Book Flagship Cruises | Luxury Amsterdam Canal Experience & Drinks

Why choose Flagship cruises

Small, personal setting: Unlike larger boats, Flagship cruises prioritise a small-group, personal experience. This unique setting allows for a more intimate atmosphere, ensuring guests feel a profound connection to iconic sights like the Golden Bend, Rijksmuseum, and the Skinny Bridge.
Enthusiastic experts onboard: Every Flagship journey is enhanced by a keen skipper and a friendly host. Their informative and engaging live commentary is filled with fascinating tales, historical facts, and local secrets that bring Amsterdam’s rich past to life.
Ultimate comfort and enjoyment: Flagship cruise boats are designed for absolute comfort, featuring both open-air decks (on many models) and luxurious heated saloons. Onboard amenities often include a fully stocked bar serving refreshing drinks, cocktails, and authentic Dutch cheese, elevating your leisurely trip.

Types of Flagship cruises & tickets explained

Cruise type	Duration	Inclusions	Seating	Ambiance	Best for
Sightseeing cruises	60 mins	Scenic tour of major landmarks (Seven Bridges, Dancing Houses) with live commentary	Open boats	Informative, engaging, and focused on showcasing the city's highlights efficiently	Families & first-time visitors short on time, want to squeeze in a high-value scenic tour without a major time commitment
Evening cruises	60 mins	Scenic tour catching the sunset glow, drinks available for purchase, and viewing the illuminated city bridges and canals	Heated saloon boats	Relaxed, romantic, and intimate as the city's lights switch on	Couples looking for a romantic perspective of Amsterdam as the city lights up
Cruises with drinks & snacks	60 mins	Scenic tour plus beverages (wine, beer, or cocktails) and snacks (like cheese)	Heated saloon boats	Lively, social, and convivial Perfect for socialising while enjoying the views	Groups & celebrations ideal for parties, friends, or colleagues who want a social, hassle-free experience with drinks included
Speciality/Luxury cruises	60–75 mins	Highly specific features like Adult-Only entry, unlimited premium drinks/cheese, or special seasonal events like the Amsterdam Light Festival	Open boats (in summer) or exclusive heated saloon boats	Exclusive, upscale, and tailored to a specific theme	Those seeking a private feel, adult-only relaxation, or a dedicated view of a seasonal event from a premium vessel

Things to know before booking Flagship cruises

Flagship cruise tickets are only valid for the date and time you chose while booking your tickets.
Discounted tickets are available for children under the age of 11. Infants under the age of three travel for free.
There are several boarding points for the cruises, and choosing wisely can save you a lot of time. If you plan to spend just a day in Amsterdam and are arriving by train, choose a cruise departing near the Central Station. If you are visiting the Anne Frank House in the morning, you may want to do a cruise right after that. In this case, you should choose the starting location near the Anne Frank House. If you want to visit the museums in Museumsplein, pick the Rijksmuseum pier as your departure point. You cannot change your boarding point after you have booked your tickets.
The boats are not wheelchair accessible, so avoid booking a Flagship cruise if you or someone you’re travelling with has mobility issues.
Most boats only seat up to 20 people, so if you are in a large group that does not want to be separated, choose another cruise company.
You can cancel these Flagship Amsterdam canal cruises up to 24 hours before the commencement of the experience, and you get a full refund.

Features of the Flagship fleet

Roof & viewing

Open boats: Fully open deck that provides uninterrupted 360-degree views without any glass barriers. Ideal for photography, maximising sunlight, and feeling completely immersed in the canals.
Closed boats: Have a glass-roof and large windows. Fully enclosed and protected from the elements, ensuring comfort year-round. Large windows offer excellent views while keeping you warm and dry.

Climate control

Open boats: Primarily weather-dependent, but usually feature blankets and comfortable seating. Best suited for pleasant or sunny days.
Closed boats: Climate-controlled for guaranteed warmth via effective heating systems during winter or cool weather, making them the best option for year-round travel.

Dining and drinks

Focus is typically on drinks, light bites, or themed tastings (like wine and cheese) served directly from an onboard bar. Provides a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Can accommodate a wider range of offerings, including more substantial snacks, drinks packages, and romantic cruises with bubbles & snacks for a more intimate setting.

Couple enjoying drinks on a luxury canal cruise in Amsterdam with Westerkerk in the background.

Vibe and occasion

Romantic & social: Perfect for couples, photography enthusiasts, and groups looking for a lively, unobstructed, social cruise experience on a sunny day.
Intimate & comfortable: Excellent for families, elderly guests, travellers visiting in the winter, or anyone seeking a quiet, cosy, and luxurious cruise experience.

What you’ll see on a Flagship cruise

Golden Bend (Gouden Bocht)

Glide past the most opulent section of the Herengracht canal, lined with the grandest, double-width mansions from Amsterdam’s Golden Age.

Plan your Flagship cruise

Choose the most convenient pier for your Flagship cruise experience, depending on your itinerary. Please check your specific ticket for the exact departure point.

Centraal Station Pier: The most central and easily accessible pier, ideal for combining your cruise with wider city travel
By train/metro: Intercity, Sprinter, Metro 51, 53, 54 (Centraal Station). By tram: Tram 14
Anne Frank House Pier: Located in the historic Jordaan district, perfect if you are visiting the Anne Frank House nearby before your cruise.
By tram: Lines 5, 13, 14, 17 (Westermarkt stop). By train/metro: Connect via Centraal Station
Rijksmuseum Pier: Positioned in the Museum Quarter, this pier is convenient for starting your cruise after visiting the Rijksmuseum.
By tram: Lines 1, 7, 14, 19. By metro: Lines 51, 52, 53, 54. By train: Connect via Centraal Station

Ticket validation: Have your digital or printed ticket ready for scanning.
ID check: A valid ID (matching the name on the booking) may be required for specific adult-only cruises.
Boarding gate: Proceed to the designated gate listed on your ticket at the pier. The crew will direct you to your assigned boat.
Security/rules: Be ready to comply with rules regarding luggage and external food/drinks.

Marina Bay Sands illuminated at night, Singapore Cultural City Tour.

Sightseeing cruises: 10am–10pm (60 mins)
Evening cruises: 5:15pm–10pm (60 mins)
Cheese and wine cruises: 10:30am–10pm (60 mins)
Amsterdam Light Festival cruises: Winter festival times (75 mins)

Boat tour crossing Skinny Bridge on Amsterdam's canal.

Commentary: All boats feature a live, knowledgeable English-speaking guide to share stories and insights.
Weather comfort: Closed saloon boats are heated for comfortable winter cruising. Open boats provide cosy blankets in case of cold weather.
Refreshments: Many Flagship cruises offer either inclusive packages (e.g., Cheese & Wine) or have an onboard bar where you can purchase drinks.
Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available on most closed saloon boats.
Crew: An experienced skipper accompanies you on all boats.

Wheelchair accessibility is generally not available on the boats.
Note: Due to the historic nature of some docking areas, full accessibility may be limited. It is highly recommended to contact the cruise operator directly upon booking to confirm accessibility for your specific departure time and vessel.

Guests enjoying drinks on the Heineken Flagship Canal Cruise in Amsterdam.

General: Dress is casual and comfortable.
Evening/Dinner: For evening and romantic cruises, smart casual attire is recommended, especially if you opt for a premium package.
Weather: Always dress according to the weather, layering is advised, especially for open-boat tours.

No smoking sign on a pole in an outdoor setting.

Smoking is prohibited on all boats.
Large bags and suitcases are not allowed on the boats. You can either store your belongings at a nearby storage facility or leave the bags at your hotel.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the boats. However, there are boats with a bar onboard where you can purchase drinks. You can also opt for a wine and cheese cruise.

Tips & guidelines

Boarding and seating: Arrive 15–20 mins early to secure the best seats (especially window seats for photos). While e-tickets are accepted on your smartphone, ensure you have your ticket and a valid ID ready when boarding Flagship cruises.
Weather and comfort: Layer up, especially in the evening. Regardless of the season, it can get chilly on the canals, particularly on open-boat and evening cruises. Even if blankets are available, bring layers for maximum comfort.
Local recommendations: Chat with your local guide, for they are a wealth of knowledge. Take advantage of their local expertise for recommendations on bars, restaurants, and other great spots in Amsterdam.
Planning and timing: Know the peak season. Spring and summer offer long daylight hours and vibrant views, but mean larger crowds. Winter cruises, especially during the Light Festival, are magical but require dressing warmly.
Pet policy: Some Flagship cruises are pet-friendly, but policies can vary between specific boats and routes. Always confirm with the operator before bringing your four-legged friend along.
Enhancing the experience: Opt for food and drink bundles for a more relaxed and complete experience, including unlimited drinks, cheese, or specialised snacks, saving you the hassle of carrying your own.

Frequently asked questions about Flagship cruises

What’s the difference between Flagship cruises and other Amsterdam operators?

Flagship cruises specialise in a premium, intimate experience, often using luxurious, smaller, and quieter electric boats (saloon or open-top). They focus on high-quality service, excellent commentary, and a fully stocked bar, offering a higher standard than the larger, conventional canal boats.

Is seating assigned on Flagship cruises?

Seating on Flagship cruises is typically not assigned and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a seating preference, especially for an open boat, we recommend arriving early at the boarding pier to secure your desired spot.

Can kids join Flagship cruises?

Children are welcome on most of their regular canal cruises. However, please note that some specialised Flagship cruises, such as the Adult-Only Luxury Boat Cruise are strictly reserved for guests aged 18 and over.

What meals are included on Flagship cruises?

Flagship cruises are primarily focused on sightseeing and drinks. Generally, a full meal is not included, though many of their luxury options include premium snacks, cheese platters, and unlimited drinks. Please check your specific Flagship cruise ticket for detailed inclusions.

Is live music included on Flagship cruises?

Live music is not typically included on standard Flagship cruises. The focus is on the live commentary and the ambience of the canal tour.

Are toilets available on Flagship cruise boats?

Most of the closed, heated saloon boats used by Flagship cruises are equipped with a toilet on board. However, most of the smaller, open-top boats do not have restroom facilities. It is always recommended to use the facilities at the pier before boarding your Flagship cruise vessel.

Where can I store my luggage?

It’s best to leave your luggage at the hotel instead of bringing it with you, as there is limited space onboard. However, if you are travelling from or to the airport and cannot forgo your luggage, you can ask the quay staff where you can store your bags at your own risk.

Can I choose the route for my cruise?

No, the cruise routes are pre-determined and cannot be changed.

Are there any seasonal or holiday-themed cruises?

Yes, there are Flagship canal cruises during the holiday season, including Light Festival cruises in winter. These seasonal cruises provide a unique way to experience the city’s charm during different times of the year.