Welcome at Boatlife Amsterdam. Step aboard and discover Amsterdam at its finest!

Staff party or company drinks in Amsterdam: the 5 best reasons to hire a private boat

Company Outing: Boat Hire in Amsterdam: 5 Reasons & Tips

Amsterdam is a city best experienced from the water. But for businesses, the canal belt is more than just a pretty picture. It is the ultimate setting for an event that will impress both staff and clients. Are you looking for a unique venue for a team outing on a boat, or do you want to organise an unforgettable corporate drinks reception in Amsterdam? A private boat trip with your company offers the flexibility, privacy and luxury that a standard restaurant or conference room simply cannot match.

In this blog, you’ll discover why a boat trip with your company is the best choice for your next event, and how Boatlife Amsterdam can help you create a bespoke experience that will leave a lasting impression.

1. The ultimate informal setting for a team outing on a boat

Nothing breaks the ice quite like the ropes being cast off. As soon as the boat leaves the quay, the dynamic within the group changes. A team outing on a boat in Amsterdam takes people out of their daily office routine and places them in a relaxed, inspiring setting. The ever-changing backdrop of historic buildings and lively terraces provides conversation topics that go beyond weekly targets.

Nothing breaks the ice quite like the ropes being cast off. As soon as the boat leaves the quay, the dynamic within the group changes. A team outing on a boat in Amsterdam takes people out of their daily office routine and places them in a relaxed, inspiring setting. The ever-changing backdrop of historic buildings and lively terraces provides conversation topics that go beyond weekly targets.2. Een uniek bedrijfsevent op een boot: van vergaderen tot feesten

A private boat trip with your company at Boatlife Amsterdam means you have complete control over the atmosphere. No onlookers, no noise from other groups – just 100% focus on your team. Whether it’s an informal get-together for new colleagues or celebrating a success, the privacy of your own boat creates a sense of togetherness that’s hard to match on land.

Many organisers immediately think of a drinks reception when they hear ‘boat’, but the possibilities are much broader. A corporate event on a boat can also serve a practical purpose. Have you ever considered holding a meeting on the water in Amsterdam? The tranquillity of the lapping water and the ever-changing views often have a refreshing effect on the creative process.

At Boatlife Amsterdam, we host a wide range of business events:

  • Strategic sessions: Away from the distractions of the phone and the open-plan office.
  • Presentations and product launches: An impressive setting for your most important clients.
  • Networking drinks: Go sailing with business contacts whilst enjoying top-quality catering.

By hiring a luxury boat for corporate events, you can combine business with pleasure. Once the formal part of the event is over, the bar can open straight away for a well-deserved staff drinks reception on board.

Lunch for everyone in Amsterdam

3. Catering and packages: culinary delights on the canals

A successful corporate outing on a boat in Amsterdam stands or falls on the catering. Nothing is more disappointing than a wonderful trip where the food and drink fall short. That’s why we at Boatlife Amsterdam set the bar high. When you choose to hire a boat for a corporate outing, you can choose from a range of catering packages.

For example:

  • The classic drinks reception: well-chilled wines, speciality beers and traditional Amsterdam snacks.
  • Luxury standing reception: Gourmet dishes that can be easily enjoyed either standing or seated whilst the city passes by.
  • Themed catering: Tailored to the season or the purpose of your event.

The advantage of a private boat trip in Amsterdam is that everything can be tailored to your needs. Do you have specific dietary requirements, or would you like to serve a particular brand of champagne to seal the deal? We’ll ensure that everything is taken care of down to the last detail by the time we set sail.

4. The perfect way to round off the year: a Christmas or end-of-year drinks party on a boat

As the end of the year approaches and the city lights come on, there’s no place more magical than the canals. A Christmas drinks party on a boat in Amsterdam has become an absolute favourite among HR managers and office managers in recent years. Whilst the winter chill stays outside, you can enjoy a mulled wine or a good glass of red wine inside a cosy, heated saloon boat.

An end-of-year drinks party on a boat is the perfect way to thank your staff for their hard work. It’s intimate, festive, and the boat can even serve as a unique venue for handing out Christmas hampers. Organising an end-of-year drinks party on the water takes the stress out of the planning: we’ll sort out the route, the catering and the atmosphere, so you can focus on your colleagues.

A festive toast over drinks with the ‘para todos’ team from Boatlife Amsterdam

5. Comfort and flexibility: hiring a business boat in Amsterdam

One of the biggest concerns when organising an event on the water is often the weather. At Boatlife Amsterdam, we take that worry off your hands straight away. Our luxury boats are perfectly equipped for the Dutch climate. In sunny weather, you can enjoy the wind in your hair on the open deck, but should a shower come along, we’ll continue our journey in comfort, under cover and in a heated cabin.

What’s more, the flexibility of a private boat is a major advantage. You decide where to board (for example, near your office or Central Station) and the route. Would you like to cruise past the architectural highlights of the Eastern Docklands, or perhaps through the narrow, historic canals of the Jordaan? It’s your event; we’ll set the course.

Why choose Boatlife Amsterdam?

When you’re looking to hire a boat for a staff party, there are plenty of providers to choose from. What makes Boatlife Amsterdam unique is our focus on delivering a premium experience. We understand that a corporate event is an extension of your brand identity. That’s why we offer:

  • Our vessels: Our boats are modern, clean and equipped with high-quality facilities.
  • Experienced skippers: Not only are they experts on the water, but they also act as discreet hosts for your group.
  • Tailor-made: No set packages that you can’t deviate from, but an event that’s fully tailored to your wishes.

How do you organise the perfect boat trip for a company party?

Organising a company outing doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps for a smooth planning process:

  1. Decide on the group size: Our boats are suitable for groups of various sizes, from an intimate board meeting to a large staff party.
  2. Choose the right time: An after-work boat trip in Amsterdam is ideal on a Thursday or Friday afternoon, whilst a lunchtime trip is perfect for client networking.
  3. Choose your package: Would you prefer a simple drinks reception or a fully catered dinner?
  4. Add a unique touch: for example, consider a guide who recounts the city’s hidden stories, or combine the tour with one of Amsterdam’s many modern immersive experiences before you board.

Conclusion: Make your next event a success on the water

Hiring a private boat in Amsterdam for a company outing is more than just a canal cruise. It is an investment in team spirit and a way to show appreciation to business associates and staff. The combination of the historic city, the luxury of a private boat and the excellent catering creates an experience that people will remember for a long time to come.

Whether you’re looking to organise a casual staff get-together on a boat or a meticulously planned corporate event on board, Boatlife Amsterdam is the place to go for quality and originality.


Share the Post:

Related Posts

Dinner Cruises

An evening to remember begins on board Boatlife Amsterdam. As the city lights slowly come to life, you enjoy a refined dinner cruise through the historic canals. Intimate, elegant, and fully taken care of.

Choose a private chef on board, cooking live for your party, or be surprised by dishes from one of our carefully selected culinary partner restaurants. From an elegant seated dinner for up to 21 guests to a lively walking dinner for up to 45 guests, everything is tailored to your group and occasion.

Whether it’s a special evening with friends, a business gathering, or something worth celebrating, Boatlife Amsterdam is all about enjoyment, personal attention, and an unforgettable experience on the water.

Dinner Cruises

An evening to remember begins on board Boatlife Amsterdam. As the city lights slowly come to life, you enjoy a refined dinner cruise through the historic canals. Intimate, elegant, and fully taken care of.

Choose a private chef on board, cooking live for your party, or be surprised by dishes from one of our carefully selected culinary partner restaurants. From an elegant seated dinner for up to 21 guests to a lively walking dinner for up to 45 guests, everything is tailored to your group and occasion.