PBT BLOG

Some boats are simply part of a fleet.
The Paradis is more than that.
She is where the story of Private Boat Tours began.
When the company was founded in 1992, it started with a single boat: the Paradis. From that first salon boat, Private Boat Tours grew over more than three decades into a fleet of six historic salon boats.
When you step aboard the Paradis, you are therefore not simply cruising through Amsterdam.
You are stepping aboard the boat where the story began – a story built around private experiences, personal service and classic vessels on the Amsterdam canals.
A Modest Beginning
In 1992, it all started with one boat.
No large fleet. No extensive collection of historic vessels.
Just the Paradis and a clear ambition: to allow people to experience Amsterdam from the water in a personal and stylish way.
That philosophy has never disappeared.
Quite the opposite.
It remains at the heart of Private Boat Tours today.
Timeless Elegance on the Amsterdam Canals
The Paradis demonstrates that luxury does not always have to be grand.
This intimate historic salon boat in Amsterdam accommodates up to 12 guests for drinks and up to 6 guests for a seated dinner.
Her classic teakwood details, bevelled glass and marble bar give the interior an elegant yet authentic character.
The result is an atmosphere in which you can easily imagine yourself in another era.
But with all the comfort of today.
A Historic Salon Boat with Character
The Paradis was restored in 1992, preserving her authentic character while ensuring that she could continue to welcome guests in comfort.
Her classic interior is an essential part of the experience.
The combination of wood, glass and marble creates a calm and refined atmosphere that feels both timeless and welcoming.
Modern facilities are also available on board, including heating, a sound system and a refrigerated bar.
This makes the Paradis a comfortable choice for private cruises in different seasons.
A Small Group, A Great Experience
Because the Paradis is relatively intimate in size, the personal character of a private boat tour in Amsterdam really comes into its own.
With a small group, you can cruise through Amsterdam in comfort without the boat ever feeling large or impersonal.
This makes the Paradis particularly well suited to:
a romantic boat trip;
drinks with friends;
an intimate private dinner;
a special celebration;
a relaxed afternoon on the Amsterdam canals.
The city becomes your backdrop.
The boat becomes your living room.
The Beginning of a Historic Fleet
From the Paradis, Private Boat Tours continued to grow.
Today, the fleet consists of five classic salon boats: Lieve, Stern, Paradis, Ivresse and Belle Époque. Each vessel has its own character, history and atmosphere.
But the Paradis remains the starting point.
Without her, there would be no fleet.
Recognised as a Sailing Monument
The Paradis is also part of the Private Boat Tours fleet recognised as Varend Monument (Sailing Monument) by the Federation of Dutch Maritime Heritage.
This recognition fits particularly well with her role within Private Boat Tours.
She represents not only the history of a historic vessel, but also the history of the company itself.
More than three decades ago, the story began here.
And that story is still being written – and sailed – today.
Why the Paradis Remains Special
Perhaps the most appealing thing about the Paradis is that she does not need to prove that she is special.
She has history.
She has character.
And she has a unique place in the story of Private Boat Tours.
When the Paradis cruises through Amsterdam's historic canals, two stories come together: the story of a classic salon boat and the story of a company that has believed for more than three decades that Amsterdam is best experienced from the water.
Experience the Paradis in Amsterdam
Would you like to discover why the Paradis is at the heart of the Private Boat Tours story?
Book a private boat tour in Amsterdam and experience the city aboard this elegant historic salon boat.
Whether you are planning a romantic cruise, an intimate dinner, drinks with friends or a special celebration, the Paradis offers a unique way to experience Amsterdam from the water.
Step aboard the Paradis and become part of her story.

