About LOVERS canal cruises

LOVERS Canal Cruises has been sailing Amsterdam's waterways since the 1950s and remains one of the city's most recognised canal cruise operators. Its distinctive orange-and-grey boats are a familiar sight throughout the canal ring, carrying millions of visitors past Amsterdam's historic bridges, merchant houses, and waterfront landmarks every year.

Today, LOVERS offers far more than a standard sightseeing cruise. Visitors can choose between classic canal tours, semi-open boat cruises, evening wine and cheese experiences, seasonal Amsterdam Light Festival departures, and attraction combinations that pair canal sightseeing with some of the city's most popular museums and attractions.

With convenient departure points near Amsterdam Centraal Station and other central locations, LOVERS makes it easy to add a canal cruise to almost any Amsterdam itinerary.

Things to know before booking a LOVERS cruise

• Choose the right boat type: Most LOVERS departures operate on large glass-roof sightseeing boats designed for year-round comfort. Semi-open boats offer a more open viewing experience and are particularly popular with photographers during warmer months.
  
• Audio guides are included on most cruises: LOVERS sightseeing cruises feature GPS-triggered commentary available in 19 languages, automatically explaining landmarks and neighbourhoods as your boat moves through different sections of the city.
  
• Evening cruises are designed for adults: The Wine & Cheese Cruise focuses on a relaxed evening atmosphere with Dutch cheeses and wine. Families with younger children may prefer daytime sightseeing departures instead.
  
• Accessibility remains limited: Most LOVERS boats are currently not wheelchair accessible. Larger strollers, mobility devices, and bulky luggage may also be difficult to accommodate onboard.
  
• Departure locations cannot usually be changed: Your ticket is tied to a specific departure location selected during booking. Choosing a boarding point that matches your sightseeing plans can save considerable travel time.
  
• Seasonal departures sell out quickly: Amsterdam Light Festival cruises and evening departures often reach capacity first, particularly on weekends, holidays, and during peak tourism periods.

Visitor tips

• Choose mornings for quieter canals: Earlier departures often encounter less canal traffic, creating a calmer sightseeing experience and providing better conditions for photography and uninterrupted views.
  
• Pick semi-open boats for photography: The open design reduces reflections commonly found on glass windows, making it easier to capture bridges, canal houses, and waterfront details.
  
• Evening cruises show a different side of Amsterdam: Illuminated bridges, glowing canal-house windows, and reflections dancing across the water create a completely different atmosphere after sunset.
  
• Match your departure point to your itinerary: Choosing a boarding location near attractions you already plan to visit can reduce travel time and make your sightseeing schedule more efficient.
  
• Bring an extra layer: Even during summer, temperatures on the water can feel noticeably cooler than city streets, particularly on open and semi-open boats.
  
• Arrive early for better seating choices: Since seating is generally unassigned, arriving ahead of departure gives you greater flexibility when choosing seats with the best views.