Christmas Cruise on MS De Jordaan: Festive 3-Course Buffet & Music Bingo in Amsterdam

Board MS De Jordaan at IJ Waterplein 6 (formerly Steiger 14), tucked behind Amsterdam Centraal Station, for Kerstvaart 2026 — a 4.5-hour dinner cruise that stitches together the city’s harbor skyline, canal-front façades and rowdy Dutch singalongs. The boat’s wooden decks and portholes recall its 1943 construction, and the route glides past the Central Station, the IJ waterfront and the canal belt where gabled merchant houses reflect in glassy water. This cruise is equal parts supper club and local street party: aboard you’ll find a festive 3-course Christmas buffet built on grandmother's recipes — think gevulde rollade, wild ragout with pastinaak-and-pear stamppot, and a show-stopping zalm in roomsaus — served alongside classic Dutch borrelhapjes at embarkation. All drinks are included, and entertainment comes from house artists Luc Meijer plus rotating vocalists who lead music-bingo, medleys of Amsterdam stadsdeuntjes and communal polonaises that have become a holiday tradition on this vessel. What makes Kerstvaart special for Amsterdam isn’t just the menu or the musicians; it’s the setting. The route takes in the industrial sweep of the IJ, the delicate arcs of the canal belt, and the brick facades of the Jordaan and Grachtengordel — a living cityscape where bridges, houseboats and Christmas lights compose every frame. As a ship from 1943, MS De Jordaan retains an intimate, room-sized saloon that reads like a Jordanese living room, offering a rare, cozy maritime counterpoint to Amsterdam’s open squares. Practical details: meet at IJ Waterplein 6, arrive 15 minutes early for check-in, and plan to be aboard from 17:00 to roughly 21:30. The cruise is accessible with advance notice, but the vessel’s vintage layout limits wheelchair space; disclose needs at booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult; note any dietary restrictions in advance. A €7.50 per-person government levy is not included. Why book? For visitors who want more than a sightseeing cruise — this is a cultural evening: food rooted in Dutch holiday cooking, lively local entertainment, and the kind of communal atmosphere you won’t find on a standardized ferry. It’s ideal for families wanting upbeat seasonal fun, couples seeking lively local flavor, or anyone who wants to experience Amsterdam’s waterways as residents do: close to the water, loud with song, and warm against a winter dusk. Booking is straightforward via the operator’s online system; confirm dietary needs and wheelchair requests in the reservation notes to secure limited accessible spots. Wear smart-casual to elegant attire and bring a scarf for open-deck moments—the ship’s saloon can be warm but evenings on deck are chilly. Photography is rewarding: reflections on the IJ and lit bridges make vivid frames. Expect lively noise levels—this is a participatory event—so it’s perfect for groups and less suited to travelers seeking a quiet sightseeing cruise.