Having dinner on an Amsterdam canal boat sounds like one experience, but the choice is surprisingly varied. You can tuck into pizza while cruising past the old canal houses, enjoy a longer barbecue trip with friends or choose a cosy cheese-and-wine boat for two. They suit different evenings, and the right one depends more on your group than on the ticket price.
For a first city break, a pizza cruise is an easy way to combine sightseeing with a meal. A barbecue cruise works better when the whole point is to spend time together, while cheese and wine is a lovely option for couples who would rather have a relaxed drink than a full dinner.
Pizza canal cruise with drinks
The pizza-and-drinks cruise combines a guided trip through the centre with an uncomplicated meal. You’ll pass Amsterdam’s familiar canal houses and bridges while dinner is served on board. It is particularly useful after a busy sightseeing afternoon because you can have your evening meal without heading to a separate restaurant.
Stromma’s pizza cruise departs near Amsterdam Central Station from the Damrak pier. It runs for around 90 minutes and includes pizza, drinks and commentary from a live guide. The fixed departure makes it best for visitors who are happy to plan their evening around the boat.
Good for: first-time visitors, families and groups of friends. Less ideal for: anyone wanting a long, unhurried restaurant meal.
See pizza cruise tickets and times
Is a dinner cruise suitable for families?
For children, watching Amsterdam glide past the windows can make dinner an activity in itself. A covered boat is especially handy when the weather is changeable, and pizza is a straightforward choice for many families.
If you would prefer to eat at your own pace, book a separate Amsterdam canal cruise and visit a restaurant afterwards. That gives you much more flexibility about food and timing.
BBQ boat cruise for friends and celebrations
A barbecue cruise is more of a social occasion than a standard sightseeing trip. The boat moves through the canals while food is prepared on board and everyone has time to catch up. It works well for a birthday, a group outing or an evening with friends.
The Flagship BBQ cruise is a two-hour trip departing near Central Station at Oosterdokskade. A skipper, barbecue meal and drinks are included. That gives you more time together than a typical one-hour cruise, although it is less suitable if your schedule is packed with museums.
View the Amsterdam BBQ boat cruise
What is the food like on a barbecue cruise?
Expect grilled food rather than a restaurant-style multi-course menu. The exact selection may change, and anyone with allergies or specific dietary needs should choose a cruise that can accommodate them. The benefit is the atmosphere: the meal and the view are part of one shared experience.
Cheese and wine cruise for couples
A cheese-and-wine boat feels more intimate than a large dinner cruise. It’s a good option if you’re visiting as a couple, celebrating something small or simply want a peaceful hour away from the busy streets.
Flagship’s cheese-and-wine cruise leaves from the Anne Frank House area and lasts around an hour. This makes it easy to combine with a stroll through the Jordaan before or after the cruise. It is a lighter experience rather than a substitute for a full dinner.
See cheese and wine cruise tickets
Which Amsterdam dinner cruise should you choose?
We would pick pizza for a family or an easy first evening in Amsterdam. The BBQ cruise is better when you have a group that wants to spend a couple of hours together. Choose cheese and wine for a relaxed date or a special occasion.
Remember the departure points when planning your day. The pizza cruise starts near Damrak, the BBQ trip near Oosterdokskade, while the cheese-and-wine option leaves from the Anne Frank House area. If you are more interested in illuminated bridges than food, our guide to evening canal cruises is a better starting point.
Common questions about Amsterdam dinner cruises
How long does a dinner cruise last?
The pizza trip described here lasts about 90 minutes, while the BBQ cruise is around two hours. Cheese-and-wine cruises are often shorter.
Do the tickets include drinks?
The featured pizza and BBQ cruises include drinks. Different products have different inclusions, so choose the experience that matches your plans.
Is a pizza cruise good for children?
A covered pizza cruise is a practical choice for many families. A barbecue or wine experience is more about a social evening for adults.