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!

25 april 2025

I cant say enough about this Barge and Bike experience. We were a part of a large group that attended Amsterdam tour. As a person who had never slept on a ship or boat or any kind it exceeded my expectations. We were met by the owner Coen our suitcases were taken by Catalina and Coens wife and partner in the full sense, Christina. We had a personal tour of our rooms and the prep for our daily bike. The cleanliness the attention to detail the food and the service was bar none. Unfortunate things were closed because of Easter when on our bike tour but our group made the best of it. Every day the 5 people onboard treated us like it was our home for 6 nights with a little extra icing on the cake I highly recommend Merlijn if you are considering a Barge and Bike in Amsterdam. It will be truly a trip you wont forget.