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Sail Through the Heart of Amsterdam with LOVERS Canal Cruises

With over 1,500 bridges and 100 kilometers of inland waterways, Amsterdam's canals have made their mark on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and there’s no better way to see the Anne Frank House, the Skinny Bridge, A’DAM Lookout, and other iconic attractions than through a LOVERS Canal Cruise.

LOVERS Canal Cruises, established in the 1950s, is a local cruise company with modern boats, known for their orange-grey boats. With a huge variety of itineraries and multilingual audio guides in 19 languages, LOVERS offers several departure points and times, perfect for solo, couple, or group travel. LOVERS Canal Cruises also offers exclusive onboard dining options, curated by former Michelin chef, Frans Kelders Cuisinier.

Why book a LOVERS Canal Cruise

why book lovers canal cruise amsterdam
  • Value for money: LOVERS Canal Cruises offers great value for money, with a range of options that cater to different budgets. Whether you’re looking for a simple sightseeing cruise or a more luxurious experience with drinks and dinner, there’s an option for you.
  • Comfort and convenience: The cruises are centrally located, with easy access from popular areas like Centraal Station and Anne Frank House. This makes it convenient to incorporate into your day’s itinerary. You can sit back, enjoy the ride, and soak in the city’s beauty.
  • Learn about the city: The cruise includes a live guide or audio guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, Dutch, English, and French, providing interesting facts and stories about Amsterdam’s history, culture, and architecture. 
  • Unique perspective of Amsterdam: Amsterdam’s canals are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a cruise offers a unique perspective of the city’s iconic sights, such as the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk, and the many elegant merchant houses that line the canals. You’ll pass under beautiful old bridges and by centuries-old buildings, gaining insight into the city’s rich history and architecture.

Things to know before booking a LOVERS Canal Cruise

  • None of the LOVERS Canal Cruise are wheelchair accessible.
  • Most boat options for the 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise are glass-roof boats. However, you can choose to upgrade your boat to a semi-open boat, and this boat is only available if you choose to board from Centraal Station.
  • The Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu has 3 menu options to choose from. Please inform your dietary needs when booking your ticket, especially if you prefer the vegetarian, meat, or fish menus.
  • While children can enjoy all the cruises, the boats are not pram or stroller-friendly, so consider another cruise company if you need to bring these along.
  • There are several boarding points for the 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise, and choosing it 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 Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, or simply explore Oud-West, pick Leidse Square as your departure point. You cannot change your boarding point after you have booked your tickets.
  • Infants under the age of 3 are not allowed on these cruises, so consider another cruise company if you are traveling with infants.
  • Keep in mind that larger boats, seating 50-80 passengers, stick to the three main canals, offering a broad view of the city’s canals. On the other hand, smaller boats, with 20-30 passengers, go inside narrower canals, providing a more intimate glimpse into Amsterdam’s charm.

Types of LOVERS Canal Cruises

Sightseeing cruise

Sightseeing cruises

  • Glide through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals on a glass-roof boat and spot attractions like Westerkerk Church, Magere Brug, the Amsterdam Canal Ring, and more.
  • These boats operate daily from 10am to 9pm, and offer a GPS audio guide and several departure points - Centraal Station, Liesde Square, and Anne Frank House.

Recommended ticket:

​1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise

dinner on canal cruise

Cruises with food

  • Savor a 4-course dinner, wine and cheese in the evening, or have pancakes for lunch on your Amsterdam cruise with these tickets.
  • These cruises are only available on specific days and times, so plan your day accordingly to make time for them. Some cruises also include a live guide and skipper.

Recommended tickets:

  • Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu
  • Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese
  • River Cruise with Dutch Pancakes

Types of LOVERS Canal Cruise boats

open canal cruise
  • 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, and nature lovers.
  • Closed boats are fully enclosed, offering protection from the weather while still providing great views through large windows. These boats are heated, 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. 
  • A semi-open boat offers the best of both worlds: it’s partially covered to provide some protection from the sun or rain, but also has open sections so you can still feel the breeze and enjoy the sights. It is ideal for groups with mixed preferences, and those visiting in milder weather.

Recommended ticket: 

​1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise

food preferences
  • 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 and large groups.
  • Food-inclusive cruises combine sightseeing with dining, offering meals ranging from casual snacks like pancakes to full-course dinners. The pancake cruises are ideal for families, and the dinner cruises are perfect for couples, and both are great choices for foodies.

Recommended tickets:

  • Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu
  • Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese
  • River Cruise with Dutch Pancakes

Landmarks covered on a LOVERS Canal Cruise

Westerkerk Church
Anne Frank House
Red Light District
Old Heineken Factory
Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes)

Know before you go on a LOVERS Canal Cruise

timings
  • 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise: 10am to 6pm | 1 hour duration
    Operating days: Daily (Every 15-30 mins)
  • Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu: 7:30pm | 2 hours duration
    Operating days: Wednesday to Saturday
  • Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese: 8pm | 1.5 hours duration
    Operating days: Thursday to Sunday
  • River Cruise with Dutch Pancakes
    10:30pm, 11:45am, 4pm, and 5:45pm | 1 hour duration
    Operating days: Daily
free wifi on board
  • Audio guides in Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian are available onboard.
  • There is free Wi-Fi onboard all LOVERS boats that you can use to download the audio guide or learn more about the attractions you see.
  • Toilets are only available on closed boats. If you have booked an open boat, please use the facilities at the departure point before boarding.
  • Closed boats are also heated, making them a perfect choice no matter what the weather.
rules
  • Smoking is prohibited on all boats.
  • Pets are not allowed on the boats. However, do check the ticket details as some boats allow you to bring your guide dog onboard.
  • The cruises are not suitable for infants under the age of three.
  • Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially to capture the stunning views of Amsterdam’s canals. However, the use of tripods or professional equipment might be restricted due to space limitations.

Departure points

Centraal Station pier

  • By train: Intercity, Sprinter
  • By bus: 18, 21, 22
  • By metro: 51, 53, 54

Anne Frank House pier

  • By tram: 5, 13, 14, 17
  • By bus: 18, 21

Hard Rock Cafe pier

  • By metro: 51, 52, 53, 54
  • By tram: 1, 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 19
  • By train: Sprinter, Intercity

Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 33

  • By bus: 18, 21, 22, 48, 291
  • By ferry: F4, F7

LOVERS Canal Cruise Pier

  • By metro: 51, 52 53 or 54 (Centraal Station)
  • By bus: 18, 21 or 305 (Centraal Station)

This is Holland

  • By ferry: F3
    Nearest stop: Buiksloterweg

Heineken Experience Pier

  • By tram: 1, 7, 19, 24
    Closest stop: Vijzelgracht
  • By metro: 52
    Closest stop: Vijzelgracht

Visitor tips

  • Opt for a morning cruise to enjoy the canals with fewer crowds. 
  • Choose an evening cruise for a romantic experience as the city lights reflect in the water.
  • If you visit in spring or summer, 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.
  • Choose the semi-open boat for the 1-hour sightseeing cruise as they are great for taking photos and enjoying the fresh air. Choose a covered boat if you’re worried about rain or cold weather.
  • If you arrive early, explore the area around the departure point, as many cruises start near popular attractions like the Anne Frank House. After your cruise, explore the surrounding neighborhoods on foot. Areas like the Jordaan or the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) are great for wandering and offer charming shops and cafes.
  • Even in summer, it can get chilly on the water, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
  • It is not necessary to print your e-ticket. Just show your ticket on your smartphone or any other electronic device.

Frequently Asked Questions about LOVERS Canal Cruise Amsterdam

Can I make a reservation by phone or via email?

No, you can only book online at the Lovers Canal Cruises departure points or the Tours and Tickets shop at Damrak 26.

Can I buy tickets on the same day of the cruise?

Yes, you can purchase tickets on the same day, subject to availability. However, it’s recommended that you book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

Can I get a refund if the weather is bad on the day of my cruise?

LOVERS Canal Cruise Amsterdam operates in most weather conditions, as the boats are enclosed and heated. Refunds are usually not given due to weather unless the cruise is canceled by the operator.

Is it possible to book a private LOVERS Canal Cruise Amsterdam for a special event?

Yes, private cruises are available and perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events. However, you will have to send an email to hello@lovers.nl to book. Book these cruises at least a few months in advance, to avoid last-minute unavailability issues.

Is there parking available near the departure points?

Yes, there are several parking options near the departure points. You can park your car at Q-Park Amsterdam Centraal near Centraal Station, Onepark - Parking Amsterdam - De Jordaan near Anne Frank House, Onepark - Parking Amsterdam - Museumkwartier near Liedse Square, and the DoubleTree parking lot near Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 33. However, it’s recommended to use public transport due to the central location and potential parking costs.

Can you get off the boat anywhere?

No, you may only exit the boat when the cruise has finished. If you want to explore multiple places on your cruise, we recommend booking a Hop-On Hop-Off cruise instead.

Is there a limit to the number of bags or luggage I can bring on the cruise?

Passengers are encouraged to bring only small bags that can be easily stored under seats. Larger luggage may not be allowed due to space constraints.

Quick Links
About:
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