To truly understand the soul of Amsterdam requires perspective from its famous canals. For couples in a world of their own, this European marvel is more than a sightseeing spot; it is about capturing a moment of stillness in a constantly motion-driven city.
What better way to make the most of your Amsterdam experience than take a boat trip with your plus-one? A well-arranged boat cruise can transform a typical afternoon into a blissful memory that feels completely different from the usual tourist bustle.
It takes more than just showing up at the pier to plan the perfect experience. Timing the perfect lighting, finding the ideal vessel, and understanding the waterway system of Amsterdam are all crucial factors to consider.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a practical list of how you can plan that perfect lovers’ canal cruise that will forever remain a part of your love story.
1. Timing the Atmosphere with Lovers Canal Cruises
The time of day for your cruise is perhaps the most critical decision you will make. Taking a couple’s boat trip during the day offers a clear view of the dancing houses of Amsterdam and the famous intricate Herengracht gables.
However, this period takes away from the intimacy a romantic outing requires. Thus, you should aim for the darker or calmer hours to get the most out of lovers canal cruises. This is the period between when the sun sets below the horizon and before the sky turns pitch black.
The Skinny Bridge’s (Magere Brug) 1,200 lights begin to flicker during this window as the canal houses’ interior lights reflect on the water. This unique transition of lights produces nothing short of a cinematic glow that highlights the city’s 17th-century silhouette and hides the daytime crowds.
Consider making this trip during winter as it coincides with the famous Amsterdam Light Festival. During this period, large-scale art illusions illuminate the canals’ routes, transforming them into a floating art gallery.
2. Selecting the Right Vessel for Intimacy
Choosing the right vessel will go a long way in setting the mood for intimacy. Fortunately, Amsterdam is littered with a fleet that ranges from massive glass-topped tour boats to small, open electric sloops. The vessel choice typically dictates the vibe for a perfect date.
Here are the options you can choose from:
- Glass-Topped Boats: The undisputed go-to vessel for lovers’ canal cruises is the glass-topped boat. It is a heated, climate-controlled vessel that is crucial for the unpredictable Dutch weather. This boat provides a comfortable, secure, and sheltered environment that lets you simply focus on the view and your significant other without worrying about a sudden downpour.
- Semi-Open Boats: These vessels are perfect for setting the romantic mood. They permit unobstructed photography and bring you closer to nature. You feel a direct connection to the water ripples, a more personal experience than sitting behind a glass pane. However, you only look for semi-open boats after doing thorough research on the atmospheric conditions for the day.
- Electric Saloon Boats: If you are looking to experience that “old world” feel, some services offer wooden saloon boats. These classic vessels run on almost silent electric engines. This allows you to enjoy conversations on the cruise without the noise pollution of diesel engines.
3. Navigating the Route of the “Seven Bridges”
Amsterdam canals have unique personalities as their routes are not equal. The Keizersgracht remains Amsterdam’s widest canal at 31 meters, while the length of all navigable canals in the city is about 75 kilometers. The standard boat ride takes you through the city’s major rings and usually departs from near Central Station.
However, check if your route includes the Reguliersgracht to make sure it feels special. This route is famous for the “Seven Bridges” view. You can look through the arches of seven bridges perfectly lined up in a row if you position your boat correctly. It serves as one of the city’s most iconic backdrops, a genuine masterpiece of symmetrical urban planning.
Don’t worry about missing out on magnificent views, as the captains are knowledgeable and usually slow down the boat at this junction. This gives you a few precious moments to take in the perspective that you can only appreciate from the water level.
4. Enhancing the Journey with Culinary Pairings
While a one-hour cruise introduces you to the city, a 90-minute journey that incorporates Dutch culinary traditions elevates the experience into an unforgettable date. Modern specialized evening cruises now offer wine and cheese pairings, including the famous aged Gouda and local craft beverages.
Food and drinks automatically change the pacing of the trip. Instead of rushing to spot every landmark, the focus shifts to the shared experience. These unique cruises with wine and cheese pairings are mostly “couples only” in the evenings. This provides a more sophisticated and quieter environment than daytime charters.
Summary
It takes a balance of preparation and presence to experience the perfect Amsterdam canal boat cruise with your lover. By focusing on quieter routes like the Seven Bridges instead of the lengthy water trails, you avoid the time-consuming and tiring tourist traps and get into a genuine Amsterdam experience.
Choose the sunset window, look for the perfect vessel for the weather and your comfort levels, then delight yourself in culinary pairings that keep you wanting more.
Amsterdam was made to be admired from the water. It is even better with a special company. All you have to do next is choose the right moment to take it all in.
