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.

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

Merlijn's magical Christmas cruise

03 - 07 december 2019
Departure port: Düsseldorf Destination: Münster Countries: Germany Travel time: 5 days
4 cabin(s) available
Never seen before on the Merlin!!
Experience the magic of water during a cruise along the German Christmas markets.
Cruise the mighty Rhine and German channels.
€ 795,- p.p.
View the day-to-day itinerary
Merlijn's magical Christmas cruise | 'Along the German Christmas markets

Merlijn's magical Christmas cruise

07 - 11 december 2019
Departure port: Münster Destination: Düsseldorf Countries: Germany Travel time: 5 days
10 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

06 - 13 june 2020
Departure port: Bremen Destination: Magdeburg Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day (KM): 30 to 45
6 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.
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. 

View all available tours

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

Have a look
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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31 may 2018

Authentic Holland, May 19th - 25th 2018

"Dear Merlijn & staff, Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We could not have had a more fun family vacation. It's usually only once in a lifetime that a family can all be together and have so much fun. You are the best crew ever and EVERYTHING on the Merlijn was just perfect. The boat is spotless, the food amazing, the beer & bourbon exceptional, the bicycling through the country was gorgeous and each day brought new scenery. The E-bikes were so much FUN even though some of us felt a little lazy using them! We did turn them on and off so we wouldn't feel so guilty. And singing Karioke had to have been the highlight! We didn't know he had such talent!! That was definitely a surprise. And a very special Thank-you to you for your unsurpassed hospitality and the Birthday "Surprise" for Lauren. (Definitely keep those placemats). You are the Hostess with the Mostest!

We love you all and thank you so very much. We already miss your smiling faces.

Bruce, Theresa, Donna, Nolan, Lauren & Jordan