Prices in US dollars as displayed on the listings, seen in October 2026, varying by date and option. Listing ratings: 4.7 (10,104 reviews) for the smoke and lounge cruise, 4.7 (6,199) for the booze cruise, 4.5 (422) for the discreet luxury cruise, 4.5 (27,189) for the luxe cruise, 4.8 (2,182) for the German cruise.

Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise

The listing describes a "smoke-friendly luxury" lounge boat leaving from Central Station for 70 minutes through the central canals, the Herengracht and Prinsengracht, the Seven Bridges view, the Amstel, the Skinny Bridge and the Dancing Houses. The boat holds up to 22 people; windows open in summer and close in winter, with heated seats. Drinks are optional: the listing mentions €10 for two drinks and €15 for unlimited drinks. Cannabis products are not sold on board: the listing says to bring your own supplies. The same page warns that this is not a party or drinking boat for bachelor groups and that drunken or disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated. Rated 4.7 from 10,104 reviews, marked "likely to sell out". See the listing.

Canal Booze Cruise with unlimited drinks option

One hour on a covered electric boat with a local host and a maximum of 28 guests. With the drinks option you get unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks; without it you only pay for the cruise. The cruise leaves from the Red Light District or the city centre (two starting options) and ends by the Amstel, about ten minutes' walk from the start according to the listing. Bring a passport or ID card. Rated 4.7 from 6,199 reviews. The page says music is not allowed on the canals and that food and drinks from outside are not allowed. See the listing.

Discreet Luxury Smoke-Friendly Canal Cruise

A 45-minute cruise on a "Dutch Flower Boat" with a glass roof, pitched at adults and couples as an alternative to party boats. Guests may bring their own smoking products; none are provided or sold on board. A bar offers beer, wine and soft drinks. Rated 4.5 from 422 reviews. The price did not appear on the page before choosing a date, so check it in the listing. See the listing.

Luxe Canal Cruise with unlimited drinks and bites

From $20 and rated 4.5 from 27,189 reviews, the most reviewed cruise of the selection. A live guide, a fully electric boat that may be open, a covered sloop or a classic saloon boat depending on weather, and an option with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks plus small savoury bites. Large bachelor and birthday groups are not allowed. This cruise is not smoke-oriented, so check the smoking rules on your boat before lighting up. See the listing.

German canal cruise with unlimited drinks option

A one-hour cruise with a German-speaking guide on an electric boat, optional unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks. Rated 4.8 from 2,182 reviews, the best rating of the selection. See the listing.

What to know about the rules and the pitfalls

  • Cannabis is tolerated, not legal: in the Netherlands the sale is only tolerated in licensed coffee shops and possession of 5 g or less for personal use is in principle not prosecuted. Our page on coffee shops explains the rules. What is allowed on a given boat is the operator's decision, stated in its listing.
  • Age: the smoke and lounge and booze cruise listings exclude children under 18, and the booze cruise asks you to bring a passport or ID card. Coffee shops require an original photo ID at 18.
  • On the quay: smoking cannabis in public is banned in the Red Light District, on Dam Square, the Damrak and the Nieuwmarkt (fine of €100 after a warning), and smoking is banned in stations. Do not light up while waiting at the meeting point.
  • Alcohol: no general ban on drinking on a boat, but disorderly drinking falls under the city's bylaws, and an open can is an offence in the no-alcohol zones of the centre (€110 fine).
  • Music: amplified music is not allowed on private boats and the booze-cruise listing says music is not allowed on the canals; do not expect a floating club.
  • Intoxication: the smoke-and-lounge listing lists intoxication as not allowed.
  • Safety at night: quaysides without railings are dangerous after drinking. See also scams and safety in Amsterdam.
  • Accessibility: the smoke cruise and the booze cruise are not suitable for wheelchair users according to their listings.

Which offer to choose?

Nearby: Central Station, the Red Light District, the canals.

Booking at the right time

Book a few days ahead for an evening or weekend slot: the smoke-and-lounge page shows "likely to sell out". Free cancellation up to 24 hours before applies to all five listings. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early (smoke cruise) and check the meeting point of your chosen option, which can vary.

Frequently asked questions

Can you smoke cannabis on a canal cruise in Amsterdam? Only where the operator allows it: two listings above describe themselves as smoke-friendly and say to bring your own supplies. Cannabis is tolerated rather than legal in the Netherlands, and public smoking is banned in several zones of the centre.

Is there a minimum age? The smoke and lounge and booze cruise listings exclude children under 18, and the discreet luxury cruise is pitched at adults and couples. Bring photo ID.

Are there real party boats with loud music? Not among these offers: the listings describe relaxed cruises and refuse bachelor-party behaviour, and one says music is not allowed on the canals.

Are drinks included? Not by default: the unlimited drinks are an option on the booze, luxe and German cruises, and the smoke and lounge cruise sells optional drinks on board.