Lovers – Dinner cruise – review

We recently had the pleasure of going on the Lovers Dinner Cruise one beautiful autumn evening, leaving at dusk and returning by the light of the moon. This two-hour Lovers cruise was a culinary treat, and a special way to explore the city and its historic canals, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Are you curious about our experience? Jump directly to our review.

The Lovers departure point, close to Central Station.

– Book your cruise with our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% extra off –

Just before boarding, you’re welcomed by someone from the Lovers team. Onboard, the captain shows you to your table.

You can grab a handy free guide to Amsterdam from the Lovers café.

About Lovers

Lovers Amsterdam offers an impressive choice of canal cruises for every type of traveller, each showcasing the city’s beauty. From the classic 1-hour cruise,  to other culinary options like the Wine and Cheese Cruise and the New York Pizza Cruise, there’s something to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic outing with your partner, a fun adventure with family or friends, or a solo sightseeing experience, there’s a Lovers cruise tailored just for you.

What you need to know

The Lovers Dinner Cruise leaves from the Lovers Dock near Amsterdam Central Station at Prins Hendrikkade 20B. Right by the departure point is the Lovers Café, where you can enjoy a drink or snack before you leave. It’s advisable to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time.

The boat is fully enclosed, which is ideal for Amsterdam’s unpredictable weather, allowing you to enjoy the cruise all-year-round. With onboard heating, you’ll stay cozy and comfortable no matter the temperature outside.

There’s also free WiFi onboard, and since departure times may vary by season, it’s a good idea to check the Lovers website for up-to-date information on schedules and availability. When you book, you get an e-ticket sent directly to your smartphone, which makes boarding easy and hassle-free. Lovers also offers free cancellation or rebooking up to 24 hours before your scheduled cruise, so you can plan with peace of mind.

Boarding the Lovers Dinner Cruise

The team warmly greeted us at the departure point, and once we boarded, the friendly captain personally showed us to our table. Each table seats six, and while private tables aren’t guaranteed, they do try to make seating arrangements as comfortable as possible. If you’re a group of four and book together, you’ll all sit at the same table. For couples, you’ll likely be seated with another pair, but with an empty seat between you, which adds a bit of space and helps prevent any awkwardness. You’re not expected to interact with the other guests at your table – though a friendly greeting and farewell are always appreciated. However, it can also be a fun opportunity to meet fellow travellers and share stories or tips.

Our friendly and knowledgable captain for the cruise.

The staff are always on hand to serve you drinks – choose from soft drinks, wine and beer.

Fresh rolls are placed on every table to enjoy before the meal is served.

Our delicious vegetarian starter course.

The route

The exact route might vary slightly owing to water traffic or special events, but you’re guaranteed to experience many of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights during this magical evening on the water.

Highlights include:

Canal Belt

The historic Canal Belt (Grachtengordel),  where you’ll enjoy views of charming 17th-century houses and bridges.

Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)

This beautifully illuminated wooden drawbridge adds a touch of romance to the evening. Legend has it that if you kiss your partner when you pass underneath it, you’ll stay in love forever.

Amstel River

The cruise also follows the Amstel River, offering stunning views of landmarks like the Hermitage Museum and the Royal Theatre Carré.

Amstel Hotel

Opened in 1867, this luxury hotel is renowned for its grand, classic architecture and rich history. By night, it’s a standout site with its grand architecture and magnificent façade.

Seven Bridges

At the Seven Bridges section on Reguliersgracht, you’ll see seven bridges line up perfectly for a breathtaking view, making it a favourite for photos.

Anne Frank House

You’ll see the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II. This significant site is one of Amsterdam’s most-visited museums.

The Golden Bend (Gouden Bocht)

The cruise passes through the upscale Herengracht canal, famously known as the Golden Bend, one of Amsterdam’s most renowned and visited canals. Be sure to look at the grand homes that line this upmarket area.

We were lucky to see the transition from dusk to night on our cruise.

The iconic Skinny Bridge in the distance.

Scenic cityscapes of Amsterdam, beautifully lit up for an unforgettable evening on the water.

An unobstructed view of the Skinny Bridge.

Dinner is served

Once you board, the friendly crew is ready to take your drink orders, making rounds throughout the cruise to ensure your glasses are always filled with wine, beer or soft drinks. Each table is set with bottled water, fresh rolls and butter for you to enjoy before your three-course meal is served.

When booking the cruise, you’ll choose between a meat, fish or vegetarian meal. At the time of our cruise, the menu featured the following options:

Meat
• Beef tartare with a poached egg yolk with fresh piccalilli, crispy brioche
• Green pea soup with grilled green asparagus
• Beef casserole with creamed potatoes, balsamic sauce, and green vegetables
• Tiramisu of Dutch “stroopwafels” served in a glass

Fish
• House-smoked salmon with roasted potato salad and a wasabi mayonnaise
• Green pea soup with grilled green asparagus
• Cod baked on the skin with potato cream, green vegetables, Lime Beure Blanc sauce
• Tiramisu of Dutch “stroopwafels” served in a glass

Vegetarian
• Brioche bun filled with airy scrambled egg, baked spinach, feta, avocado with a fresh salad
• Green pea soup with grilled green asparagus
• Lasagna of roasted vegetables with tomato basil sauce topped with a spicy Italian cheese
• Tiramisu of Dutch “stroopwafels” served in a glass

The beautifully illuminated Seven Bridges.

A delicious dessert: tiramisu with stroopwafels.

The luxurious Amstel Hotel with its magnificent 19th-century architecture.

– Book your cruise with our exclusive discount code ‘THINGSTODO10’ and get 10% extra off –

Our experience

The Lovers Dinner Cruise offers so much more than just a scenic ride through the canals – it’s a true feast for the senses. With delicious food, drinks on tap, a warm boat and the stunning city of Amsterdam as the backdrop, the experience is unforgettable.

While the boat was cozy yet elegant, creating a wonderfully intimate atmosphere, we regretted not arriving earlier to get the window seats, which can’t be prebooked. While we could still take in the views, capturing clear, unobstructed photos was a bit tricky – though there were opportunities for this near the front by the captain.

We chose the vegetarian menu, and the highlights were the lasagne and the delectable stroopwafel dessert. Judging by the number of empty plates cleared away, the food was a hit with everyone. The staff was attentive and quick to top up drinks, and despite the boat being full, the service was great.

The overall atmosphere was relaxed, and though we initially worried about sharing a table, we found it just as intimate as dining at a restaurant. Couples made up most of the guests, but there were also small groups of friends and solo travellers, proving the cruise is perfect for all kinds of tourists – even locals looking for something special in their home city.

We appreciated that we went past sights that are particularly spectacular at night, for example the Amstel Hotel, Seven Bridges and the Skinny Bridge. The captain also shared some interesting facts about Amsterdam, adding richness to what we were seeing.

We left the cruise feeling full, happy and even more in love with this beautiful city.