Starboard Boats — Attraction in Amsterdam

We arrived on time and found someone working for Starboats. He told us to wait a few minutes because the boat was still arriving. After a while, when the boat actually should already have left, we were still on the streets, looking for I guess his name was Axl because, no boat. Someone from Friendship boat tours told me Axl was leaving and I saw him sitting on his bike. I yelled at him what we were supposed to do and he pointed at a boat that was going to leave like 25 meters away from were he told us to wait. We hopped on the boat, just as it was going to leave. The captain was a young man and the guide a young lady. She pointed out that we could drink everything we want. There was wine, beer, soft drinks on the table and in boxes on the floor. Not very convenient and elegant. I don't drink soft drinks, because I don't like them and it was a bit too early for us to drink alcohol. I spotted some water in a plastic big bottle, if I have to take a guess filled at the tab and it was sitting in the sun. So, this meant that I paid extra and now I am thirsty. The guide was a very likeable young woman, but her guiding was a bit off point, for us. I am not that much interested in de house boats, the prices and which ones sank. I am not interested in the boat where Golden Earring was the owner of and why the boat has tinted windows. Although entertaining, I am more interested in the history of the buildings, canals and their bridges. The balance was off. I have visited Amsterdam many times, so I know most of the history, but it is fun to learn something new. However, my niece was a first time visitor and I had to tell here what I knew from previous tours. I did this in Dutch, because our guide only spoke English. Not a problem for me, but it would have been nice if she asked whether she had to also tell everything in Dutch. My niece her English is less advanced. The fact that smoking everything, except crack on the boat was allowed was also not a plus. So, I am sorry to tell that for us this was an...

This company was recommended to us for the company outing. We were expecting a great experience seeing the reviews they received. However it was not the case. First we arrived 5 minutes before departure (17:25) and we were asked to wait under the rain since they were still loading the boat. We thought 5 minutes, no problem! After 15 minutes I asked them if we could at least get on the boat to be sheltered from the rain. We were allowed... Once we were sitting, it felt quite cramped. We booked for a group of 22 people but initially we were going to be 25 people and we were ensured that there was enough room. Luckily we were only 22!

We booked a BBQ + luxurious platters including options for vegan/vegetarian. While non-vegetarian had burgers with bread + chicken + cold meat, vegans/vegetarian were left with 1 burger each and no burger bread. Also there was no cheese in the luxurious platters. The ice for the drinks was melted already when we boarded and they only one type of beer (Heineken cans) and 5 cans of Laguna IPA. You would expect more beer choice or at least enough of two types of beers for a 22 people group.

Finally, while we paid for a 3h boat tour, we only got 2.5h since we onboarded at 17:45 and were back at 20:20. Definitely the experience would have felt somewhat nicer if the sun was out but there are simple things that Starboard could have done to make the trip cozier such as having blankets available on board or being more welcoming. You could see that they were overworked and in a rush (apparently they were suppose to pick up another group at 20:30 in a different location to ours.. which it showed the lack of organisation of this company).

We can unfortunately not recommend this company for...

Our family recently embarked on the Fun Amsterdam shared cruise along the enchanting canals of Amsterdam, and it proved to be an extraordinary experience that left us with lasting memories. From the moment we stepped aboard the beautifully adorned boat, we knew we were in for a treat.

The vessel itself was a sight to behold, with its elegant design and comfortable seating providing the perfect setting for our canal adventure. The knowledgeable and friendly guide added an extra layer of enjoyment to the journey, offering insightful commentary on the rich history of Amsterdam as we glided through its iconic waterways.

What truly set this experience apart was the unique perspective it offered. Viewing the city from the tranquil canals allowed us to appreciate Amsterdam's charm in a way we hadn't before. The picturesque scenes unfolded around us as we passed historic buildings, quaint bridges, and bustling waterfronts, providing a captivating panorama of this vibrant city.

The blend of entertainment and education made the cruise a hit with all members of our family. We learned fascinating tidbits about Amsterdam's past, making the journey not only visually stunning but intellectually enriching. The amiable atmosphere on the boat, coupled with the mesmerizing views, created an ambiance that resonated with joy and togetherness.

In conclusion, the Fun Amsterdam shared cruise is a must-do for families seeking a delightful and informative adventure through the heart of this enchanting city. The beauty of Amsterdam's canals, coupled with the engaging narration, ensures an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of this historic and picturesque...