Canal Cruises Amsterdam







What are Flagship Amsterdam canal cruises?

With over 1,500 magnificent bridges and 100 kilometers of inland waterways, Amsterdam's canals have made their mark on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you want to know what all the fuss is about, you must go on a memorable canal cruise journey with Flagship Amsterdam Canal Cruises, one of the most popular traveler's choice cruise agencies. With a friendly host on board who's regaling you with fascinating tales about the city while you savor the cheese and wine, this trip cannot get any better!

Why take a Flagship Amsterdam canal cruise

flagship amsterdam canal cruises
  • Best service: Flagship Amsterdam is the No. 1 cruise operator in Amsterdam, and who can say no to that? Whether it's you first cruise, or you're a seasoned traveller on cruises, you need to try a Flagship Amsterdam cruise to truly know what the hype is all about.
  • Enthusiastic skipper and host: Your canal cruise journey is enhanced by the presence of a keen skipper and a host. Their informative and engaging commentary about Amsterdam's history, facts, and secrets and its landmarks adds to the entertaining exploration of the city's canals.
  • Small, personal, and unique setting: Flagship Amsterdam's canal cruises prides itself on providing guests with an exclusive and distinctive experience. A small group on the boat allows for an intimate setting, ensuring you connect more profoundly with the city and its iconic landmarks, like Golden Bend, Rijksmuseum, and Skinny Bridge.
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly: The canal cruises operate on special electric boats, demonstrating Flagship Amsterdam's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. You get to marvel at the beauty of Amsterdam's canals while keeping the environmental impact as minimal as possible.
  • Comfort and enjoyment: Embarking on one of the Flagship Amsterdam canal cruises means you will have a ball of a time! Their boats are designed with your absolute comfort in mind. Onboard facilities, including a bar serving unlimited refreshing drinks, cocktails, and Dutch cheese, will add an extra star to your leisurely cruise trip.

Things to know before booking your Flagship Amsterdam canal cruise

  • The Flagship Amsterdam Canal 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.
  • Discounted Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drink Options and Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine tickets are available from Monday to Thursday, so book your cruise on these days to save your money.
  • 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.
  • Looking for a true local celebration? The King's Day Party Cruise has music, drinks, and major good vibes—only happening on 26 March 2025!
  • The boats are not wheelchair accessible, so avoid booking a Flagship cruise if you or someone you’re traveling 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.

Types of Flagship Amsterdam canal cruise tickets

flagship amsterdam canal cruises

Sightseeing cruises

  • See the Seven Bridges viewpoint, the Dancing Houses, and other landmarks on your Amsterdam sightseeing cruise. 
  • Short on time? These 60-minute cruises are perfect for squeezing in some scenic canal views without eating up your day.

Recommended tickets:

  • Luxury Open Boat Cruise
flagship amsterdam canal cruises

Evening cruises

  • Book an evening cruise for a more relaxed and romantic experience, and catch gorgeous views of Amsterdam in the sunset glow.
  • Perfect for couples, see Amsterdam through a new perspective as the city slowly comes alive with lights.

Recommended ticket: 

  • Luxury Evening Canal Cruise with Bar on Board
flagship amsterdam canal cruises

Cruises with drinks

  • Have a grand time with scenic views of the city as you sip a drink of your choice, including cocktails, wine, or other beverages.
  • Ideal for groups and for party settings, experience a social and lively vibe on these cruises.

Recommended ticket:

  • Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Cheese & Wine

Types of Flagship Amsterdam Canal Cruise boats

flagship amsterdam canal cruises
  • Open boats allow you to fully enjoy the sights of Amsterdam’s canals. These boats are perfect for sunny days without any barriers between you and the views. They are ideal for couples looking for a romantic experience, photography enthusiasts keen on capturing the best angles and uninterrupted shots of the city, and nature lovers.
    Recommended:Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drink Options
  • Closed saloon boats are fully enclosed, offering protection from the weather while still providing great views through large windows. These boats are heated in the winter, making them a comfortable choice year-round. These are ideal for families since they are safe for kids, with no risk of them leaning over the edge, those visiting in the winter, and elderly travelers.
    Recommended:Evening Guided Cruise with Bar on Board
flagship amsterdam canal cruises
  • Booze/Drinks boats are designed for a more festive experience, with drinks served onboard. Options can range from wine and cheese tastings to full-on cocktail parties. They are perfect for bachelorette/bachelor Parties, as well as large groups.
    Recommended: Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Cheese & Wine; Luxury Romantic Cruise with Bubbles & Bites; Luxury Evening Canal Cruise with Bar on Board

Landmarks covered on Flagship Amsterdam canal cruises

Golden Bend
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Amsterdam Cheese Museum
Herengracht

Know before you go on a Flagship Amsterdam canal cruise

flagship amsterdam canal cruises
  • Luxury Open Boat Cruise: 10am to 10pm
  • Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Cheese & Wine: 10:30am to 10pm
  • Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks: 5:15pm to 9:30pm
  • Luxury Evening Canal Cruise with Bar on Board: 5:15pm to 10pm
  • Luxury Romantic Cruise with Bubbles & Bites: 10:30am to 9:15pm
  • King's Day Party Cruise with Open Bar & Music: 10am, 4pm and 6pm

Duration: All Flagship cruises last 60 minutes, except for the King's Day Part Cruise.

flagship amsterdam canal cruises
  • A live English-speaking guide is available on all boats to share stories and insights about the canals and the sights.
  • Blankets are available on all boats in case of colder weather. This is especially ideal if you are opting for an open boat.
  • An experienced skipper accompanies your guide on all boats. Look out for their local recommendations!
  • The closed salon boats are heated, allowing you to go on a cruise any time of the year.
flagship amsterdam canal cruises
  • 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.

Departure points

Anne Frank House pier

  • By train: Intercity, Sprinter
  • By tram: 5, 13, 14, 17

Centraal Station pier

  • By train: Intercity, Sprinter
  • By tram: 14
  • By metro: 51, 53, 54

Rijksmuseum pier

  • By metro: 51, 52, 53, 54
  • By tram: 1, 7, 14, 19
  • By train: Intercity, Sprinter

BIMHUIS

  • By metro: 51, 52 or 54 (Centraal Station)
  • By bus: 18, 43, 246 or 305 (Kattenburg and Jan Schaeferbrug)
  • By tram: 26 (Bimhuis)

Visitor tips

  • If you are looking for recommendations about the city, bars, and restaurants to enhance your Amsterdam trip, make sure to have a conversation with the local guide on board.
  • Opt for boat tours with food and drink options for a more well-rounded experience.
  • Blankets are only available on some cruises, such as Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drink Options and Evening Guided Cruise with Bar on Board. Regardless, layer yourself well because it can get quite chilly on the boat, especially during the evenings
  • Flagship Amsterdam cruises are mostly pet-friendly, but it’s best to confirm their policy before bringing your four-legged companion along.
  • If you visit in spring (March to May) or summer (June to September), you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours and vibrant views. However, be prepared for larger crowds. Winter cruises can be magical with the city’s holiday lights, although it may be chilly.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you get a good seat near the window, especially if you want a prime spot for photos.
  • It is not necessary to print your e-ticket. Just show your ticket on your smartphone or any other electronic device.
  • If you arrive early, explore the area around the departure point, as many cruises start near popular attractions like the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum. 
  • Bring your tickets and a valid ID when boarding the boat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flagship Amsterdam canal cruises

Can I make a group reservation?

Absolutely! You can reserve a public canal cruise for a maximum of 24 people, provided there are sufficient seats on the boat. You can also book a private canal cruise by emailing support@headout.com.

Are the cruise tours available in other languages?

Cruise tours are only available in English. However, you can request a language preference when booking a private cruise. You can do this by contacting support@headout.com.

Are toilets available on the boat?

Some closed boats have toilets onboard. Open boats, however, do not. Since it’s not guaranteed whether there is a toilet onboard, it’s best to use the facilities before you board the boat. Restrooms are available at all departure points. However, if this is a non-negotiable, you can email support@headout.com and specify that you require a toilet on board, and the cruise company will take this into account.

What if the weather is bad?

If the weather is bad, the cruise will be canceled. We will notify you well in advance and rebook or cancel the reservation. If the cruise is canceled, you will get a refund.

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 traveling 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. However, you can choose a route when booking a private cruise.

Are there any seasonal or holiday-themed cruises?

Yes, there are Flagship Amsterdam 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.

Can I request a specific seat on the boat?

Seating is typically first-come, first-served, so it’s advisable to arrive early if you have a preference for where you sit. For private charters, you may have more flexibility in arranging seating.

Canal Cruises Amsterdam
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