News

Tuesday 29 april 2025

The sailing season has officially begun!

Spring has arrived, and with it, Merlijn’s 2025 season is in full swing!
In recent weeks, our guests enjoyed the vibrant Holland Tulip Tours, cycling through colorful fields and visiting the famous Keukenhof Gardens. We also explored the northern charm of Friesland and Texel Island, and navigated the historic Hanseatic cities of the East.
Each journey has brought new landscapes, new friendships, and unforgettable memories.
We are excited for all the adventures still to come and we look forward to welcoming many more of you on board in the months ahead!

Tuesday 29 april 2025

Where cabins become staterooms

At Merlijn, we believe there's always room for improvement, and every winter we take the time to make your onboard experience even better.

This past off-season, we focused on the corridors and guest rooms. And now, we’re proud to say: they’re no longer just “cabins”, they’re staterooms.

Fully renovated with a new layout, fresh design, and extra comfort, these spaces have been thoughtfully upgraded to enhance your time on board.

We’re excited to show you the results, and we look forward to welcoming you into your new stateroom soon.

Tuesday 29 april 2025

More e-bikes, more freedom

E-bikes have long been a part of the Merlijn experience, and now, we have more than ever.

With 18 high-quality e-bikes on board, you'll have even more freedom and comfort during your cycling tours. Whether you're coasting along riverbanks or exploring countryside paths, an e-bike makes the ride even more enjoyable.

Already booked your tour without an e-bike, but want to reserve one (or two) after all? Just send us an email and we’ll add it to your booking: info@merlijn.nu

Tuesday 29 april 2025

This season’s destinations

In 2025, Merlijn will sail a varied program through the Netherlands, Belgium, southern Germany, and via the Danube to Austria.

Tours include the popular Holland Tulip Tour, the Friesland and Texel route, the famous Holland and Belgium Tour, and the Hanseatic Tour of the Netherlands. In Germany, we will cruise along the Rhine, Moselle, Saar, and Neckar rivers.

Northern Germany is not part of this year’s schedule. However, we are happy to announce that both Northern Germany and Poland will return to the program in 2027.

We look forward to welcoming you on board to discover these beautiful regions with us.

Tuesday 29 april 2025

Looking ahead to 2027

The full sailing schedule for 2027 is now available.

Groups who are interested in a private charter or advance group booking are welcome to contact us.

Availability is limited and requests will be handled on a first come, first served basis.

We look forward to planning something special with you.

Tuesday 29 april 2025

New rating system for our cycling tours

We recently introduced a new rating system with two separate evaluation categories. You may not have seen it before.

Previously, all cycling tours were described with a single rating, usually "easy" and sometimes "moderate."
Starting in 2026, we will use two distinct ratings: Endurance and Agility.

• Endurance is generally rated as "easy." Only tours with significantly longer distances or more hills will receive a higher rating.
• Agility is set to "moderate" by default. We have noticed that some people tend to underestimate a cycling trip with Merlijn. Riding in a group and navigating busier paths requires more agility than simply saying, "I haven’t cycled since high school." Only tours that demand more agility than you may have experienced on previous Merlijn tours will receive a higher rating.

A good example is Merlijn's Taste of Eastern Europe. In this region, bike paths are sometimes of slightly lower quality than what we are used to, intersections can be less clear, and it is more common that there is no separate bike lane.

Tours with a higher agility rating are not extreme or vastly different from our other routes. However, we believe it is important to mention these aspects in the tour descriptions and ratings.

Friday 14 february 2025

2026 Trips Are Now Live!

The wait is over! Our 2026 trips are now available online. Discover new destinations, unique routes, and unforgettable experiences. Book now and secure your spot on your dream trip!

With great care, the Merlijn team has put together its season. We face a luxury problem, we have more routes to choose from than we can fit into a single sailing season! Where do we go, what experiences do we want to offer our guests, and what is in demand? In addition, new routes have been developed, Merlijn guides were sent out, and owners Coen & Cristina traveled to Eastern Europe to map out a new route. Closer to home, a new Tulip Route was created, and Merlijn was so excited about it that it was named the "Tulip Expedition"! Even Merlijn’s supporters and fans had great confidence in the new routes, with many groups booking them last season before the travel descriptions were even completed!

Beyond these popular new routes, we have also worked on improving existing ones. We always look for ways to make them even better, cycling routes, sailing routes, harbors, excursions, every trip undergoes adjustments. The routes introduced in 2024, which were operated for the first time, have also been reviewed and refined where necessary.

The entire Merlijn team wishes you lots of fun in choosing your next trip, see you soon!

Friday 14 february 2025

Extra availability in 2025 – Book your dream trip now!

Great news! There are still some trips available for 2025, and additional spots have opened for popular destinations. Check out the options below and secure your trip soon.

Merlijn’s Romantic Trip – Departure on July 19, 2025
Admire timber-framed houses, taste local beers, and visit romantic villages along the way.

Merlijn's Famous Holland & Belgium Tour – Departure on August 4, 2025
Discover the charm of the Netherlands and Belgium with historic cities and culinary delights.

Rhine, Moselle & Saar – 3 River Tour – Departure on August 30, 2025
Cycle and cruise along Germany’s most beautiful rivers, passing vineyards and castles.

And additional spots have opened due to several cancellations:

Holland, Friesland & Texel Tour – Departure on May 31, 2025
Explore the northern Netherlands, enjoy the Wadden Sea, and experience Friesland’s charm.

Holland & Germany Tour – Departure on June 22, 2025
Cycle through scenic landscapes and discover the best of the Netherlands and Germany.

These trips fill up quickly, secure your spot today!

Friday 14 february 2025

Cabin renovation in full swing!

Many of you have been asking: What will Merlijn be renovating this winter?

We feel the pressure, and we understand the expectations! We are always striving for improvement.

This winter, the hallways and bedrooms are getting a complete makeover, soon to be worthy of the name ‘staterooms’. The first steps have been taken, and the work is in full progress.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates!

Friday 14 february 2025

Did you know that our bicycles on board are specially designed for Merlijn?

Cycling is an essential part of our trips, so we made sure to have the perfect bikes! Our Jan Janssen ‘Zero CO2’ bicyclesare customized with Alfine 11 gears, a belt drive, and hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.

Prefer a little extra power? Our ISY and Gudereit e-bikes with Bosch pedal-assist make every route effortless, so you can fully enjoy the scenery.

Experience the ultimate cycling adventure during your Bike, Barge & Cruise, comfortable and carefree.

Want to use an e-bike? Be sure to book yours in advance!

Friday 14 february 2025

Did you know that our guides are personally selected and hired by us?

At Merlijn, we take care of every detail ourselves. From designing unique routes to guiding you along the way, everything is developed and carried out in-house with passion and precision.

Our guides are an essential part of the Merlijn experience. They are part of a carefully selected team of specialists who share our passion for travel and discovery.

Sometimes people ask if we simply execute plans created by travel agencies, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. At Merlijn, your journey starts with us, with our ideas, expertise, and personal approach. This ensures a seamless and unique experience from start to finish.

Thursday 13 february 2025

Merlijn’s support vehicle, included from 2026

Thursday 05 december 2024

2025 trips are not sold out yet!

We know, Merlijn trips sell out quickly. This sometimes leads to disappointment, something we also hear when chatting with guests onboard. But appearances can be deceiving, as we still have a variety of routes available. What excites us most is that some of the most special routes are still open! These often explore lesser-known areas with less recognizable place names. But unknown doesn't mean unloved! We’d love to take you to undiscovered destinations, where there are also fewer other tourists.

Haven’t planned anything for 2025 yet and have some flexibility with dates? Then check out our website quickly. Use the link below, which is already sorted by 2025 departures.

And in case you didn’t know: you can book our trips (those with availability) directly through our website. Look for the note ‘XX cabins available.’

A trip marked with ‘All cabins booked by a travel agency’ might still have availability via a partner. Feel free to email us to inquire about details for that trip.

Tuesday 17 september 2024

Thank you for your wonderful reviews!

We want to sincerely thank you for the many beautiful stories we’ve received. Your experiences are invaluable to future travelers. While we’ve already received a lot of stories, there’s still room for more on our website! Haven’t shared yours yet? Now’s your chance to inspire others.

Tuesday 10 september 2024

Always in motion: constantly changing landscapes

At Merlijn, every journey is an adventure in itself, thanks to the ever-changing landscape and the unique variety along the way. We would like to share two special highlights from this past spring with you: our new routes in the Netherlands!

The Hanseatic Route
Although this route is not entirely new, it had been five years since we last offered it. On this journey, we sailed through the east of the Netherlands, a region rich in history and culture. From the charming Hanseatic cities to the beautiful nature surrounding us on the way—it was a true journey through time, full of stories from the past. You can enjoy this wonderful journey in 2025 as well. Discover more!

The Holland Texel Island Route
A completely new addition to our program was the "Holland Texel Island Route". This route let us discover the magic of the Northwest of the Netherlands. From lively Holland to serene Friesland and the unique island of Texel, it was a refreshing adventure that showed a completely different side of the Netherlands. As small as the country is, this route felt like a whole new experience, and with so much enthusiasm from our guests, it will definitely remain part of our program. Discover more about this journey.

Tuesday 10 september 2024

Farewell to Sacha, our loyal companion

With great sadness, we want to inform you that we recently had to say goodbye to Sacha, our beloved beagle and mascot of Merlijn. For almost 15 years, Sacha was a constant presence in our lives and, for the past 5 years, she traveled with us on every Merlijn journey, becoming a beloved member of our crew.

Her joyful presence and the way she welcomed guests on board will always be cherished. Sacha was more than just a pet; she was a part of the Merlijn family, and her absence leaves a great void.

We want to thank you for the many beautiful moments we were able to share with her.

Tuesday 10 september 2024

Cycle and Enjoy: 9 Days of Bavarian Beauty in 2025!

Get ready for an unforgettable 9-day cycling trip along the Bavarian Main in 2025! This year, we introduced this extended tour, adding an extra day compared to our standard 8-day trips.

More time to enjoy picturesque villages, beer gardens, and scenic landscapes. The concept has been a great success and will return in 2025 around the same time. An extra day means even more adventure, relaxation, and discovery.

Curious about what this enchanting journey has to offer?

Monday 26 august 2024

Captain Hudson Version 5 has arrived!

Yes, you read that right: we have the latest version of Captain Hudson, complete with uniform, aboard Merlijn! Our captain and chef have the honor of presenting this new addition online for the first time. Last week, Captain Hudson made his first cruise in uniform on our ship.

What is Captain Hudson?
Captain Hudson is the mascot of Emma Cruises, a well-known influencer in the cruise industry. Since her first Bike & Barge Cruise with Merlijn, we have built a special bond. Last year, she even took a second trip with us. In the meantime, Emma has given our small business a lot of exposure through her platform, something we are very grateful for.

This year, Emma has been very busy as a famous YouTube star, but we wanted to do something in return. So, we invited her parents for a vacation on our ship! They are big fans of both cruising and cycling. As a surprise, they brought the latest Captain Hudson aboard—how sweet is that?!

We hope they fully enjoy their time on the Merlijn and that it becomes an unforgettable experience. This is absolutely well-deserved! We want to thank Emma for all her support and hope she finds the time to sail with us again soon. Want to learn more about sea cruises? Be sure to visit her website at www.emmacruises.com or have a look at her YouTube channel!

Friday 16 february 2024

1. Frankfurt – Bamberg. ‘Merlijn’s romantic trip along wooden half-timbered houses and beer gardens’

Merlijn’s classic river Main bike & barge cruise is back! We love this tour because of the atmosphere, the nature, and the good bike paths. We have tried several route options along this river and this year we included Merlijn’s original route along the Main River. We also do this trip the other way around.

Friday 16 february 2024

2. Merlijn’s Holland Texel-island tour

The Netherlands is already such a small country and it also has islands?! YES, 5 islands actually. When Coen & Cristina visited Texel Island long before they had the Merlijn, they felt like they were in another country. We even thought of calling it a 2-country tour, however it’s all Netherlands. Already done a tour in the Netherlands? Tulip tour maybe? Well, this will be a whole different experience.

Friday 16 february 2024

3. Merlijn’s Hanseatic tour of the Netherlands 'The East route'

The selection of tours in 2025 is different than before, we have cruised so many weeks outside the Netherlands that we wanted to prioritize Dutch tours a bit more. So, we include more weeks cruising the Netherlands. (We have designed a lot of routes they don’t fit in 1 year!). We made sure to have space for another favorite of us; The Hanseatic tour. We didn’t know this area of the Netherlands so well until we cruised her with the Merlijn in 2019. Working hard, we still felt ‘on holiday’ during this tour.

Embark on a unique European adventure with us in 2025 aboard Merlijn, where every journey promises new discoveries and lasting memories.

Friday 16 february 2024

Our ‘workcation’ in Spain

This past January, we took a workcation to the warmth of Spain, a welcome change from the Dutch winter.

Beyond the cruises you see, there's a world of tasks behind the scenes like writing travel guides, answering queries, and arranging excursions. We drove 2250 kilometers to South Spain, Sacha, our faithful dog, in tow, since flying wasn't an option for her.

During our time in Spain, we focused on enhancing the experiences for Merlijn's voyages. Weekends, however, were for exploring; we hiked through Andalusia's mountains, Sacha bravely joined us, albeit needing a little help at times. Our visits to various local spots revealed breathtaking scenes, making us wish Merlijn could cruise throug Spain.

Friday 16 february 2024

Want to cycle with a Merlijn bike this year?

We've heard from one of our partners that they still have rooms available for the coming season (2024)! This is quite unique and is almost always due to people, or even a group, having to unexpectedly cancel their trip. These rooms are now also bookable through our website. Do you think waiting a few months is long enough and are you ready to pack your bags within a few days? Then quickly take a look at our tour page.

Wednesday 29 november 2023

Looking back on Merlijn’s Bike, Barge and Cruise Season 2023

As the sun sets on the unforgettable 2023 Bike, Barge, and Cruise season on the Merlijn, we look back on the adventurous bike rides, picturesque towns, and delicious meals that made this trip so special.

We sincerely thank all our guests for joining us and for their pleasure. We love it so much to see how enthusiastically everyone comes on board, only to leave the ship full of memories at the end of the trip, sometimes with a tear! Let's not forget that without you we are nowhere, only through your enthusiasm can we run the Merlijn.Thank you!

Cycling enthusiasts and travelers enjoyed a season full of exploration and fun. Merlijn, our floating home, provided a unique perspective as we paddled through beautiful landscapes and discovered Europe.

From the charming streets of Bruges via former east and west Germany to Vienna in Austria, Merlijn took us on a journey through rich history and culture. Daily excursions brought us in the heart of cities, with Merlijn always on the horizon.

Whether we dined in Merlijn’s cozy restaurant or enjoyed a picnic in a village square, each meal celebrated Europe's diverse culinary treasures.

As we say goodbye to the season 2023 on board Merlijn, we cherish memories of cycling adventures, breathtaking landscapes and new friendships. Until next season 2024, when we set sail again on the Merlijn. We look forward to next season and hope to see you on board!

Wednesday 29 november 2023

Currently we are docked in our home base Dordrecht

We use this time to prepare for the upcoming 2024 season. We carefully inspect the ship and have specialized companies coming by to maintain or repair machinery. Cristina is working on new menu’s and updating tour descriptions for future trips, while Coen is catching up on the administration, bookings and emails. Later on we will also prepare the website for 2025 and design the sailing schedule for 2026!

Our bike Specialist will ensure that the bikes are ready for the new season so that you can explore new environments during your trip.

This period also gives us the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, something that is impossible during the busy (7+ months) sailing season. Docked in our home town Dordrecht (where Coen grew up and we bought our first house back in the days) we love to visit our favorite places, walk through historic streets and relaxe in local cafes - these are the small pleasures of Dordrecht that we can now experience in peace. As we prepare the ship for the adventures to come, we cherish these calm moments aboard our home Merlijn.

Wednesday 29 november 2023

2024 is almost fully booked

It is almost fully booked but we still have several trips available, we will highlight this route; The Premium Germany & Poland tour: ‘Amazon of the North’ on the third and tenth of August. Our tour guides consider this as the most interesting tour that Merlijn has to offer - expect the unexpected. Bike, Barge and Cruise the Amazon of the North, Germany and Poland. Explore the cradle of the Prussians during this tour of former Prussia, and learn more about the former divided nation of Germany. Command your bike through a variety of surfaces, from tarmac to cobble stones, and ride across the sunny isle of Usedom. Cruise through stunning natural areas of the Havel, Oder & Peene rivers, and the Szczecin lagoon. Take a ride in the oldest ship lift in Germany, Niederfinow, and sample the Polish cuisine in Poland’s lively city of Szczecin.

Wednesday 29 november 2023

Can't wait to get on board?

Have you been left out? No problem; 2025 will be available online for individual bookings in February 2024. The planning has been known for some time and we have already booked several weeks for groups that want to reserve the entire ship. The always popular tulip trips in April and May have already largely been booked, but we still have 1 week left to sell individually via our website. Furthermore, we go again to the fantastically beautiful blue Danube, a trip that was missed by some in 2024. We will also cycle along the Romantic river 'Main'.

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Wednesday 15 february 2023

Berlin | Premium Germany & Poland tour ‘Amazone of the North’

Expect the unexpected. Our tour guides consider this as the most interesting & varied tour that Merlijn offers. Bike, Barge and Cruise the Amazon of the North, Germany and Poland.

Explore the cradle of the Prussians during this tour of former Prussia and learn more about the former divided nation of Germany. Command your bike through a variety of surfaces, from tarmac to cobblestones and ride across the sunny isle of Usedom.

Cruise through stunning natural areas of the Havel, Oder & Peene rivers and the Szczecin lagoon. Take a ride in the oldest ship lift in Germany, Niederfinow, and sample the Polish cuisine in Poland’s lively city of Szczecin.

Wednesday 15 february 2023

Merlijn - 2024 tours are live!

Dear Friends,

We are happy to launch all our trips for 2024!! 

For our new friends: We are Coen & Cristina, Captains, managers, chef and proud owners of the cruise ship 'Merlijn'. With Merlijn you can Bike, Barge, and Cruise your way across Europe.

There is a lot of great things planned for the 2024 season. We have a varied program that spans the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Poland! 

We will traditionally start the season in April in Amsterdam with the successful Holland Tulip tour, due to its popularity we have scheduled more sailings than ever before. After this, we will stay a little longer in the Holland with a few trips to Bruges in Belgium, and then cross the border to Germany via the North of the Netherlands. There we sail through all the nooks and crannies of the country and all possible rivers and canals! Bike & barge cruises on the Rhine, Moselle and Saar are of course not missing!

You will notice that in 2024 we will take more time for our homeland, this is because of the many requests from guests for other routes in the Netherlands. You can now book the Texel-island and Hanseatic route in addition to the Tulip tour.

Last but not least; all routes along the Moselle have also become 9 days instead of 8, more variety and more time to enjoy! We look forward to welcome you aboard!

The tours for 2024 are live now and you can discover more about them on our website. You will see that several trips have already been booked by a group or travel agency, if you would like to charter the entire ship yourself we can look at options for 2025. If your desired trip is already booked by a travel agency, please send us an email so we can see who it is with and if they still have rooms available.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with your friends and family, it will help us a lot. 

Kinds regards, greetings, Coen & Cristina

P.S. Our popular Danube trip will be bookable again in 2025. Enjoy other special routes in2024, such as the routes along Berlin.

Thursday 18 november 2021

We proudly present our 2023 cruise program

Merlijn's 2023 Cruise program is online. Check it out online with up-to-date availability.

Or download an overview of all tours here.

Book your spot now!!

Saturday 29 may 2021

The Merlijn has spread her magic for 20 years.

This year, though a year of uncertitude for many of us, is as well a year that must be celebrated, because Merlijn is celebrating its 20th anniversary!! The history of the Merlijn starts way back in 1930, when it was build as a cargo ship with the name "Adelaar" (Eagle). After more then 70 years and several owners along the way, in 2001 the ship began her new career as a cruise ship with the name everyone knows: "Merlijn".

Friday 28 may 2021

Bike, Barge & Cruise. There is a reason why it starts with "Bike"

Our bikes are a big part of your Bike & Barge Cruise, that's why we want to provide you with the best quality bike possible. The brand is Sensa from the Netherlands. With a super light frame and 27 gears you can easily climb any mountain in Europe, even the Dutch mountains. (this is what we call the wind that can blow in the Netherlands)

Cycling is the best way to experience local life.

Wednesday 26 may 2021

Merlijn has the most comprehensive sailing schedule and is also heading to the Blue Danube from 2022 on!

We already have so many routes that the season has become too short to sail them all and now, for the first time in her life, Merlijn is going to sail the Danube. That beautiful blue Danube, as it was described by Johann Strauss Jr. in the year 1867 in the Viennese Waltz he composed. 

You can be one of the first guests of Merlijn, cycling along the Danube. We have designed 2 different Danube routes which we sail in both directions, meaning you can choose from 4 tours and even more departures! Have a look at the itinerary by clicking the destinations you like:

Nürnberg-Passau or Vienna-Passau  (Routes also available in 2023)

Tuesday 25 may 2021

Our 2023 sailing schedule will be online soon.

It's a wrap, our 2023 sailing schedule will be online soon. Is your favorite trip sold out in 2022, don't worry, there will be new opportunities in the near future to book your dream cruise.

Sometimes we are asked what is your favorite tour is? Well that's hard to say, because every single trip we offer has a unique character. We have a journey for everyone, from big crowded cities, to very quiet cycle paths in nature, from historical castles to new modern cities. 

Friday 06 december 2019

Renovation upper-deck finished

After a long time thinking, planning and designing we proudly present our new upper-deck interior!

See all pictures in our photo album

Monday 15 april 2019

Merlijn goes to the Blue Danube!

We are planning to sail the Blue Danube in 2022!

More news coming soon