I am not from Amsterdam, but will be visiting over Queen's Day next April. I've done it before and really thought those people on the boats were having a great time.

Does anyone know if there are any party boats you can hitch a ride on, for a fee or otherwise? I don't want to rent a whole boat or drive one myself, and I don't know anyone or any group in Amsterdam who will be renting one. I was just wondering if some of the boats are commercial operations that charge a fee to ride for a few hours.

Boom Chicago is an American comedy club in Amsterdam that has, as a sideline, been running tourist boats and may well do so on Queen's Day. Check with
http://www.boomchicago.nl/en/show-an...ence/reach-us/

The boatfuls I saw last April seemed to be people who knew each other, not just 'riders'...

I have no experience of them, but I think that the majority of boats are just groups of friends on their own boat. I can't recall seeing any commercial boats, but it's a while since I went into Amsterdam on Koninginnedag.

travelnut and hetismij -- I agree, it looked like everyone knew each other. However, it was a party atmosphere, with lots of alcohol, so it wouldn't take long to get to know the people on your boat.

Apparently private boats are not generally allowed on the canals -- except on Queen's Day, so everyone jumps at the chance that day and brings out their own boats.

Oh well, it's fun to watch even if you aren't on the water. Perhaps renting a houseboat with a terrace as our residence that week would be a good substitute if no one knows how to get on one of the cruising party boats.

The comment about no private boats except Queen's day - I don't think that is correct - it seems to me as I have watched the boats going by on the canals that many of them are private - many are fairly small with only 3 or 4 people on board. And as to the Boom Chicago boats - that is part of the St. Nicholas Boat club - look at www. amsterdamboatclub.com. That would be ideal for you BUT I don't know if they run on Queen's Day and you have to sign up for the cruises in person after you get to Amsterdam. Might be fun for another day tho!

After seeing Queen's Day again this year I don't think I would want to get on a boat. Here is my photo report: http://tinyurl.com/55px5p