Blue Boat Company

Who they are

A canal cruise company with jetties on the Stadhouderskade, a few steps from the Rijksmuseum and the Museumplein. It works with large, covered boats, with glass roofs and audio, that sail all year.

The company says it has been sailing in Amsterdam since 1948 and has carried more than 18 million passengers. Since 2006 it has been converting its fleet to electric motors; the boats that are not yet electric use GTL fuel with exhaust treatment. Its website does not say how many boats it has or who owns it.

What it offers

The classic 75-minute tour of the canal ring, a 90-minute night tour, one with audio designed for children and combinations with the Heineken Experience or with a dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. In winter, during the Amsterdam Light Festival, it runs 90-minute cruises to see the light artworks from the water, also on an open boat and in a children's version. The classic tour costs from €26, and the 90-minute ones from €28; the website sometimes shows discounted prices depending on the day and time.

For groups of 25 or more it organises trips with drinks, lunch or a buffet, and hires out private boats made to measure.

On board: rain, children and accessibility

Most of the boats have a roof that closes completely and heating, and sail the calm waters of the centre, so they go out in almost any weather. All have a toilet, except the small open boat. The commentary comes through headphones in several languages; the website does not say which, so if you want the audio in Spanish it is best to ask.

Blue Boat says it is the only Amsterdam cruise company with boats equipped for wheelchairs. Those departures leave only from the jetty opposite the Hard Rock Cafe, and ask you to call +31 20 679 1370 the day before to confirm the time. There are rules worth knowing before you go: pushchairs are folded and left on the quay, suitcases are not accepted (nor can they be left at the jetty), dogs are not allowed except assistance dogs and you cannot bring your own food or drink; only what you buy at their ticket shop.

Tickets and bookings

Tickets are bought on their website, by time slot, or at the jetty ticket office, which is open from 10:00 to 22:00. With the I amsterdam City Card you do not book online: you ask for a time at the ticket office or board the next free boat. At the ticket office you pay with Visa or Mastercard from €25. If a storm prevents sailing, the company contacts you to move your ticket to another date; the website does not detail other cancellation conditions. If your ticket does not arrive, claim it at [email protected] with your name, the date and the time.