Evening Cruise at SAIL Amsterdam 2025

SAIL Amsterdam is unforgettable by day, but at night it becomes pure magic. 

As the sun sets, the tall ships glow under the night sky, and the harbor transforms into a floating festival of light and music. 

If you want to witness the grandeur of SAIL 2025 in a quieter, more elegant setting, the Evening Cruise is your answer. 

It combines comfort, views, and atmosphere into a two-hour experience you won’t forget.

Here’s everything you need to know about booking the SAIL Amsterdam 2025 Evening Cruise and planning your visit way more smoother.

What the evening cruise is all about

This 2-hour cruise takes place on the IJhaven, Amsterdam’s central waterway, during the peak of the SAIL celebrations. 

You’ll board near the A’DAM Tower and sail through a glowing parade of tall ships, their sails dramatically lit against the dark sky. 

Along the way, you’ll enjoy a relaxed vibe with onboard refreshments as the lights shimmer across the water. 

The evening ends on a high note with live music and a light show, delivering a stunning finale to your SAIL experience.

What’s included in your ticket

This isn’t just a boat ride. It’s a full-on experience wrapped in a single ticket. Here’s what you get:

• 2-hour evening cruise through IJhaven
• Close-up views of illuminated tall ships
• 1 drink of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
• Cheese platter with quality Dutch farmhouse cheeses
• Live music and a water light show
• Max group size of 60 people for a relaxed atmosphere
• Access from a premium boarding point near A’DAM Tower

Everything is designed to let you unwind and soak in the beauty of the night without worrying about crowds or queues.

Ticket price

Visitors above 4 years: €128

Infants under 4 years are not allowed, making this a more mature, peaceful experience.

Where to board and how to prepare

Boarding Location: 51 Overhoeksplein, 1031 KS, Amsterdam. Get Directions

The dock is near the base of A’DAM Tower, across the river from Central Station. Use the free ferry behind Central Station to reach the north side as it’s fast, scenic, and runs 24/7.

Here’s what to do when you arrive:

• Show your digital or printed ticket at check-in
• Arrive 25 minutes before the 9.30 pm departure time
• Staff will direct you to the cruise and help with boarding

Though the ride begins at 9.30 pm, the area gets crowded during SAIL, so give yourself plenty of buffer time, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the ferry route.

What makes the evening cruise so special

This cruise is different from daytime experiences in several key ways:

• The ships are fully lit, creating reflections on the water that look like a moving light show
• The noise dies down, and the evening becomes more about soaking in the atmosphere than navigating crowds
• The live music adds a warm, celebratory tone without being overwhelming
• With a limited group size, there’s space to relax, take photos, and enjoy the ride in peace
• And the cheese platter? It’s not just a snack, it’s part of the Dutch identity, offering rich, savory flavors that pair beautifully with a drink and a gentle breeze.

Important things to remember before your cruise

Use this checklist to avoid last-minute stress:

• Arrive at least 25 minutes before departure
• Dress in layers. It gets chilly on the water at night
• Wear flat, comfortable shoes
• Carry a charged phone or camera for night photography
• No pets or strollers allowed
• Eat lightly beforehand. The cheese platter is generous, but not a full meal
• Ferries from Central Station to A’DAM Tower are free and quick
• No wheelchair access onboard, unfortunately

👉 And remember: your cruise ends around 11.30 pm, so plan your return transport accordingly.

Why you should book in advance

SAIL Amsterdam happens only once every five years, and the evening cruises are some of the first to sell out. 

With only 60 spots per boat, demand is high, especially among couples, foodies, and photography lovers.

Booking in advance ensures:

• You don’t miss the night-time views and the light show
• You can build your evening plans around a fixed schedule
• You avoid long lines or day-of disappointments

👉Reserve your SAIL Amsterdam Evening Cruise seat today

Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions tourists ask before purchasing their tickets for Evening Cruise.

Is this cruise child-friendly?

Yes, but only for children aged 4 and above. Infants are not allowed onboard.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Yes. Cancel or reschedule for free up to 72 hours before your departure.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. You get one drink of your choice and a cheese platter included with your ticket.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

No. Unfortunately, this cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What if it rains?

The cruise operates in light rain. Severe weather may lead to delays or cancellations with prior notice.

Image Courtesy: Booot.nl