Summary
Introduction
When you’re on vacation, time is valuable. There’s nothing worse than spending a day doing something that ends up being a total letdown. That’s where companies like Tripadvisor come in. Each year, they compile traveler feedback to highlight the activities that are well worth your time.
Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise
This year, one experience stood out, topping the list of overall experiences in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. With 9,529 five-star reviews out of 9,998 reviews on Tripadvisor, the Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise with Flagship Amsterdam easily took the No. 1 spot.
Cruise Experience
The cruise takes you through Amsterdam’s iconic canals on an electric saloon boat and is not the sort of experience where you’re herded on a boat with hundreds of other tourists. The capacity on the company’s open-air boats is small, typically around 30 people. The entire one-hour experience is intimate, and the level of service is top-notch. Each cruise has a private skipper and an English-speaking guide who knows all the ins and outs of Amsterdam. Moreover, the crew is more than happy to provide local restaurant and activity recommendations.
As you cruise along the canals, you’ll pass the city’s most famous landmarks—including the Jordaan neighborhood and the Rijksmuseum—while the guide shares insights into Amsterdam’s rich trading history and culture. The waterway tour offers excellent photo opportunities, especially as you glide under the city’s many bridges, including Magere Brug, also known as Skinny Bridge, and pass by the swanky Golden Bend neighborhood, home to some of the city’s most coveted canal houses.
The tour starts in front of the Anne Frank House, making it the perfect follow-up to a morning spent at the museum.
Food and Wine
While the experience of being out on the water is easily the highlight of the trip, it is only enhanced by the food and wine that accompanies it. Upon boarding the cruise, guests are greeted with a spread of Dutch cheese and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Travelers confirm that there’s nothing quite like sipping on a glass of wine and nibbling on cheese while passing by the stunning canal houses lining the water.
Pricing and Cancellation Policies
The canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam is currently $24.08 on Tripadvisor. You can also make arrangements directly through Flagship Amsterdam. If using Tripadvisor, trips can be canceled up to two days in advance without charge. Those seeking a more flexible cancellation policy may prefer to book directly with Flagship Amsterdam, which has a 24-hour cancellation policy.
