History

Industrial herritage sails as classical luxurious cruise ship

Build in 1930 by shipyard Boot in Leiden, Netherlands and named 'de Adelaar' (Eagle)

It was one of the first freight ships with a build-in engine, the model name is 'luxe motor'. The ship has been sold a few times and changed names several times as well. The last years as a freighter it sailed with the name 'Frisica 2'.

The main transported cargo was sand & stones through the Netherlands & Germany.

 

A new future for this ship was designed in 2001 when the previous owners Henk & Jantien bought the freighter and coverted it into cruise ship Merlijn the magic of water. One of the most successful Bike & barge ships was born, many satisfied customers can confirm!

Frankfurt to Ludwigsburg

September 25 - October 02 / 2021
The trip on the Merlijn Magic on the Water was our first Bike and Barge European vacation. From the first friendly greetings as we embarked in Frankfort day one till we docked in Ludwigsburg, everything was impeccable. The Merlijn accommodations, the owners, Coen and Christina and their entire team provided a 5-star experience. The food was delicious, fresh, and individualized as requested. After each day of biking and touring, it was a delight to know that a special gourmet dinner expertly prepared by Christina and her team was the culmination of our day. Our terrific guide, Felix lead the daily bike rides following plentiful German bike paths that meandered thru ripe vineyards, quaint villages and beautiful, lush landscapes. Thank you to Coen and Christina and their team for creating an entertaining, stress free, holiday adventure; you have set the gold standard for Barge and Bike vacations! Stu and I are looking forward to our next tour!