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Spend a lively 2.5 hours aboard MS De Jordaan sampling authentic bitterballen, Dutch drinks, and live Amsterdam tunes as you glide past the IJ and the Magere Brug. Perfect for celebrations, groups, or anyone wanting a taste of local borrel culture on the water.
Spend a lively 2.5 hours aboard MS De Jordaan sampling authentic bitterballen, Dutch drinks, and live Amsterdam tunes as you glide past the IJ and the Magere Brug. Perfect for celebrations, groups, or anyone wanting a taste of local borrel culture on the water.
Book with CruiseWithUs - Amsterdam Music Cruise Company
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Operated by CruiseWithUs - Amsterdam Music Cruise Company · Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
On the water of Amsterdam's IJ, the Dutch Bitterballen Cruise aboard MS De Jordaan turns a simple afternoon into a rolling celebration of food, music, and river-side sights. Departing from De Ruyterkade 14, 1011 AA Amsterdam—just off Amsterdam Central Station—this 2.5-hour cruise loops the IJ, passes the Amstel River mouth and skirts views of the Magere Brug while a crew serves traditional bitterballen, chicken satay, and unlimited Dutch drinks. The boat itself is a piece of local history: MS De Jordaan dates to 1943 and carries the compact, warm interiors of a classic Amsterdam vessel.
What makes this experience special is the pairing of authentic Dutch flavors with live entertainment. Bitterballen—a crunchy, beefy snack central to Dutch borrel culture—comes in multiple flavors; between rounds the crew spins Amsterdam songs and stages a zany round of Music Bingo that turns strangers into laughing conspirators. Servers circulate with coffee and biscuits late in the afternoon, and small moments of local humor and hospitality make the cruise feel less like a tour and more like an invitation to a proper Dutch social hour.
The route is compact but cinematic: you watch the waterfront architecture unfold, from the ferry slips and industrial piers to the elegant curve of the Amstel and the timber trusses of the Magere Brug. Birdlife over the IJ is visible on calm days, and the light slants differently on brick and canal-front facades—great for quick photos. Practical notes: check in at Pier 14 near the back of Central Station, arrive 15 minutes early, and inform the operator of dietary restrictions when booking. The operator notes limited wheelchair space due to the 1943 layout; advance notice is required for accessibility needs.
This cruise is a standout in Amsterdam’s array of river experiences because it centers the social ritual—food and song—rather than a dry sightseeing monologue. It’s ideal for groups, celebrations, or anyone looking to understand local conviviality through taste and sound. Expect a lively atmosphere rather than a quiet sightseeing trip: guests are encouraged to sing along, request songs, and join the bingo. Final practicalities: smoking is allowed on deck, pets are not permitted except service animals, and the government surcharge of €7.50 per person is not included in the ticket price. For a short, delicious slice of Amsterdam living, the Dutch Bitterballen Cruise delivers. Bookings are available online through the operator's fareharbor page; bring a printed or digital confirmation to speed boarding. Dress smart-casual with a light layer for wind on deck, and consider arriving from nearby cafés or the Central Station ferries so you can step aboard without a long walk. Whether you’re celebrating or just curious, this short cruise packs local flavor into every tide-turned minute and memories.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Minimal fitness required; this is a seated, social cruise suitable for most adults and older children accompanied by adults.
Check-in is at Pier 14 (De Ruyterkade 14), located at the rear of Amsterdam Central Station; arrive 15 minutes early.
MS De Jordaan is wheelchair accessible, but space is limited due to the 1943 layout—notify the operator in advance to reserve space.
Yes—unlimited Dutch drink selection and bitterballen plus other snacks are included; a government surcharge (€7.50 p.p.) is excluded.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; inform the operator of any special dietary needs beforehand.
Smoking is permitted outside on deck only.
Pets are not allowed except for service animals.
MS De Jordaan is a historic vessel dating to 1943; the cruise spotlights classic Dutch borrel culture with bitterballen as the central snack.
Follow onboard recycling guidance, minimize single-use plastics, and avoid feeding birds to reduce wildlife disturbance along the IJ.
CruiseWithUs - Amsterdam Music Cruise Company operates from Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, offering themed canal cruises that combine live music, dining, and heritage vessels. The company features intimate salonboat experiences curated for small groups and memorable evenings on Amsterdam’s waterways. Onboard options include a four-course dinner with live accompaniment, relaxed heritage cruises aboard Salonboat Valentijn, disco and dance parties aboard Salonboat Prins van Oranje, and genre-focused sailings featuring soul, funk, and gospel artists. Each cruise highlights Amsterdam’s illuminated canals and historic bridges, providing scenic views of landmarks while guests enjoy music and refreshments. The fleet emphasizes preserved and heritage vessels such as Salonboat Valentijn and Prins van Oranje, presenting voyages that prioritize comfort, atmosphere, and attentive service. Ticketed experiences range from multi-course dinner cruises to three-hour themed concerts and dance nights. Performances may feature named artists and guest singers, offering live music spanning decades from 1980s hits through 2010s pop, as well as soul, funk, and gospel repertoires. The events are suited for couples seeking romantic evenings, groups looking for lively nightlife, and music fans seeking curated performances on the water. Bookings and schedules are available for each listed sailing, and itineraries follow Amsterdam’s central canal ring. CruiseWithUs maintains a clear focus on authentic canal cruising, live entertainment, and gastronomic options, operating within Amsterdam’s regulated waterways to provide safe, memorable experiences. Specific sailings list named performers such as Dillon Lewis and guest vocalist Jennie Lena, and events with Step the Gap. Guests can expect curated playlists covering four decades and themed nights.
Book with CruiseWithUs - Amsterdam Music Cruise Company