Welcome onboard

Merlijn is a fully equipt small River-Cruise-Ship, hosting 24 passengers. Build in 1930 as a freighter and converted to a luxurious cruise ship in 2002. Since then she is with no doubt the most elegant lady of all rivers in Europe.

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 the entire ship for your group
  • Charter the barge with your company
  • Large, bright lounge/restaurant
  • Luxurious, spacious cabins

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Highlighted

2021 New tour: Holland Texel-island tour

8 days Amsterdam – Amsterdam

HIGHLIGHTS: Amsterdam – ‘de Zaansche schans’ with its open air museum and windmills – Texel island, ‘a country’ on its own – Beautiful open waters; UNESCO Heritage Wadden Sea, where you might be able to spot some seals – many little fishing towns on our way back to Amsterdam.

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Merlijn's magical Christmas cruise | 'Along the German Christmas markets

Merlijn's magical Christmas cruise

December 07 - 11 / 2019
Departure port: Münster Destination: Düsseldorf Countries: Germany Travel time: 5 days
12 cabin(s) available
Never seen before on the Merlin!!
Experience the magic of water during a cruise along the German Christmas markets.
Sail the mighty Rhine and the German channels.
€ 795,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
Weser-Hills tour in Germany | ‘Following in Theodor Fontane’s footsteps”

Weser-Hills tour in Germany

June 06 - 13 / 2020
Departure port: Bremen Destination: Magdeburg Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day (KM): 30 to 45
7 cabin(s) available
From the Bremen Town Musicians to Magdeburg’s Golden Rider Statue. Bike, Barge and Cruise through the ‘Weser-hills’ landscape, where tourists are hard to find.
€ 1.525,- p.p.
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East meets West Germany tour | ‘Following in Theodor Fontane’s footsteps”

East meets West Germany tour

July 04 - 11 / 2020
Departure port: Berlin/Spandau Destination: Wolfsburg Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day (KM): 25 to 50 KM
4 cabin(s) available
After designing this trip we needed a new slogan because Bike & Barge didn’t cover the load! We named it: ‘Bike & Culture”, a perfect combination between biking and culture !!
€ 1.525,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
View all available tours

Where we sail

Bike, Barge & Cruise the most beautiful rivers of Europe!

The Merlijn sails in such waters as;

  • All rivers & lakes of Holland/Netherlands, including the IJssel, Meuse, IJssel Lake, inland lakes of the Randmeren, 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 to Bruges & Brussels, from there to Maastricht.
  • In France we sail the Moselle, as far as to Nancy.
  • In Eastern Europe we sail the Danube river, as far as to 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

Never seen before on Merlijn; Christmas Cruises!

Thursday 25 july 2019

Never seen before on Merlijn; Christmas Cruises!

We proudly present!

Merlijn's magical Christmas Cruise in Germany

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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!

Don't want to miss out?! sign up for the pre-order-list now

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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 thru, that is.......

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16 july 2019

Just wanted to thank you very much for organising such a splendid holiday for me.  The entire tour was a great success with no hiccups or hitches whatsoever, thanks to your efficiency.  The barge Merlijn exceeded my expectations in every way.  The Captain, crew and guides were very professional and at the same time ensured we all had a fun trip. My trip home to Wales to see my family was also a very happy event All in all it was a holiday to remember. Thank you again, Dai.