Amsterdam Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks

Amsterdam Pizza Cruise with New York Pizza & Drinks: A Detailed Review

This canal cruise experience in Amsterdam offers more than just scenic views; it combines good food, beverages, and engaging commentary for a laid-back evening. While the tour lasts just over an hour, it’s packed with highlights like classic New York pizza, refreshing drinks, and the chance to see the city’s iconic waterways lit up after dark. The experience is especially popular for those seeking an informal, fun way to enjoy Amsterdam’s waterways without the fuss of a more traditional sightseeing tour.

One aspect many appreciate is the friendly, knowledgeable guides who share stories about Amsterdam’s landmarks, making the cruise educational as well as visually appealing. The food and drink options also get high marks, with a good selection of pizza and beverages, including beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. However, some reviews point out the potential for cold pizza or slower service during busy times, which can affect your overall enjoyment.

This cruise suits travelers looking for a casual, affordable way to combine sightseeing with a relaxed dinner. If you’re after a quick, fun, and tasty outing—especially if you love pizza and city views—this experience could be just right. But if you’re looking for a more comprehensive or intimate tour with personalized service, it might be worth exploring other options.

Key Points

• Scenic Canal Views: Witness Amsterdam’s illuminated landmarks from the comfort of a boat, offering a unique nighttime perspective.
• Good Value for Money: At around $43, this cruise provides a decent mix of food, drinks, and sightseeing for its price.
• Food and Beverage Quality: Enjoy a classic New York-style pizza, including five options, along with a variety of drinks and ice cream.
• Guided Commentary: Learn about the city’s sights from an onboard guide, making the cruise both fun and educational.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Limited to 50 travelers, keeping the experience somewhat intimate but lively.
• Some Service Variability: Reviews note that during busy times, service might slow, and pizza could arrive cold.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Out: Meeting at LOVERS Cafe

The cruise kicks off at Prins Hendrikkade 20A, a spot near public transportation, making it easy to reach without hassle. The meeting time is 6:30 pm, ideal for catching the sunset and settling in before the city lights flicker on. Since the tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, timing is perfect for a relaxed early evening activity without feeling rushed.

The Canal Cruise Itself: A Visual Feast

Once onboard, you’ll glide through some of Amsterdam’s most picturesque waterways. Reviewers highlight the stunning night-time views of illuminated bridges, historic buildings, and iconic sights like the canals themselves which are often quieter and more enchanting after dark. The boat is described as comfortable, and some reviews emphasize the calm, cozy atmosphere, especially with the boat’s interior designed to be relaxed and inviting.

Guided Insights: Learning While Lounging

The onboard narration, provided by a knowledgeable captain, adds a layer of context to the sights. One reviewer appreciated how the captain’s stories about important landmarks made the cruise both entertaining and informative, turning a simple boat ride into a mini-lesson about Amsterdam’s history and architecture.

Food and Drinks: Pizza, Beverages, and Ice Cream

The highlight for many is the original New York pizza served during the cruise. You get to choose from five options, which should satisfy most pizza lovers. However, some reviews mention that during busy periods, pizza can arrive cold or the service might be slow. Interestingly, the ice cream—a Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip flavor—is a sweet finishing touch that plenty of guests enjoyed.

The drinks selection includes Heineken beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, with some reviewers praising the generous portion of drinks and the ability to enjoy as much as you like. Since the minimum drinking age is 18, ID may be required for alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic options are available for younger travelers or those avoiding alcohol.

Service and Group Dynamics

The boat caps at 50 travelers, making it a lively but not overly crowded environment. The friendly staff has been consistently praised, with some guests noting that staff members are attentive, offering to take photos and ensure everyone is comfortable. Still, a few reviews mention slower service or issues during peak times—something to keep in mind if you’re visiting during busy seasons.

The Experience Duration and Practicalities

With just over an hour, this cruise is a great quick fix for those with limited time but who want a taste of Amsterdam’s waterways. The tour is not intended for deep historical insights or detailed city tours, but rather as a relaxed, fun activity with a focus on good food, drinks, and beautiful views.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

• Pizza Quality: While many found the pizza satisfying, some reviews report it arriving cold or not being their favorite style.
• Service Speed: During busy times, staff may be stretched thin, leading to longer waits for drinks or pizza.
• Booking & Reservations: A few reviewers have encountered issues with bookings, especially if multiple people want different pizza types, requiring separate bookings but under the same name to sit together.
• No Hotel Pickup: The experience starts at the meeting point, so travelers need to organize their own transport to LOVERS Cafe.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a laid-back, fun evening with great canal views and tasty food, this cruise delivers well on those fronts. It’s especially suitable for families, couples, or groups wanting an affordable way to see parts of Amsterdam’s waterways illuminated at night. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for a casual night out that combines sightseeing, food, and drinks without requiring too much planning or expense.

However, if you expect a highly personalized experience or want warm pizza and attentive service at all times, you might find this tour a little hit-or-miss. Some reviews suggest it’s best enjoyed with a relaxed attitude—accepting that service and food quality can vary.

Final Thoughts: The Value Proposition

This Amsterdam Pizza Cruise is a solid choice for travelers wanting an easy, affordable, and enjoyable way to see the city from its famed canals. The stunning night views paired with good food and drinks make it a popular pick, and the many positive reviews confirm it’s a memorable outing for many. It’s particularly appealing for those who enjoy casual dining experiences with a view, and who value a friendly crew and relaxed atmosphere.

For families with kids up to 3 years old, it offers a free ride, and the inclusive drinks and ice cream make for a laid-back treat. It’s less ideal for travelers seeking a luxury dinner or deep historical commentary, but for most, it hits the sweet spot of fun, flavor, and sightseeing.

In sum, if you’re in Amsterdam and want a fun, inexpensive, and picturesque way to spend an evening on the water, this cruise is worth considering. Just remember to book in advance, especially if you want different pizza options for your group, and keep expectations in check regarding service speed and pizza temperature.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Children up to and including 3 years old can join for free if they’re not occupying a seat. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers a 75-minute canal cruise, original New York pizza, a selection of drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, water), and Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip ice cream.

Can I choose different types of pizza?
Only one pizza type can be selected per booking. If your group wants different pizzas, you should make separate reservations but under the same name to sit together.

Are there options for non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, non-alcoholic beverages are available, and alcohol is only served to those 18 and over, with ID possibly required.

Does the tour offer commentary about Amsterdam’s sights?
Yes, the captain provides stories about the landmarks, making it an educational and entertaining experience.

What happens if I’m late or want to cancel?
The cruise starts promptly at 6:30 pm. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. No refunds are issued if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start.

This canal cruise with pizza and drinks is a lively, relaxed way to enjoy Amsterdam’s waterways at night. It’s perfect for those wanting a casual, enjoyable evening with great views, tasty food, and a friendly atmosphere. Just keep in mind the potential for variable service and pizza temperature, and you’ll be set for a memorable little adventure on the Dutch canals.