The Pure Boats Light Festival cruise includes Dutch farmhouse cheese, seasonal snacks, mulled wine, and a full open bar featuring local craft beers, European wines, and soft drinks. Everything is locally sourced and included in your ticket price, creating an authentic Amsterdam tasting experience while you admire the illuminated artworks along the canals.
Whether you are a local Amsterdammer planning a special evening or an expat looking to experience your adopted city from a fresh perspective, the Light Festival cruise combines world-class art installations with carefully curated refreshments. Below, we answer the most common questions about what you can expect to eat and drink during this exclusive Amsterdam canal tour experience.
What Dutch Snacks Are Included With the Light Festival Cruise?
The Light Festival cruise features authentic Dutch farmhouse cheese as the signature snack, accompanied by seasonal local bites that change throughout the festival period. These carefully selected nibbles are sourced from local Amsterdam suppliers, reflecting our commitment to showcasing genuine Dutch flavours rather than generic tourist fare.
Our approach to snacks follows a simple philosophy: if it is not local, we most likely do not serve it. This means you will experience the same quality of cheese and accompaniments that Amsterdammers themselves enjoy, rather than mass-produced alternatives. The farmhouse cheese selection typically includes aged Gouda and other traditional Dutch varieties, offering a true taste of the Netherlands.
The snacks are designed to complement the drinks on offer and sustain you comfortably throughout the cruise. Unlike rushed tourist experiences where food is an afterthought, our snack service is part of the overall Amsterdam canal experience. The portions are generous enough to enjoy throughout your journey without being so heavy that they distract from the main attraction: the stunning light installations illuminating the UNESCO-listed canals.
For guests celebrating special occasions during the Light Festival, additional catering options can be arranged through our network of local caterers, allowing you to elevate your Amsterdam sightseeing cruise into a complete dining experience.
Which Drinks Are Available During the Amsterdam Light Festival Tour?
The Amsterdam Light Festival tour features a complete open bar service including mulled wine (glühwein), seasonal craft beers, quality European wines, soft drinks, and organic juices. This full beverage selection is available throughout your cruise, allowing you to enjoy multiple drinks while taking in the illuminated artworks.
Mulled Wine and Seasonal Specialties
Mulled wine is the signature drink of the Light Festival cruise, perfectly suited to the winter atmosphere of cruising through Amsterdam’s canals surrounded by glowing art installations. The warm, spiced wine helps keep you comfortable during the cooler evening temperatures while adding to the festive ambiance of the experience.
Beyond the mulled wine, seasonal craft beers feature prominently in our selection. We work with local Amsterdam breweries to offer rotating options that reflect the best of the Dutch craft beer scene. This focus on seasonal and local products means your drink selection will be genuinely different from what you might find on a standard Amsterdam boat tour.
Wines, Soft Drinks, and Non-Alcoholic Options
Our carefully curated selection of European wines includes both red and white options chosen to pair well with the Dutch cheese and snacks served on board. For guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, organic juices and a full range of soft drinks are equally available from our custom-built bars.
Every vessel in our fleet features cleverly integrated refrigeration to keep beverages perfectly chilled. The mahogany and marble bars on our boats are stocked with the same quality you would expect from a high-end Amsterdam establishment, ensuring your Amsterdam highlights cruise delivers a genuine five-star experience on the water.
Is the Food and Drink Service Included in the Cruise Price?
Yes, all food and drinks are fully included in the Light Festival cruise ticket price. There are no hidden costs, no cash bar, and no need to bring your wallet on board. The open bar service and Dutch snacks are part of the complete package from the moment you step onto one of our fully electric canal boats.
This all-inclusive approach reflects our belief that true luxury should be effortless. You should not have to think about ordering, paying, or calculating tips while trying to enjoy the spectacular light installations floating past your window. Our captains and hosts take care of everything, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience.
The pricing structure is transparent and straightforward. When you book your Amsterdam canal cruise for the Light Festival, the advertised price covers:
- Full open bar service throughout the cruise duration
- Dutch farmhouse cheese and seasonal local snacks
- Mulled wine and all hot and cold beverages
- Live commentary from knowledgeable captains
- Comfortable seating aboard our restored electric vessels
For private bookings or special occasions during the festival, additional catering packages can be arranged at extra cost. However, the standard Light Festival experience includes everything you need for a memorable evening on the Amsterdam canals without any surprise charges.
Can You Request Special Dietary Accommodations?
Yes, special dietary accommodations can be arranged when you contact us before your cruise. We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and other dietary requirements for guests who let us know their needs in advance. Our commitment to personalised service means we want every guest to enjoy the full Amsterdam canal experience.
Because our snack selection focuses on quality over quantity, making adjustments for individual dietary needs is straightforward. The key is advance notice. When booking your Light Festival cruise or shortly after, simply inform us of any allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences. Our team will ensure appropriate alternatives are available on board.
For guests with severe allergies, we recommend contacting us directly to discuss your specific requirements. Our smaller group sizes, typically between 6 and 24 guests, mean we can provide the kind of personal attention that larger canal cruise companies cannot offer. This intimate setting allows our hosts to ensure your dietary needs are properly addressed throughout the experience.
The drinks selection naturally accommodates many preferences, with non-alcoholic options readily available alongside the alcoholic beverages. Whether you prefer organic juices, soft drinks, or simply want to enjoy the mulled wine without alcohol, alternatives are always on hand.
How Pure Boats Creates the Perfect Light Festival Experience
We combine locally sourced refreshments with intimate, personalised service aboard our fleet of restored electric canal boats to deliver an Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour unlike any other. Here is what makes our approach distinctive:
- All food and drinks included in one transparent price with full open bar service
- Dutch farmhouse cheese and seasonal snacks sourced exclusively from local suppliers
- Small group sizes of 6 to 24 guests for a personalised, non-touristy atmosphere
- Fully electric, sustainably upcycled boats that cruise silently through the illuminated canals
- Knowledgeable captains who share authentic Amsterdam stories and can customise your route
- Special dietary accommodations arranged with advance notice
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting visiting friends, or simply treating yourself to a memorable winter evening, our Light Festival cruise delivers the kind of experience that stays with you long after the lights fade. Book your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise and discover why our guests call it the highlight of their Amsterdam visit.
