Birthday ideas compared
| Idea | Group size | Price read | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon boat cruise with optional cheese and wine | any group | from about €18.52 per person (4.6, 31,849 reviews) | a simple, friendly birthday |
| Cheese and wine cruise (Stromma, 75 minutes from Damrak) | groups | check Stromma | a tasting on the water |
| Borrel Deluxe (Stromma) | groups | from €42.50 per person | birthdays, snack board and drinks |
| Bali lunch cruise (Stromma) | groups | €63 per person, three courses | a sit-down meal |
| Private cruise (Rederij Lutine) | up to 6 guests | on request | a private tour with a guide |
| Private cruise with a free route (De Betere Vakantie) | 2 to 34 guests | about €595 for up to 10 | a larger, private party |
Our pick
For most birthdays, the saloon boat cruise with optional cheese and wine is the best balance: a covered boat, an easy atmosphere and the best seller of its kind. Tell the crew it is a birthday when you board, and if it rains the cabin keeps the party dry.
Before you book
- Prices are those shown by each provider when we searched on 30 October 2026; they change with date and group size, so check before you pay.
- Ask whether you may bring your own cake or drinks on a private boat: it depends on the operator.
- For a longer day, add a dinner on land. Our cruise choices are compared in which canal cruise to choose and private canal cruises, and you can look at what to do in Amsterdam for free ideas around it.
FAQ
Can I book a private boat for a birthday? Yes, operators such as Rederij Lutine and De Betere Vakantie offer private cruises.
How long does a cruise last? The cheese and wine cruise lasts 75 minutes.
La rédaction Amsterdam Authority, October 2026.
