Meeting & Sailing Combo: Pair Hotel Old Dutch’s Conference Room with a Marken Express Cruise

Looking to turn a standard off-site into something unforgettable? Combine the convenience of the Hotel Old Dutch conference room with the fresh-air energy of a Marken Express cruise. Start with a focused session in a fully equipped, harbourfront meeting space for up to 16 people, then step outside and sail across the Markermeer on heated boats with a bar and panoramic deck. This work‑plus‑water formula puts productivity and authentic Volendam atmosphere in one seamless experience.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to plan the perfect “meeting and sailing” day: where to meet, what’s on board the boats, suggested agendas, and practical tips to get your team aligned and inspired.

Why a meeting and sailing combo works

A successful business gathering balances concentration with connection. Hosting your meeting at Hotel Old Dutch and following it with a Marken Express cruise creates a natural arc to the day: focused collaboration first, then shared discovery on the water.

• Prime location: Hotel Old Dutch sits directly on Volendam’s harbour (Haven 142), with panoramic views over the IJsselmeer and Amsterdam “around the corner” for easy access.
• Right-sized meeting space: The hotel’s separate conference room is suitable for up to 16 people, ideal for board sessions, workshops, and leadership huddles.
• Effortless transition: Step out from the dike to the pier and board the Volendam–Marken Express. The 30‑minute crossing delivers open water, fresh perspective, and conversation‑friendly downtime.
• Comfort on board: Boats are heated and feature a bar, toilet, sound system for live commentary, and a panoramic deck for wide water views.

Meet at Hotel Old Dutch: focus, comfort, and cuisine

The conference room at a glance

• Capacity: Meetings for up to 16 people
• Facilities: Equipped with the necessary business‑meeting facilities
• Setting: A separate, quiet space at the harbour in the heart of Volendam
• Business stays: Ideal for company outings, conferences, meetings, and overnight stays

Hotel Old Dutch combines traditional Dutch hospitality with modern comfort. The property features 32 rooms and complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout, making it practical for teams who want to work, dine, and—if needed—stay the night.

On‑site dining: Restaurant Le Pompadour

Fuel your session with quality cuisine at Restaurant Le Pompadour, known locally for its extensive menu and high‑quality dishes. It’s open for lunch and dinner, with a scenic outdoor terrace directly on the harbour.

• Business lunches: Yes—combine your meeting with lunch at Le Pompadour. For groups larger than 10, please reserve in advance.
• Team dinners: Celebrate a productive day with dinner right downstairs, then enjoy a harbourfront stroll.

Stays and packages

If your program spans more than a day, overnight in one of the hotel’s comfortable rooms (check‑in from 14:00, check‑out by 11:00). Explore the hotel’s Special package deals, including the Harbour package (with a boat trip to Marken) or the Summer Package featuring dinner. Guests who book directly receive €10 bar credit per stay.

Sail with the Volendam–Marken Express: unwind and connect

Turn your meeting’s momentum into shared memories on the water. The Volendam–Marken Express operates daily crossings between Volendam and Marken, typically about every 45 minutes, with extra sailings in peak periods.

Onboard features that matter for teams

• Comfort in any season: Heated vessels keep everyone comfortable
• Convenience: Toilet onboard
• Refreshments: Bar service for drinks and light snacks
• Learning & context: Live commentary via the sound system
• Views: Panoramic deck for open‑air seating and photo‑worthy scenery

Practical planning notes

• Crossing time: Approximately 30 minutes each way
• Tickets: Buy online in advance for smoother boarding
• Extras: Combination tickets can bundle the ferry with local treats and attractions (e.g., Coffee & Apple Pie, a visit to the Clog Factory in Marken, or Woltje’s Bakery)
• Mobility options: It’s possible to bring bicycles or scooters onboard (tickets required)

Options for larger or special groups

For elevated experiences, the Volendam–Marken Express offers group meeting options that can include a private deck, a VIP space on board, or even chartering a complete ship, depending on group size and event goals.

Your at‑a‑glance plan (meeting vs. sailing)

Sample agendas you can adapt

These outlines are designed to help you map the flow of the day. Adjust timings around your agenda and the current sailing schedule.

Half‑day plus cruise

1. Morning — Arrival coffee; goal‑setting and presentations in the conference room
2. Late morning — Breakout discussion; action planning
3. Lunch — Business lunch at Restaurant Le Pompadour (reserve ahead for >10)
4. Afternoon — Walk to the pier; 30‑minute cruise to Marken for fresh air and informal networking; return to Volendam
5. Wrap‑up — Optional terrace drinks on the harbour

Full‑day meeting with dinner

1. Morning — Workshop or training session in the conference room
2. Lunch — Le Pompadour; regroup and recharge
3. Afternoon — Short closing session; commitments and next steps
4. Late afternoon — Cruise to Marken and back; enjoy onboard commentary and views from the panoramic deck
5. Evening — Dinner at Le Pompadour to celebrate milestones and strengthen relationships

Extend the experience with local activities

If you want to add more colour to your program, Volendam Events partners with Hotel Old Dutch, offering a broad range of themed activities—from lighthearted quizzes to creative workshops—that can be combined with your overnight stay. This makes it easy to tailor a complete corporate outing in and around the harbour.

Practical takeaways and tips

• Right‑size your meeting: The conference room fits up to 16. For larger groups, consider splitting sessions or exploring the Marken Express group spaces (private deck/VIP/full‑ship options).
• Reserve meals smartly: For lunch groups over 10 at Le Pompadour, reserve in advance.
• Check the sailings: Crossings run daily with departures typically every ~45 minutes and extra sailings in busy periods. Confirm current times when planning.
• Buy ferry tickets online: Pre‑purchase to streamline boarding; consider combination add‑ons for a curated experience.
• Leverage on‑board comfort: Boats are heated with a bar, toilet, and panoramic deck, so you can relax regardless of the season.
• Plan for overnights: With 32 rooms and free Wi‑Fi, Hotel Old Dutch is ready for multi‑day agendas; explore Special package deals (e.g., the Harbour package includes a boat trip to Marken).
• Consider a tailor‑made program: The hotel can arrange custom business meetings and company outings, combining meeting space, meals, stays, and local activities.
• Use direct‑booking perks: €10 bar credit per stay is included when you book your room directly with the hotel.

Quick answers (for fast planners)

• How many people fit in the Hotel Old Dutch conference room? Up to 16.
• How long is the Volendam–Marken ferry ride? About 30 minutes.
• Are the boats heated and is there a bar? Yes—heated vessels with a bar, toilet, and panoramic deck.
• Is there live commentary during the crossing? Yes—via the onboard sound system.
• Can we combine a meeting with lunch or dinner? Yes—Restaurant Le Pompadour serves lunch and dinner; reserve in advance for groups over 10.
• Does the hotel organize complete corporate outings? Yes—tailor‑made business services are available.
• Is Wi‑Fi free at the hotel? Yes—complimentary Wi‑Fi in all areas.
• Where is the hotel? Haven 142, 1131 EW Volendam, directly on the harbour.
• Can we buy ferry tickets online? Yes—online ticketing is available.
• Can we bring bicycles or scooters on the ferry? Yes—tickets are available to bring bikes or scooters on board.

Conclusion: Make your next meeting memorable on land and water

Pairing the Hotel Old Dutch conference room with a Marken Express cruise blends productive work with an authentic taste of Volendam. With a right‑sized, well‑equipped meeting space, quality dining at Restaurant Le Pompadour, heated boats with a bar and panoramic deck, and the option to customize your outing, this combo delivers impact and ease in equal measure.

Ready to plan your Meeting & Sailing Combo? Contact Hotel Old Dutch to discuss dates, room availability, dining, and tailored options:

• Email: info@olddutch.nl
• Phone: (+31)299 39 98 88
• WhatsApp for inquiries: +31 299 399 888

Ask about business services, Special package deals (including the Harbour package), and tailor‑made corporate outings. Your team’s most memorable meeting yet starts on the harbour in Volendam.