17th Century Amsterdam History VR Canal Cruise
Free cancellation up to 24h
Sail through Amsterdam's canals and slip into the 17th century with VR glasses at key spots—watch the same waterways transform from bustling historic quaysides back to today's city. A 75-minute cruise blending real scenery with seven animated time-travel moments.
- Sail through Amsterdam's canals while seeing 1650s scenes in VR.
- Put on headset at key spots and watch history unfold around you.
- Compare past and present buildings in the exact same location instantly.
Travel 400 years back in time. Experience Amsterdam in real time.
Highlights
- Sail through Amsterdam's canals while seeing 1650s scenes in VR.
- Put on headset at key spots and watch history unfold around you.
- Compare past and present buildings in the exact same location instantly.
- Relax on deck most of the time, VR comes to you.
- Sail through Amsterdam's canals while seeing 1650s scenes in VR.
- Put on headset at key spots and watch history unfold around you.
- Compare past and present buildings in the exact same location instantly.
- Relax on deck most of the time, VR comes to you.
- minutes total: real city views plus seven animated historical moments.
Choose your date and tickets
Three simple steps: number of tickets, date and departure time.
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Departures between 12:25 and 12:25
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About this activity
This VR canal cruise in Amsterdam combines real sightseeing with virtual reality to show you the city across centuries. You'll sail smoothly past gabled houses and arched bridges while listening to stories about Amsterdam's history. At key moments, you'll put on VR glasses and watch the same canal transform into bustling 1650s Amsterdam—with reconstructed buildings, busy quaysides, and daily life unfolding around you in 360°. When you remove the headset, you're back to the present day, able to compare past and present in the exact same spot. The 75-minute journey includes about 15 minutes of VR spread across seven separate scenes, so most of the cruise is spent relaxing without the headset. The boat holds up to 50 guests, and audio guides are available in Dutch or English.
What's included?
Included
- 75-minute cruise
- VR glasses at selected spots
- 7 separate VR animations
- Approximately 15 minutes of VR content
- Onboard audio guide
- Audio available in Dutch or English
- Capacity for up to 50 guests
Not included
- Food and beverages
- 1# Route / Programme
- 2Board at Rijksmuseum (Stadhouderskade 520) and begin cruising Amsterdam's canals in the present day.
- 3Listen to onboard audio guide introducing the city's history and stories as you glide past gabled houses and bridges.
- 4At the first selected spot, put on VR glasses and view Amsterdam in the 1650s—bustling quaysides, historic façades, and waterfront activity in full 360°.
- 5Remove headset and compare the same canal view in today's Amsterdam.
- 6Cruise to the next location and repeat the VR experience (7 separate animations total, approximately 2 minutes each).
- 7Continue sailing between real-world sightseeing and seven distinct VR moments, each tied to your position on the route.
- 8Final comparison: observe present-day Amsterdam from the water as the cruise concludes (75 minutes total).
• Experience lasts 75 minutes total, with approximately 15 minutes of VR across 7 separate animations • Most of the cruise is enjoyed without the VR headset, allowing you to relax and take in the real city • Audio guide available in Dutch or English • Boat capacity: up to 50 guests • Free cancellation and time changes up to 24 hours before departure • No changes or cancellations permitted within 24 hours of departure The VR segments are kept intentionally short, with each animation lasting no more than about two minutes and longer breaks in between, to limit the risk of motion sickness. You can remove the headset at any moment if you feel unwell, and the host on board is available to assist if signs of motion sickness occur. This experience combines audio, visuals and boat motion, which may be overwhelming for guests who are sensory sensitive; anyone in doubt is encouraged to contact Stromma beforehand for personal advice. The boats are not wheelchair accessible, since boarding involves about three steps and several gangways are only reachable via stairs. Guests using a hearing aid may find some parts of the experience harder to follow, as the audio guide and VR sound rely on headphones or built-in speakers; contacting Stromma in advance is recommended so accommodations can be discussed. Reservation is required in advance; tickets cannot be bought on board. Recommended arrival is 15 minutes before departure so crew can explain the VR headset. The VR glasses are designed to fit children from age 6 and up. Audio guide and VR narration are available in Dutch or English. VR glasses can be worn over most regular glasses and contact lenses. The boats are not wheelchair accessible; boarding requires climbing about three steps. Strollers and large luggage cannot be brought on board due to limited space and safety rules. There is a toilet on board and the boat has a roof and heating. No wifi is available on board, though mobile reception works. Smoking and pets are generally not allowed on board. Bringing your own food or drinks is not permitted; snacks can be bought at the departure shop, but greasy food is discouraged as it can damage the VR lenses. extra fact You must reserve a seat in advance; tickets cannot be bought on board. The VR headsets are designed to fit children from age 6 onwards, so this tour is suitable for kids from 6 years old. The onboard commentary and VR narration are available in Dutch or English. The boats are not wheelchair accessible: boarding requires stepping down three steps and many gangways are stairs-only; a folded wheelchair may be brought aboard if the guest can manage a few steps. Strollers and pushchairs cannot be taken on board for safety reasons, but can be left at the departure shop. There is a toilet on board and the boats have heating and a roof, making the cruise suitable in all seasons. Bringing your own food or drinks is not permitted; refreshments can be purchased at the departure location. Pets are generally not allowed on board, though assistance dogs are always welcome. Smoking is not permitted on board. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before departure so the crew can explain how to use the VR headset.
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund. You can also change your departure time to another time on the same or a different day, provided you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations and changes are no longer possible within 24 hours of departure.
Operated by Stromma Nederland BV
More about Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) →
Frequently asked questions
How long does the VR Canal Cruise last?
The experience lasts 75 minutes in total, with about 15 minutes of VR spread across 7 separate animations throughout the cruise.
How much VR will I experience during the cruise?
You'll wear VR glasses at selected spots along the route for about 15 minutes total. Most of the 75-minute cruise is spent enjoying the real canal without a headset.
What languages are available?
Audio is available in Dutch or English for both the VR experience and the onboard guide.
How many people can join the cruise?
The boat welcomes up to 40 guests, making it suitable for families and groups.
What are the ticket prices?
Adult tickets are from 29,50 till €39, depends on how advance you book
Kan ik de VR-bril over mijn eigen bril of lenzen dragen?
Ja, de VR-bril is gemaakt om over de meeste brillen te passen en lenzen vormen geen probleem.
Is de cruise geschikt voor kinderen?
Kinderen vanaf 6 jaar kunnen meevaren, omdat de VR-bril vanaf die leeftijd goed past.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge or change your departure time up until 24 hours before the cruise. Within 24 hours of departure, cancellations or changes are no longer possible.



