Customisation on the water: Anything is possible during your perfect cruise

Your experience at Classic Boat Dinners begins with a personal conversation and genuine attention to your unique story. We believe that the most beautiful moments on the water arise when we take the time to truly get to know you and personally coordinate every detail of your cruise. After all, your vision cannot be confined to a standard box. We listen, think along with you, and do everything in our power to realise your wishes. Your cruise is not a standard tour of the canals; it is an exclusive, bespoke project that we build entirely around you, ensuring every second on board is exactly as you envisioned it.

In this article, we share a few examples of what customisation means for our guests.

From balloons to botanical masterpieces

For us, customisation often starts small, but always with the very best products. Planning a birthday? We don’t just arrange a few streamers. We have our own helium tanks for balloons, and for a grander transformation, we collaborate with Scheepstra, one of Amsterdam’s most renowned florists. Whether it is a subtle bouquet or a boat that needs to be completely transformed: we ensure the atmosphere is exactly right.

Our love for quality is reflected in every detail. The chocolates served with your coffee come from Pompadour, the savoury biscuits from Huis van Deli, and the nuts from Cotier. Even the conclusion of the cruise is a small celebration, featuring the famous surprises from Holtkamp. Everything on board is an A-list brand, because we know you appreciate that level of excellence.

Nothing is too much: The floating christmas fairytale

Sometimes customisation goes very far, and we love that. Recently, we had a guest who wanted his favourite boat entirely in a Christmas theme. This didn’t mean just a few lights, but a complete metamorphosis by florist Scheepstra. Half a day was spent decorating the boat with real fir branch garlands, a Christmas tree, and stunning lighting. Because the guest had specific requirements for the interior, we even hired special gold-rimmed cutlery and unique tableware.

We also go beyond the standard menu on the culinary front. Would you like a specific Dover sole or a côte de bœuf that isn’t on the menu? We will coordinate with the chef of Restaurant Johannes to source and prepare this specially for you. That flexibility is what sets us apart; we are here to make your culinary dreams come true.

An unforgettable ‘I Do’

With at least twenty marriage proposals per year, we know exactly how exciting this moment is. Our skippers think along with you down to the smallest detail. We agree on a code in advance so the skipper knows exactly when to pick up his phone to inconspicuously capture the moment. Whether it’s hiding a massive bouquet of roses in the restroom or pausing the boat under the iconic Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug): we ensure it remains a secret until the very last second.

Did you know, by the way, that our boats are official wedding venues? This means you can not only propose with us but also actually say “I do” in an intimate setting with your loved ones on the water, wherever you happen to be sailing in Amsterdam at that moment.

Discretion is our standard

At Classic Boat Dinners, we regularly welcome guests from the music world, top-tier sports, and international business. Privacy is sacred to them—and to us. Discretion is in our DNA; we all come from the world of five-star hotels and understand better than anyone that what happens on board, stays on board.

Whether you are a well-known face or simply wish to enjoy your company in peace: with us, you can trust that your privacy is guaranteed. No prying eyes, no photographers on the quay, but a safe, private haven in the heart of the city.

Would you like to shape your next event, birthday, or dinner in a unique way? Let us know. We would love to brainstorm with you to make your personal wishes a reality.