Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise Through Haarlem

Exploring the quaint canals of Haarlem takes on a delightful twist with the Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise. This unique experience blends the city’s historic charm with the beloved Dutch snack, bitterballen, and unlimited beverages. As the boat glides through the waterways, passengers can savor the flavors of the local cuisine while admiring the picturesque architecture that lines the banks. With a knowledgeable skipper providing insightful commentary, this cruise offers an affordable and engaging way to discover Haarlem’s captivating essence. But the true allure of this journey lies in the opportunity to indulge in the country’s culinary traditions while immersing oneself in the city’s timeless beauty.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Haarlem.

Key Points

• A 1-hour scenic canal tour in Haarlem featuring unlimited drinks and the serving of traditional Dutch bitterballen snacks.
• Prices start from $32.20 per person with a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The cruise offers views of Haarlem’s historic architecture along the Smidtje Canal with knowledgeable commentary from the skipper.
• Participants must be at least 18 years old to consume alcoholic beverages, while children and teens can enjoy non-alcoholic drinks.
• The overall customer rating is 3 out of 5, with positive feedback on the delicious bitterballen and scenic views, but suggestions for a longer cruise duration and improved staff engagement.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Activity

The Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise offers a unique and immersive experience, combining traditional Dutch snacks with a scenic canal tour in the charming city of Haarlem.

This 1-hour activity takes guests on a relaxing journey through Haarlem’s historic waterways, where they can enjoy unlimited drinks, including beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

The highlight of the cruise is the serving of bitterballen, a beloved Dutch delicacy of deep-fried meat-based balls.

The cruise operates during the summer months of July and August, with language options in both Dutch and English.

Guests can expect to be guided by a knowledgeable skipper, ensuring a memorable and informative experience.

Pricing and Booking Details

Prices for the Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise start from $32.20 per person. Guests can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, as this experience offers a ‘reserve now & pay later‘ booking option.

On top of that, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. This makes it easy for travelers to plan their activities without the need to commit to payment right away. The flexible cancellation policy also provides peace of mind in case plans change.

Whether you’re looking for a unique way to explore Haarlem or simply want to enjoy some traditional Dutch snacks and drinks, this cruise offers an affordable and convenient option.

Cruise Highlights

During the Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise, guests can enjoy unlimited servings of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

Plus, the experience includes the traditional Dutch snack of bitterballen, allowing participants to savor the local cuisine while taking in the scenic views of Haarlem along the way.

The bitterballen, deep-fried meatballs made with beef, are a beloved Dutch appetizer that perfectly complements the relaxing cruise.

As the boat glides through the Smidtje Canal, guests can sit back, sip on their drinks, and admire the charming historic architecture lining the waterways.

This cruise offers an authentic Dutch experience that combines delicious local fare with a leisurely tour of Haarlem’s picturesque canals.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Guests can find the boarding location for the Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise across from the Teylers Museum, where they’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable skipper to guide them through the experience.

This cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic Smidtje Canal while enjoying traditional Dutch snacks and unlimited drinks. The skipper will provide insightful commentary, ensuring passengers get the most out of their journey:

• Departure point is conveniently located across from the Teylers Museum

• Skipper will offer guidance and commentary throughout the cruise

• Cruise departs from the Smidtje Canal, offering picturesque views of Haarlem

• Experience includes both food and unlimited beverage options.

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Participant Guidelines

Participants must be at least 18 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages on the Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise, as the experience adheres to strict alcohol policies.

Children and teens under 18 are welcome on the cruise, but they’ll be served non-alcoholic drinks instead. All guests must bring a valid ID to verify their age.

The cruise welcomes both adults and youths, ensuring a fun and inclusive experience for everyone.

While the overall customer rating is 3 out of 5, the cruise remains a popular activity, offering a delightful combination of traditional Dutch snacks, unlimited drinks, and scenic canal views in the historic city of Haarlem.

Customer Ratings and Reviews

Customers have provided a range of feedback on the Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise, resulting in an overall rating of 3 out of 5 based on reviews.

While some guests have praised the delicious bitterballen and scenic canal views, others have noted areas for improvement.

Several reviewers mentioned that the selection of drinks could be expanded beyond the standard options.

A few customers felt the cruise duration was too short, wishing for a longer experience.

Some guests commented that the staff could be more engaging and provide more information about the local sights.

A minority of reviewers expressed disappointment with the overall value, feeling the price was a bit high for the experience.

Preparing for the Cruise

As the time approaches for the Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for the experience.

Guests should arrive at the boarding location across from the Teylers Museum a few minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in process and secure a spot on the boat. The cruise will depart promptly, so punctuality is key.

Once on board, guests can settle in and enjoy the unlimited drinks, including beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, as well as the traditional Dutch snack, bitterballen.

The knowledgeable skipper will provide guidance throughout the scenic cruise, allowing guests to fully enjoy the sights and flavors of Haarlem.

Additional Information

Guests looking to explore Haarlem’s charming canals will find the Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise an enjoyable experience. The 1-hour cruise offers scenic views of the city’s historic architecture and landmarks while indulging in unlimited drinks and traditional Dutch snacks.

During the cruise, guests can look forward to:

• Sipping on beer, wine, soft drinks, and water

• Savoring the iconic Dutch delicacy, bitterballen

• Learning about Haarlem’s rich history from the knowledgeable skipper

• Taking in the picturesque sights along the Smidtje Canal

This experience is suitable for both adults and youths, though no alcoholic beverages will be served to those under 18.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s an easy way to make the most of a visit to Haarlem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Vegetarian/Vegan Options for the Bitterballen?

Unfortunately, there’s no information provided about vegetarian or vegan options for the bitterballen. Traditional bitterballen typically contain beef, so those with dietary restrictions may want to inquire about alternative snack options when booking the cruise.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

According to the information provided, outside food and drinks are not permitted on the cruise. The experience includes unlimited drinks and traditional Dutch snacks, so guests are expected to consume the offerings provided as part of the tour.

Is the Cruise Wheelchair Accessible?

The cruise is wheelchair accessible. The vessel has a flat boarding platform and designated seating areas for guests with mobility needs. Passengers can contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any special accommodations required.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Lifejacket?

No, you don’t need to bring your own life jacket. The cruise operator provides life jackets for all passengers as a safety precaution. They’ll ensure you have the appropriate equipment before setting off on the water.

What Is the Dress Code for the Experience?

There is no formal dress code for this experience. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended, as you will be seated on a boat during the cruise. Guests should dress for the weather and be prepared to move around the vessel.

Recap

The Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise through Haarlem offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s charm.

Theres some good the iconic Dutch snack, bitterballen, while enjoying unlimited drinks on a leisurely canal tour.

With knowledgeable commentary, this affordable cruise provides an enjoyable way to explore Haarlem’s historic architecture and picturesque waterways.

It’s a perfect combination of local cuisine and sightseeing for both first-time visitors and those seeking a new perspective on the city.

You can check if your dates are available here: