Archive

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 true, that is how we felt when we started of in april 2019. After working for years as Captains on big 5-star river-cruiseships (150 pax) we dreamed of something else; something smaller, more personal, specialized cruises, running our own business, the list of superlatives is long! We searched and had several ideas until we coincidently ran into Merlijn. That was it, that was the ship that filled in all the blank spaces! We went a 100% for it, sold our first house, quit our jobs and moved to the Merlijn.

Coen

Captain, Engineer, Guestcontact.

Cristina

2nd Captain, Host, Chef.

02 october 2026

Translated from the blog esporqueret, under the heading: HOTEL ITINERANT See blog entry: https://esporqueret.net/2026/09/05/el-danubi-blau-des-de-lull-de-bou-vienna-schlogen-schlinge-austria/#more-17723 The Merlijn is that little big ship worthy of those imaginary Lilliputian citizens: everything is small, yet everything is perfectly proportioned. Built in 1930 as a cargo vessel a barge, as they called it it was converted into a small cruise ship for 24 passengers in 2002. Since then, with constant adaptations and improvements, it has sailed the European rivers with the elegance of a lady of noble lineage. And not only with elegance, but also with the attentive, warm and cordial hospitality of its crew qualities seasoned with the highest level of professionalism. In a few words, you step aboard the Merlijn and feel like part of the family; everything included. These words are intended as a grateful tribute to Coen, the captain; Cristina, second captain and chef; June, the ever-helpful handyman; Simona, the ever-smiling and diligent one; Catalin, the exuberant matre; Japke, the guide who knows everything there is to know; and, of course, the little beagle pup who brings so much joy to life on board! They have truly made us feel at home. With thanks, Julià & Assumpta