Most staff party boat packages in Amsterdam include a choice of beer, wine, soft drinks, and sparkling wine, often bundled into a fixed two or three hour arrangement. The exact options vary by provider, but most offer at least one tiered package ranging from a simple drinks selection to a fully stocked premium bar. Below, we answer the most common questions about drink packages for a staff party boat in Amsterdam.

What types of drinks are typically included in a boat package?

A standard drink package for a staff party boat in Amsterdam typically includes beer, white and rosé wine, soft drinks, and sparkling wine. More premium tiers add cocktails, spirits, or prosecco on arrival. The exact selection depends on the package tier you choose, but most arrangements cover the basics for a relaxed group setting.

Most boat providers structure their drink packages around a few common categories:

  • Standard packages: Beer, house wine, soft drinks, and water
  • Premium packages: Cocktails, spirits, premium wine labels, and sparkling wine
  • Welcome drinks: A glass of prosecco or sparkling wine served as guests board
  • Non-alcoholic options: Juices, sodas, and sparkling water for team members who prefer not to drink

It is worth checking whether the package is unlimited during the cruise or based on a set number of drinks per person. Unlimited arrangements are more common for group bookings and tend to make budgeting simpler when you are organising a staff outing.

Can you customise a drink package for your team’s preferences?

Yes, most boat providers in Amsterdam allow you to customise drink packages to suit your team’s preferences. You can typically swap out certain drinks, add a specific wine or beer brand, or request a fully non-alcoholic arrangement. Customisation is usually discussed when you confirm your booking.

Common customisation options include:

  • Replacing standard wine with a specific label or region
  • Adding a cocktail hour at the start of the cruise
  • Requesting a fully alcohol-free package for health-conscious teams or inclusive events
  • Including a themed drinks menu for a special occasion within the staff outing

If your team has a mix of preferences, a good approach is to confirm upfront that the package includes at least one solid non-alcoholic option alongside the alcoholic drinks. This avoids any awkward gaps when everyone is on board.

Is catering combined with drinks or booked separately?

Catering and drinks are often available as a combined package but can also be booked separately depending on the provider. Many boat hire companies offer bundled food and drink arrangements, such as a borrel platter with drinks, or a full dinner cruise with matched beverages. Booking them together is usually more cost-effective and logistically simpler.

When catering and drinks are combined, the arrangement typically looks like one of the following:

  • Borrel arrangement: Finger food, bitterballen, and cheese paired with beer and wine
  • Lunch cruise: A light meal served with soft drinks or wine
  • Dinner cruise: A multi-course meal with a drinks package running throughout
  • Drinks only: No food, just a drinks package for a shorter team event

If you want more control over the food, booking catering separately gives you the flexibility to bring your own or choose a specific caterer. However, for most staff party boats, the combined approach is the most straightforward option and keeps the planning on your end minimal.

How much do drink packages for a staff party boat cost?

Drink packages for a staff party boat in Amsterdam generally range from around 15 to 40 euros per person, depending on the duration, the drinks included, and whether catering is added. Premium packages with cocktails, spirits, or a longer cruise window sit at the higher end of that range.

Pricing is influenced by several factors:

  • Package tier: A basic beer and wine package costs significantly less than a full premium bar
  • Duration: A two hour cruise with drinks is priced differently from a three or four hour arrangement
  • Group size: Larger groups sometimes benefit from a lower per-person rate
  • Bundled catering: Adding food to the drinks package increases the total cost but often reduces the per-item price compared to booking separately

When budgeting for a staff party boat in Amsterdam in 2026, it is helpful to ask providers for an all-in quote rather than pricing drinks and extras separately. This gives you a clearer picture of the total cost per person and avoids surprises on the day.

What’s the difference between a drinks package and a pay-per-drink setup?

A drinks package means you pay a fixed amount per person upfront and drinks are included for the duration of the cruise. A pay-per-drink setup means guests order individually and pay as they go, or the group is charged based on actual consumption at the end. For staff parties, a package is almost always the more practical and predictable option.

Here is how the two approaches compare:

  • Drinks package: Fixed cost per person, unlimited or set volume of drinks, easier to budget, no surprises at the end of the evening
  • Pay per drink: More flexible in theory, but harder to manage for groups, can lead to uneven consumption and a complicated final bill

For a staff outing, a package arrangement removes the social awkwardness of individual billing and keeps the focus on the team experience rather than who ordered what. It also helps the crew manage service more efficiently when they know what is included from the start.

How we help you plan a staff party boat in Amsterdam

We offer fully arranged staff party boat experiences on the Amsterdam canals, with drink packages, catering, and a professional crew included as standard. Here is what you get when you book with us:

  • A choice of drink packages from standard to premium, tailored to your team
  • Catering options ranging from borrel platters to full dinners
  • A professional skipper and hostess on board throughout the cruise
  • Flexible departure points across Amsterdam
  • Fully customisable arrangements for groups of any size

Whether you are planning a relaxed after-work drinks cruise or a full evening event, we make the logistics straightforward so you can focus on enjoying the occasion with your team. Browse our staff party boat occasions to find the right arrangement, or get in touch to discuss a package that fits your group.