Baby shower · relaxed afternoon cruise
Baby shower on a boat in Zwolle
A baby shower on the water is calmer than a café and more personal than a hired room. And most importantly: the mum-to-be doesn't have to organise a thing.
- Party size
- 10 to 30 people
- Duration
- 1.5 hours is ideal
- Best time
- Afternoon
- From
- € 30,- p.p.
A baby shower revolves around one person who needs to be comfortable. That makes the choices different from a regular drinks cruise: a shorter trip, a quieter time of day, less alcohol and attention to practical things that don't come up with other groups.
An afternoon cruise of an hour and a half is the best format in practice. Long enough for the full loop along the city canal, presents and a game, and short enough to stay comfortable.
The boat is private, so you set the pace yourselves. You can decorate the sloop beforehand, bring your own cake and shape the cruise exactly the way the mum-to-be likes it.
Comfort for the mum-to-be
Toilet. This is the most important practical point at a baby shower: there's no toilet on board. So keep the cruise to an hour or an hour and a half, or agree a short stop in advance so the mum-to-be can step ashore for a moment.
Boarding. You board from the quayside using a step. In later pregnancy that's perfectly doable, but let the mum board first while the boat is still empty and the skipper can help.
Seating. Ask for a spot in the middle of the boat, back against the cushions. That's where you feel the movement least and sit out of the wind.
Duration. An hour and a half is the limit beyond which most mums-to-be get uncomfortable. Two hours is possible, but plan a stop along the way.
Alcohol-free, and still festive
Despite its name, the Business Morning Cruise is the best-suited package for a baby shower: coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and a little pastry, for € 30,- per person for an hour and a half. No alcohol involved.
If you'd still like bubbles for the guests who do drink, we combine that in consultation. Alcohol-free prosecco is possible too; mention it when you book.
Your own cake is welcome. Practical point: on an open boat in summer, whipped cream goes soft quickly. In warm weather choose something sturdier, or tell us the cake should stay chilled until it's cut.
Presents and games on a moving boat
Unwrapping presents works well on board, provided you set out a bag or box for the paper beforehand. On the water, anything you set down for a second blows away.
Games that work sitting down, work: guessing the size of the bump with a ribbon, matching baby photos to guests, writing wishes for the baby, or the classic predictions on slips of paper. Anything that involves standing up or throwing is a bad idea on a moving boat.
If you want photos with the canal as backdrop, ask the skipper to stop briefly at the Sassenpoort. On a moving boat, group photos rarely come out sharp.
How to plan it
- Choose an afternoon cruise of an hour and a half. That's the most comfortable for most mums-to-be.
- Mention when booking that it's a baby shower and whether you'd like a short stop along the way.
- Sort the cake and say whether it should stay chilled until it's cut.
- Set out a bag for the wrapping paper beforehand.
- Choose games that work sitting down and agree when the boat lies still for the group photo.
Book Baby shower in Zwolle
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll think along about the duration, the boat and the programme. No obligation, and usually an answer within a day.
Request a tailored quoteWhatsApp +31 6 34274760Or email info@rondjegrachtzwolle.nl
Matching packages
- Business Morning Cruise
From € 30,00 p.p.
Despite the name, the best fit: coffee, tea, soft drinks and cake without alcohol, and the cheapest option per person.
- Prosecco Boat
From € 39,50 p.p.
If part of the group does want to raise a glass. Alcohol-free bubbles for the mum-to-be are arranged in consultation.
- Private Boat Rental
From € 250,- per boat
Cheaper with fewer than ten guests, and you may then bring your own food and drinks.
Tailored quote
Calculate the price for baby shower
Fill in your wishes below and receive a no-obligation tailored quote for your cruise on the canals of Zwolle.
Frequently asked questions about baby shower in Zwolle
Is a boat trip safe during pregnancy?
The city canal is flat water and we sail slowly, so there's hardly any movement. Boarding from the quayside does need a little care. If you're in doubt because of your pregnancy, check with your midwife. We take the mum-to-be into account when boarding and choosing her seat.
Is there a toilet on board?
No, there's no toilet on board. At a baby shower that's an important point: keep the cruise to an hour or an hour and a half, or mention when booking that you'd like a short stop.
Can we book a baby shower without alcohol?
Yes. The package with coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and a pastry costs € 30,- per person for an hour and a half and contains no alcohol. Alcohol-free bubbles can be arranged on request.
Can we decorate the boat for the baby shower?
Absolutely. Garlands, bunting, flowers and your own decorations are welcome, as long as everything is secured. No loose balloons or confetti, because they end up in the canal.
How long should a baby shower cruise be?
An hour and a half. That's enough for the full loop along the city canal plus presents and a game, and it's comfortable for the mum-to-be. Two hours is possible, but plan a stop along the way.
Is your question not listed? Check the general FAQ or get in touch.
