FAQ: Cruise

PRACTICAL

Where can I purchase cruise tickets?

In our ticket shop. Here you can also find the availability and departure locations of the cruise companies.

What are the departure times?

In our ticket shop you can find the departure times. Between 4:30 and 9:30 p.m. cruises depart every 30 minutes.

What is the duration of a cruise?

Cruises take about 75 min. An exception is Blue Boat Company, which departs from the Stadhouderskade and takes about 90 minutes.

How many people can fit on a boat?

This depends on the type of boat and cruise company: canal cruise boats usually have a capacity of 60 to 80 persons. Open boats and historic boats can fit somewhere between 12 to 50 people. With a private cruise you can of course pick the number of people yourself.

How long before departure should I be present?


You are expected to be present at the departure location 15 minutes in advance.

Can I go on another date than the one stated on my ticket?

No, you have booked a ticket for a specific date and time slot. It is only possible to go there and then.

Where do I go on board?

Departure locations differ per boat company. Please find the departure locations of our Official Partners in our ticket shop.

How do I make sure a boat company is an Official Partner of Amsterdam Light Festival?

Official partners can be recognized by the 'Official Partner logo’, see below. Next to that, there are festival flags on the departure jetties and most boats have recognizable stickers/flags. Book a ticket via our ticket shop if you want to make sure you’re cruising with an Official Partner that takes you past all the artworks.

CRUISE EXPERIENCE

What type of cruise experiences do you offer?

We classify the Amsterdam Light Festival cruises into four main categories:

• Canal cruises: these are covered canal cruise boats, where you sit warm and dry. All the information about the light artworks will come to you via the festival audio guide on board.
• (Semi) Open Boat: in this category we have (semi) open boats, which are larger open sloops, where you’re in an intimate group setting. The skipper or guide will tell you all about the artworks.
• Private/Group Cruise: there are many cruise companies with different specialties in this category. You can make a request with the company directly for, for instance, a company event or a romantic private cruise including dinner.
• Own boat: for everyone who plans to visit the festival with their own boat we recommend downloading our app; the app contains the nautical rules and the route with the artwork locations and descriptions. Please take into consideration that during festival hours the nautical rules are different than usual.

What will I get to see on a cruise?

The route consists of more than twenty light artworks that are placed on or along the canals. Every artwork has its own subject and together they tell the story of this year’s festival theme: LOADING… Revealing Art, AI and Tech.

Is it possible to cruise with my own boat?

Yes, it is. With our festival app you can purchase the route map, with all artwork information. The app also contains the nautical rules, which are adjusted during the festival, due to increased traffic on the water. The app can be downloaded soon. NOTE: a part of the route is forbidden for unmotorized vehicles (e.g. rowing boats, canoes, SUP boards).

Can I experience the route by SUP/rowing boat/canoe?

Yes, it is, but please note two things: (1) a part of the route is prohibited for these types of boats, (2) we strongly advise against visiting the festival on busy days (weekends and holidays). You can find all the nautical rules and measures in the app and on our website, both are coming soon).

ON BOARD

Does every boat have heating?

Most canal and historic boats have heating on board. The open boats have blankets available. Check the specifications in our ticket shop.

Isn’t an open boat too cold?

No, but in case of extreme cold, the boats can be (partially) covered. There are always blankets on board, making the cruise still very much enjoyable.

What about (unexpected) extreme weather conditions?

It is almost always possible to sail on the canals. If a cruise cannot take place, the cruise company will get in touch with you directly to reschedule.

Is there a guide on board?

On board the open boats and historic boats there is a live guide and/or skipper who tells all about the artworks. The canal cruises have the official festival audio guide on board.

What languages are available?

The audio guide on the canal cruises is available in Dutch and English. Blue Boat Company and Amsterdam Circle Line also offer the audio in German. The guide/skippers can speak both Dutch and English.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

This is unfortunately not allowed on board any cruise.

Is it possible to purchase snacks and drinks before or during the cruise?

This is possible with most boat companies, either on the dock or on board.

Can I get off during the cruise?

No, this is not possible. The route is set and takes about 75 minutes. The cruise will begin and end at the same location.

Are there toilets available?

Most canal boats have toilets on board, most open boats do not. Check the specifications with the boat company.

Are there life vests on board?

Yes, for sure. There are also special vests for children.

Are there wheelchair accessible boats?

Yes, Blue Boat Company has some wheelchair accessible boats. Contact them a day before your cruise, so they can inform you about the times. Blue Boat can be reached via +31 206791370.

Am I allowed to bring my dog on board?

Only a few boat companies allow this. Check the website of the boat company to see their policy or contact the company directly via the contact information provided on your ticket.

Can I bring a stroller?

This is not possible with most cruises. Please check with the boat company for details.

Is it possible to become seasick on a cruise?

That is very unlikely. The boats cruise through the canals of Amsterdam, where the water is usually very calm.

CAN’T FIND YOUR QUESTION?

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