Cheese and wine float through Haarlem. I love the canal views as the boat slides past historic bridges, and the heated boarding area makes the start feel easy.

On this Smidtje Canal Cruises outing, the Dutch cheeses and three wines are portioned just right for a 1.5-hour plan, with a host onboard to keep things moving.

One caution: if you’re hoping for deeper Haarlem commentary, you may feel the city talk is lighter than the food focus.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Haarlem from the water: you get a postcard angle on bridges and waterfront streets without walking.
• Dutch cheeses + three wines: the tasting is built into the cruise, not treated like an add-on.
• Heated boarding and on-board comfort: warmer waiting and basic amenities help the experience feel “handled.”
• A host on board: you’re not left figuring things out during the tasting.
• July and August only: plan around the seasonal schedule so you don’t miss it.

Haarlem From a Boat: Why This Cruise Feels Special

A canal cruise in Haarlem already sounds like a good idea. This one adds the part that makes it more fun than just scenery: Dutch cheeses and three wines served while you ride.

Haarlem’s canals work like a shortcut to seeing the city in a way you can’t replicate on foot. From the water, you notice the angles of bridges, the rhythm of canal-side buildings, and how the whole historic center lines up when viewed from the deck. It’s a different kind of sightseeing—slow, easy, and very focused on enjoying the moment.

What I like most is that the cruise doesn’t ask you to be an expert. You don’t need to know the difference between dozens of Dutch cheeses to have a good time. If you enjoy food and want a relaxed afternoon, you’ll be in the right headspace.

Getting On Board: Heated Start, Host Help, Basic Amenities

The first thing you notice is the tone: this feels organized. You board at a heated boarding location, which matters more than it sounds. Even on a short trip, being comfortable at the start sets you up to enjoy the rest of the experience without fuss.

Once you’re on board, there’s a host on board and a guiding skipper, plus a bar. You also have a toilet on board, which is a small detail that makes a big difference on a 90-minute outing—especially if you’re squeezing this into a busy Haarlem day.

If you’re the type who likes to know what’s happening (and when you’ll get the cheese and wine), the presence of the host is reassuring. You can sit back, look around, and follow along instead of trying to decode the schedule yourself.

Cheese and Wine: What the Tasting Includes and How to Approach It

This cruise is built around a simple idea: pair good local dairy with wine while you watch Haarlem from the water. You’ll get Dutch cheeses and three wines, and the setup is designed to fit the time—about 1.5 hours.

Here’s how I’d approach the tasting so you get the most out of it:

• Start with a cheese first, then taste a wine right after so you can notice the pairing effect.
• Pace yourself. Three wines in 90 minutes is enough to feel the experience, but it’s still a daytime cruise—so don’t rush.
• If you’re not a wine person, you’re still covered. You can treat the wine as part of the sensory experience, not a homework assignment.

The biggest practical value of this included tasting is that you’re not hunting for cheese shops and wine bars during your limited time in Haarlem. For a set price, you get the core experience right there on the boat.

The Canal Route: Bridges, Landmarks, and the Pace of the Ride

The ride focuses on the canals that make Haarlem so photogenic. You’ll be out on the water for about 90 minutes, taking in views of historic landmarks and picturesque bridges as you cruise.

Because the cruise is timed and designed around the tasting, the pace stays comfortable. It’s not a “get off and explore a neighborhood” tour. It’s a “watch the city move by” experience, which I love when you’re doing sightseeing back-to-back and want something that doesn’t demand walking.

One note from a common theme in the experience: the food-and-wine vibe is strong, while the city explanation can feel like it needs more depth. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a running commentary of what each bridge or landmark represents, you may want to mentally supplement with your own quick reading beforehand. Even without that, the views do the heavy lifting.

Where the Value Really Comes From: $40 and What’s Included

At $40 per person, the value comes from packing several things together:

• a 90-minute canal cruise
• Dutch cheeses
• three wines
• a host
• a toilet on board
• and a bar (so you can purchase additional drinks if you want)

If you tried to recreate this yourself in Haarlem, you’d likely spend money on the boat portion and then still need to budget for food and wine. Here, the tasting is included, which makes it easier to plan. You’re paying for an experience that covers the ride and a structured tasting, not just a scenic transfer.

Is it pricey? For a canal cruise, it’s in the “more than basic sightseeing” category, mainly because the cheeses and wines are part of the package. But if you like to drink and snack your way through a city, this is the kind of deal that turns a sightseeing hour into an afternoon you’ll actually remember.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Want to Skip It)

This is clearly aimed at adults. The minimum age is 18, and children under 18 aren’t suitable. If you want a calmer, grown-up outing with food and wine, that restriction is a plus.

It also isn’t built for every kind of traveler. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. And while dogs aren’t allowed, assistance dogs are allowed, so service needs are acknowledged.

Best fit in my view:

• Couples and friends who want a relaxed Haarlem experience
• Food lovers who enjoy Dutch cheese and wine pairings
• Travelers who want a canal view without building an entire day around shops

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll need a different activity. If mobility is an issue for you, don’t assume it’s like other city sightseeing—take this label seriously and plan accordingly.

The Small Downsides to Plan For

No experience is perfect, and this one has a couple of practical watch-outs.

First, there’s the commentary factor. Some people want more information about the city while the cruise is happening. If you’re after stories, names, and context, plan to rely on your own knowledge or pre-reading, because the experience can lean more toward tasting and atmosphere than deep sightseeing narration.

Second, the schedule is seasonal. This cruise is only available in July and August. If your trip falls outside those months, you’ll need to look at other activities in Haarlem.

Finally, pets are not allowed (with assistance dogs allowed). If traveling with a dog is part of your plan, you’ll need an alternative.

Tips to Make Your 90 Minutes Better

A short cruise can be either great or forgettable depending on how you handle it. Here are a few ways to get more out of the time you’ll have:

• Treat it like a tasting, not just a ride. When the cheese and wine arrive, slow down and actually pay attention to the pairing.
• Come with a light appetite. You’re getting cheeses, but you’ll still enjoy the overall flow if you’re not starting with a full meal.
• Expect it to be adults-first. With an 18+ minimum age, it’s usually a more relaxed vibe for conversation and sipping.
• Plan your Haarlem day around it. Since it’s only 90 minutes, you’ll want another activity before or after—this works best as part of an easy itinerary, not the only “event” of your day.

Should You Book the Smidtje Cheese and Wine Cruise Through Haarlem?

If you want a simple, enjoyable Haarlem afternoon with real local flavor, I think this is a solid booking. The included Dutch cheeses and three wines make it feel like you’re getting more than a basic canal ride. The boat setup—heated boarding, host onboard, and a toilet—also helps it feel comfortable and well run.

Book it if:

• you like canal views and want a relaxed pace
• you enjoy cheese and wine
• you’re traveling in July or August
• you’re 18+ and fine with no pets

Skip it (or look for another option) if:

• you strongly prefer detailed city commentary during tours
• you need accessibility accommodations, since it’s not suitable for mobility impairments
• you’re traveling with children under 18
• your travel dates fall outside July and August

FAQ

How long is the Local Cheese and Wine Cruise through Haarlem?

The cruise lasts about 90 minutes (1.5 hours).

What’s included in the ticket price?

You get the canal cruise, Dutch cheeses, three wines, a host, a guiding skipper, a toilet on board, and access to the bar (where drinks can be purchased).

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. The minimum age is 18, and children under 18 aren’t suitable.

Are pets allowed on board?

Pets are not allowed. Assistance dogs are allowed.

Does the boat have a toilet?

Yes, there is a toilet on board.

What language is the host speaking?

The host or greeter is available in English.

When is this cruise available?

It’s only available in July and August.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.