. Others provide a grin. Seeing that reflected onto water, and traveling slowly by? Well, it’s one heck of an occasion, you know. It can be something truly spiritual.

And of course you get to view just these iconic Amsterdam spots: The Skinny Bridge. The Anne Frank House. Every place, really, it is given a new dimension when all is drenched in all the dancing lights. Check, admittedly, where a route goes prior to boarding. Each trip will go down different waterways. Some trips just can’t squeeze down some very tight canals too.

Photographing the Lights: A Few Tips

So, wanting that great photo for your Insta? Listen, so it is very tempting to depend fully upon the phone, you know, but think: A decent camera *can* make such a difference! Plus it should perform way, way, way better at low-light. Oh, too, turn that flash off. Very bad. No flashes are good. Using it will just end up with pictures reflecting off windows, you know, if there’s indeed, windows.

Here are just few tips, you know: Steady the shot (prop hands on that side of boat or just simply rest that camera on railing.) Edit photos later, truly boosting things. Find some compositions that just make sense. Watch that it isn’t too noisy too (grainy), that shows the ISOs were perhaps too high on your device, to be sure.

Making it a Night: What to Do Before and After

Think about maybe grabbing a warm meal somewhere first, to be sure! Near Centraal Station, in other words there are plenty of cool little restaurants. Some offering specials for maybe festival-goers too. Post-cruise? There’s always those Christmas markets that really kick off right about then – offering spiced drinks as well those handcrafted goods.

Really there are just limitless choices on offer, and so they often offer the opportunity for people to just spend the whole evening outdoors in enjoyment! Obviously this really changes according to dates for different Amsterdam Light Festivals too.

The Verdict: Was It Worth the Hype (and the Price)?

Alright, here’s the important stuff, too: Was this Amsterdam Light Festival cruise something actually worth it? I have to just say, yeah, absolutely. Yes, it could be a bit expensive, you know, however for me it ended up being the highlight regarding this whole trip, even! The atmosphere alone – bobbing quietly through canals whilst being wrapped by radiant lights? Super magic. No walking also? Win/win. Warm drinks too? Bonus, right?

If you find that you appreciate the unusual events, plus if the thought of trudging about in all those freezing temperatures gives people chills down their spine, really book a heated cruise. Check those dates, shop about, pack that camera, and just truly get ready for an evening glittering and very warm wonder. Also, consider purchasing advanced bookings for trips you would be interested in also.

Some final thoughts on the Amsterdam Light Festival heated cruises…

So I was asked about several random extra things… I have collated here…

Do all heated cruises have accessible access too? Most, yet regrettably just not all of them. This should be researched carefully prior to booking, or just maybe simply ask for that company.

Are the cruises okay even for kids, basically, if you just wrap each child up warmly? Probably they would then be totally fine. Many families enjoy traveling on trips. Ensure, seemingly, it’s possible to keep an eye regarding those little wanderers.

Would those lights indeed be those very same from land? Usually yes! Occasionally a small few lights may be added or perhaps those angles vary – still, viewing from both locations could then be exciting.

Quick Guide to The Amsterdam Light Festival Heated Cruise

Just a final point. Here is your checklist…

• Book Ahead: This should be completed, weeks if possible, before even considering to show!
• Consider Package options: Different companies will charge different fees depending on what they offer. Choose accordingly.
• Don’t Forget The Camera: Pictures or it didn’t happen. Right?
• Check access and child friendlines: Not all options will be available or the same. Research before you purchase!
• Just enjoy Amsterdam: Amsterdam offers a wide range of options for entertainment and recreation. See all on offer.

Enjoy that wonderful experience!