Question 1

Is there a toilet on board?

Accepted Answer

De Domstadboot (12-36 guests) has a proper toilet on board, which many other boats simply don't offer. De Borrelboot (1-14 guests) has no toilet; we make a short stop along the way if needed.

Question 2

Is there draught beer on board?

Accepted Answer

On De Domstadboot we pour fresh draught lager on board. On De Borrelboot we serve bottles and cans, poured neatly into real glassware.

Question 3

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

The boat can be fully covered, so in bad weather we close everything up and you stay comfortable. Nice weather? We open the bimini top. If the Dutch weather service issues code orange or higher, the cruise is cancelled and we reschedule together.

Question 4

Do we drink out of cans?

Accepted Answer

Soft drinks come from cans, but we pour them into real glassware. Wine comes from the bottle and on De Domstadboot the beer is from the tap. No plastic cups on board.

Question 5

Is the drinks package unlimited?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within your booked time you enjoy unlimited beer, wine, prosecco and soft drinks. It should stay enjoyable, of course, it isn't an 'all you can drink'. Last round is served about 10 minutes before the end.

Question 6

What's in the drinks package?

Accepted Answer

Premium draught lager, a red wine, a dry white wine, prosecco, cola, cola zero, green ice tea, cassis, Heineken 0.0, Radler 0.0, sparkling and still water.

Question 7

What is included with dinner?

Accepted Answer

For dinner cruises we lay the table beforehand: you sit comfortably at a properly set table and get a full dinner on the water. The package covers 2 hours of sailing, unlimited drinks, a skipper and the dinner itself.

Question 8

Where do we board?

Accepted Answer

Dinner cruises always depart from Oudegracht 181, opposite Dille & Kamille. On Saturdays every cruise departs there, drinks cruises included. On other days we usually depart from Wittevrouwensingel 100. Boarding elsewhere is possible only for drinks cruises and may carry a repositioning fee.

Question 9

Is the boat electric?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fully electric and silent. Better for the city and for the atmosphere on board.

Question 10

What if we show up with fewer guests than booked?

Accepted Answer

You can confirm the final number up to 7 days in advance; after that we adjust the invoice. Fewer people on the day itself? We charge the number on the invoice.

Question 11

What if we're a small group?

Accepted Answer

Under 12 guests you sail on De Borrelboot, which can be booked from one guest up. On busy weekends De Domstadboot is reserved mainly for larger groups, but do ask about the options.

Question 12

Can we bring our own food or drinks?

Accepted Answer

We prefer to take care of the drinks ourselves. Bringing your own food is fine; you take your waste back off board. Own drinks are allowed on weekday cruises only, at a €5 per person corkage fee.

Question 13

Is smoking allowed on board?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is allowed, but please mind the cushions and the bimini top. Ask the skipper for an ashtray and think of the environment.

Question 14

Is the boat suitable for children or elderly guests?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The gunwale is relatively high, keeping children safely on board, and a sturdy step makes boarding easy for less mobile guests. Our skipper is happy to assist.

Question 15

What is the maximum capacity?

Accepted Answer

De Borrelboot carries 1 to 14 guests. De Domstadboot seats up to 36, perfect for a lively drinks cruise where some stand and some sit. For dinner cruises the maximum is 30; for generous seating we recommend up to 25. More than 36 guests? We sail both boats.

Question 16

What if we're late?

Accepted Answer

Waiting time counts as sailing time. We try to be flexible, but in principle it comes off your cruise. Please arrive on time so you get the full experience.

Question 17

Is music allowed on board?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a City of Utrecht rule to prevent noise nuisance on the canals. We deliberately sail without speakers so everyone can enjoy the calm and the city.

Question 18

What makes you different from other operators?

Accepted Answer

A genuinely cared-for experience: electric sailing, a toilet and tap on board De Domstadboot, drinks in glassware, a laid table for dinner cruises, attentive service and no bare-bones rescue tender. You feel the difference the moment you step aboard.

Question 19

Which boat suits our group?

Accepted Answer

Up to 14 guests you sail De Borrelboot: intimate, open and from €200 for 1.5 hours. From 12 guests you take De Domstadboot, with a toilet, a tap and room for 36 guests, from €300 for 1.5 hours.

Question 20

Is there a Saturday surcharge?

Accepted Answer

On Saturdays we charge a €5 per person surcharge on every package. The sailing rate stays the same.

Question 21

Do large groups get a discount?

Accepted Answer

From 20 guests up we can often offer a sharper rate. Request a quote with your date, group size and wishes and we'll work it out for you.

Question 22

How do we confirm the booking?

Accepted Answer

You book online or send a request. We confirm by email with the final price; a deposit locks in the date and the remainder is settled around the sailing date.

Question 23

How long is a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Standard is 1.5 hours, extendable per half hour up to 4 hours. For dinner we recommend at least 2 hours so there's time to eat calmly.

Question 24

Are pets allowed on board?

Accepted Answer

A calm dog is welcome; just mention it when booking so the skipper knows in advance.

Frequently asked questions

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