Welcome onboard

Merlijn is a fully equipped small River-Cruise-Ship, capable of hosting 24 passengers. Built in 1930 as a freighter and converted to a luxurious and authentic cruise ship in 2002. Since then she is without a doubt the most elegant lady on the European rivers.

Cruise in style on a converted vintage barge

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What we offer you

  • Bike & Barge trips in Europe
  • Cruise only trips in Europe
  • Individual bookings directly through our website
  • Reserve and pay online
  • Reserve the entire barge for your group
  • Charter the entire barge with your company
  • Large, bright lounge/restaurant
  • Professional kitchen
  • Manned bar service
  • Luxurious, spacious cabins
  • with your own bathroom

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Highlighted

A big fan of Merlijn and want to support us? Book your 2021 holiday now! For example our most wanted Holland Tulip Tour

7 days Amsterdam - Amsterdam / March 27th - April 2nd

Bike, Barge & Cruise the Green heart of Holland with all kinds of nature. Entrance to the Flower exhibition 'Keukenhof' included.

* All deposit are covered by the guarantee scheme provided by VZR Garant. (like allways)

Take a look
Merlijn's magical Christmas cruise | 'Along the German Christmas markets

Merlijn's magical Christmas cruise

December 02 - 06 / 2020
Departure port: Düsseldorf Destination: Münster Countries: Germany Travel time: 5 days
Book now
12 cabin(s) available
Your bikes are put away for the winter and the holidays approach. You are not ready to hibernate just yet! May we suggest a German Christmas Market Cruise?
€ 945,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
Holland Tulip tour

Holland Tulip tour

March 27 - April 02 / 2021
Departure port: Amsterdam Destination: Amsterdam Countries: Netherlands Travel time: 7 days Average biking distance per day: 35 to 55 km
Book now
12 cabin(s) available
Bike, Barge and Cruise through the Green heart of Holland, with its diverse landscapes and cityscapes. Entrance to the floral attraction ‘the Keukenhof’ included.
€ 1.585,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
Holland Texel-island tour

Holland Texel-island tour

May 22 - 29 / 2021
Departure port: Amsterdam Destination: Amsterdam Countries: Netherlands Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day: 35 to 55 KM
Book now
12 cabin(s) available
NEW TOUR: Bike, Barge and Cruise Northern-Netherlands. Bike along 'the Zaansche schans' and experience Texel-Island 'a country on it's own'. Visit to a cheese farm included.
€ 1.635,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
View all available tours

Where we sail

The no. 1 in bike and barge cruises across Europe

The Merlijn sails on:

  • All rivers & lakes of Holland/Netherlands, including the IJssel, Meuse, IJssel Lake, inland lakes of the Randmeren, the Waddensea, the Groene Hart van Holland (Green Heartlands) commencing in Amsterdam and running via Gouda/Delft to Kinderdijk. 
  • In Germany we sail the Rhine, Moselle, Saar, Main, Main-Danube-canal, Danube, Neckar, Midlandcanal, Havel, Weser, Oder, Peene & more. 
  • In Belgium we sail the Schelde and several canals to Bruges & Brussels, from there to Maastricht.
  • In France we sail the Moselle, as far as to Nancy.
  • In Poland we sail the West-Odra and cross the Lake Stettiner haff, also we dock in the city of Szczecin.
  • The Danube deserves a special mention: from 2022 we will sail on this river through Germany & Austria until we reach Vienna.
  • From 2023 on we add a little more and we also cross Slovakia to sail as far as Budapest in Hungary.

Merlijn's Captain knows all these waters & their natural surroundings well, and knows where the most tranquil spots are to be found. 

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The last news

Renovation upper-deck finished

Friday 06 december 2019

Renovation upper-deck finished

After a long time thinking, planning and designing we proudly present our new upper-deck interior!

See all pictures in our photo album

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Merlijn goes to the Blue Danube!

Monday 15 april 2019

Merlijn goes to the Blue Danube!

We are planning to sail the Blue Danube in 2022!

More news coming soon

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Merlijn has new owners

Friday 22 february 2019

Merlijn has new owners

We are Coen & Cristina, here is a short introduction about us, the proud new owners of Merlijn.

A dream coming true, that is.......

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12 july 2019

Magdeburg to Berlin 'West meets East Germany tour"

Thank you, Coen and Christina! This was our third trip aboard the Merlijn and we had a wonderful time. Your hospitality is excellent—our whole family enjoyed the cruise—and we recommend your bike and barge trips for people who appreciate great biking, comfortable accommodations, and an all-around great experience. Merlijn continues to be magic on the water and we look forward to our next cruise with you.