
Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 139 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option worth booking?
Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option is a 1.3-hour experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from $11 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 139 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (139)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $11 per person
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water during a 75-minute cruise past the light artworks with or without unlimited drinks, you can pick your preferred package. Board at the Anne Frank House or Central S
What you get
About this experience
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water during a 75-minute cruise past the light artworks with or without unlimited drinks, you can pick your preferred package. Board at the Anne Frank House or Central Station (depending on your chosen ticket) and sail comfortably on a heated, covered boat with a toilet on board. Enjoy the fantastic view from the lounge back deck or through the panoramic skylight. The official audio guide in English and Dutch tells you everything about the light artworks. Perfect for the most beautiful photos and a unique evening!
What's included
Included
- Friendly skippers with unique stories
- Unlimted drinks: beer, wine & soda’s (if option chosen)
- Toilet on board
- Panoramic skylight
- Audio guide in English & Dutch
- Lounge on the back deck for the best views
- Heated & covered boat
- 75-minute cruise
Not included
- Snacks (A small selection for sale on board or at the boarding location, such as nuts and chips.)
What you'll see and do
Prinsengracht
We welcome you in the old neighborhood de 'Jordaan'. A charming area of Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam Canal Ring
You will go to the Unesco Canals of Amsterdam
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Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House (Dutch: Anne Frank Huis) is a writer's house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. During World War II, Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four other people in hidden rooms at the rear of the 17th-century canal house, known as the Secret Annex (Dutch: Achterhuis). She did not survive the war but her wartime diary was published in 1947. Ten years later the Anne Frank Foundation was established to protect the property from developers who wanted to demolish the block
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Westerkerk
The Westerkerk is a Reformed church within Dutch Protestant Calvinism in central Amsterdam, Netherlands. It lies in the most western part of the Grachtengordel neighborhood, next to the Jordaan, between the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht.
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Houseboat Museum
At the Houseboat Museum, you get the chance to experience first-hand what it’s like to live in a houseboat on an Amsterdam canal. The museum is located in the “Hendrika Maria”, a former cargo ship built in 1914. The cargo hold is now a cosy living space featuring all the conveniences and a surprising amount of space and comfort.
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Leidsegracht is a canal in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is a cross-canal in Amsterdam-Center that connects Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht and flows into the Singelgracht at Marnixstraat.
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De Beulingsloot is one of the oldest and shortest canals in the center of Amsterdam. It is located within the Grachtengordel.
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Melkmeisjesbrug
The Melkmeisjesbrug is a fixed bridge in Amsterdam-Center. There has been a bridge here for centuries. Balthasar Florisz. van Berckenrode (1625), Joan Blaeu (1649) and Daniël Stalpaert (1662) signed her on their maps. The modern history of the bridge starts in 1883. A pedestrian drawbridge was then replaced by a permanent bridge. This was possible because shipping here had largely ended. Nevertheless, the passage turned out to be too narrow. The abutments and bridge were renewed in 1903 by the construction of a so-called paraboolligger bridge with iron sickle girders. The bridge looked slender and fit in well with the street scene. The new version of the bridge, this time made of steel, from 1966 also shows these properties. The bridge is named after the milk market that was once held here. Later a catering establishment was built here, which had an image of a milkmaid as a sign. The bridge is probably the place where the first (type) Amsterdammertje was placed.
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The Amstel
The Amstel is a river in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. It flows from the Aarkanaal and Drecht in Nieuwveen northwards, passing Uithoorn, Amstelveen, and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, to the IJ in Amsterdam. Annually, the river is the location of the Liberation Day concert, Head of the River Amstel rowing match, and the Amsterdam Gay Pride boat parade. The Amstel was formed around 1050 BC when a freshwater river cut into a tidal channel of the IJ which are now Damrak and Rokin.
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H'ART Museum
Hermitage Amsterdam is a branch museum of the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg, Russia, located on the banks of the Amstel river in Amsterdam. The museum is located in the former Amstelhof, a classical style building from 1681. The dependency displayed small exhibitions in the adjacent Neerlandia Building from 24 February 2004 until the main museum opened on 19 June 2009. It is currently the largest satellite of the Hermitage Museum, with a total area of 12,846 m2 and fits with the museum's plan to make its collections accessible to more people.The exhibition area covers 2,172 m2 and is contained within two large exhibition halls and smaller exhibition rooms. The remaining space holds lecture halls, offices and staff accommodations and a restaurant.
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The Stopera is a building complex in Amsterdam, Netherlands, housing both the city hall of Amsterdam and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, the principal opera house in Amsterdam that is home of Dutch National Opera, Dutch National Ballet and Holland Symfonia. The building was designed by Wilhelm Holzbauer and Cees Dam. The name is an abbreviation of the protest slogan "Stop the Opera" and not a portmanteau of "st"adhuis (Dutch: "city hall") and "opera" as is often claimed. Because the word 'Stopera' was a name for the protests against the building, the theater has never used this name in their communication.
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Centraal Station
Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Pierre Cuypers, who is also known for his design of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. While Cuypers was the principal architect, it is believed that he focused mostly on the decoration of the station building and left the structural design to railway engineers.
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The IJ is a body of water, formerly a bay, in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is known for being Amsterdam's waterfront.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Amsterdam
Departure from Anne Frank House: Arrive at the pick-up location 30 minutes in advance so you have enough time to collect your hot drink and stroopwafel at the café "Smidtje Canal Café Dialoog". At the café you can wait warm and dry, buy additional snacks & drinks and make use of the restroom.
Meeting point
Amsterdam
Departure from Central Station: From CS main entrance, walk straight across the bridge. On your left, the friendly captains await. Look for the Smidtje Canal Cruises boats with a wooden front deck. Arrive 15 minutes early. On rainy days, bring an umbrella as the location is not covered.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Departure from Anne Frank House: Arrive at the pick-up location 30 minutes in advance so you have enough time to collect your hot drink and stroopwafel at the café "Smidtje Canal Café Dialoog". At the café you can wait warm and dry, buy additional snacks & drinks and make use of the restroom.
Ends at
Departure from Central Station: From CS main entrance, walk straight across the bridge. On your left, the friendly captains await. Look for the Smidtje Canal Cruises boats with a wooden front deck. Arrive 15 minutes early. On rainy days, bring an umbrella as the location is not covered.
Options you can book
Unlimited Drinks option
Departure: Central Station: Prins Hendrikkade 33A, Amsterdam Starting point: Prins Hendrikkade 33A, 1012 TM Amsterdam, Netherlands
No Drinks option
Departure: Anne Frank House: Prinsengracht 261A, Amsterdam Starting point: Prinsengracht 261a, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, nl
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Amsterdam Circle Line
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- To board, you have to climb a few steps. Therefore, it can be difficult for people with reduced mobility to board.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 139 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
139 verified traveler reviews for Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Missing Cruise Company
The description for the meeting point shows near the Centraal Station. There were many other boats there doing a similar tour, but no one from our booked cruise company was any where to be found. We called the phone number, it said it was out of service. We called Viator, they received the same out of service message. I am not sure if this company exists. I would be careful when booking with this company, this may be an old listing for a company that no longer exists.
via Viator
A little disappointed
Did a similar boat cruise with a different company in October but booked again to see the light festival. The boat was too overcrowded we all were crammed in. Couldn't really see out the windows. We were sat next to a table of people who did not stop talking loudly between themselves and had their family on loud speaker on the phone doing the tour, so unable to hear commentary.No option of outside seating deck as advertised. We were a family of 3 adults and 3 older children. Can definitely get tickets cheaper just turning up to boats by central station.
via Viator
Arrive early - there are...
Arrive early - there are no drinks on the boat, and you will need to take to-go beverages from a nearby cafe.
via Viator
Enjoyable but not suitable for a group
was enjoyable but not handy with a group as there is no guided seating so you cannot sit together. Additionally if you’re outside you don’t hear the audio, and the tickets do not include app access to see the stories behind the art installations.
Response from the operator: Dear Customer, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the experience. Your comments help us identify areas where we can improve for future visitors. We hope to welcome you again and provide an even better experience next time. Kind regards, Amsterdam Circle Line Team
via Tripadvisor
confusing information olmost ruined the boat touer
booking the experience was easy. Finding the correct place to board not so much. in the app and email where different places where we where expected to board. We called the customer service but got a third address that didnt make any sense. Therefor we where olmost running not on time. When we where at the correct boat they had printed out excel sheets and where calling names. Not very efficient and huge line. Automate this tooo please and put the name of the company that is providing the tour, for instances lovers in the information towards your clients as well. We did go on the boat tour after all and that was great.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the boat tour itself. We’re sorry to hear that the information about the boarding location was confusing and caused unnecessary stress. We truly appreciate your suggestions regarding clearer instructions and the automation of check-in, and we will carefully review these points. Thank you again for your valuable feedback. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future. Kind regards, Amsterdam Circle Line Team.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $11 to $38
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 49
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Amsterdam.
How much does Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option cost?
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Prices start at $11 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Amsterdam usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option take?
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Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Amsterdam is not rushed.
Is Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 139 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Amsterdam, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option?
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Around 49 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Amsterdam can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Amsterdam and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Amsterdam: heated Light Festival Cruise | Incl. Drinks Option start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Amsterdam within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?
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On Outty we rank every Amsterdam experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group, Guided Bike Tour of Amsterdam's Highlights & Hidden Gems, Amsterdam: Luxury Canal Cruise including Cocktails & Snacks. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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