You want your canal cruise to stay relaxed, even if the weather suddenly turns. So make it easy on yourself with one choice upfront: are you mainly going for being outside and taking photos, or do you mostly want to sit dry and comfortable? On canal cruise amsterdam you can see, for example, that providers often solve this with two options: an open boat and a (partly) covered boat.
At Mokumboot, we like to keep it simple, because your experience is mainly about comfort and visibility. This helps a lot of people choose quickly:
Open cruising: unobstructed views and photos without windows in between. (Partly) covered: more relaxed seating, less hassle taking your jacket on/off, keeping your things drier, and more shelter.
What do you want to feel on the water?
With an open boat, you’re really in the city. You look without windows (so less glare), it’s easier to look up at façades and bridges, and your photos suffer less from reflections. You also notice more of your surroundings: wind, sound, and the movement of the water. That’s exactly why many people choose open boats: it feels more direct and lively.
Covered cruising is especially nice if you don’t feel like managing the weather. You sit more sheltered, your bag stays dry more easily, and you have to adjust less when it’s windy or drizzling. It feels a bit calmer: more “in your own bubble,” while you still get to see the city.
A quick check to decide: even without rain, open cruising can feel chilly, especially if you’re sitting still and there’s wind. (Partly) covered can feel a bit more “indoors” if you want a very wide, open view. And in wet weather it helps if visibility stays good (for example, if droplets or condensation can be wiped away quickly). If you keep this in mind beforehand, your choice usually becomes obvious.
Rain in Amsterdam: when is covered actually the smarter choice?
Rain by itself is often still fine. It’s mainly the combination of rain *and* wind that determines how comfortable it stays. (Partly) covered cruising takes care of the most important part for you: sitting dry and sheltered, so your attention stays on the city instead of your hood.
In changeable weather, a partly covered boat or a boat with a flexible canopy gives you extra room to adapt. You keep more of that outdoor feeling, while your upper body and legs stay dry more often. That’s handy if you don’t want to keep gambling on “maybe it’ll stop in a minute.”
How you experience the trip matters too. If you’re mostly sitting still, you’ll feel cool air sooner. And duration plays a role: on a short trip, open is often fine, but on longer cruises many people prefer (partly) covered because you stay comfortable for longer, drier and more out of the wind.
When (partly) covered often fits best: if you want to continue with your day afterward (for example, a reservation or another activity) and you’d like to arrive dry. When open often works better: if you’ve got flexibility in your schedule and you’re coming specifically for that real outdoor feeling.
What should you plan smartly in advance?
You usually get the most calm in your schedule by locking in two things: a time slot and a departure point that makes sense along your route. That prevents rushing and gives you a relaxed start. The rest is often better kept a bit flexible, so you can adapt more easily to the weather and to how you feel in the moment.
The type of cruise also helps you choose: shared or private. Private means your own group and gives you more control over the vibe. Shared is simply easy: join in and go, without organizing anything. Extras like drinks, a guide, or audio are best chosen based on what you enjoy: more stories and context, or just quietly taking it all in without too much information.
Quick decision help by group
Open cruising is best if unobstructed views and photos are the priority. (Partly) covered is usually more comfortable if you’re with kids, if you want to sit longer without dealing with wet clothes, or if you’d rather not depend on a dry spell.
Still unsure? Ask yourself one question: after it’s over, do you mostly want to think “great to be outside,” or “nice and comfortable without hassle from the weather and my stuff”? That feeling usually points you straight to open or (partly) covered.
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Caroline Tate writes about travel the way she actually does it. Sometimes planned, sometimes not, always curious. She believes good trips don’t need big budgets, just a bit of nerve and a willingness to get lost. Currently based in Austin, usually dreaming about somewhere else.