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!

24 may 2025

I have just disembarked from a wonderful cruise. Everything was top notch. We had the most amazing food and Brian, the biking guide, was superb. Everyone made friends and the crew were amazing. I was hesitant at first as I\'m not a cyclist. I rode an electric bike all week and so didn\'t hold the group up. We stopped every 10k for coffee, ice-cream, apple cake etc Everything is taken care of. It\'s a perfect holiday and you are taken through countryside and villages that you wouldn\'t normally visit. The cabins are very comfortable and the bikes are top of the range. I had the best time and will miss my fellow passengers and the crew