News

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.

Wolfsburg to Berlin/Spandau

July 06 - 13 / 2024

Dear Merlijn crew, It always happens. After a trip, a friend of yours may ask you what the \"best and most memorable moment\" of the trip had been. Here is our answer (Assumpta\'s and mine): The whole trip was memorable! There are a few reasons why the whole trip surpasses by far the \"one memorable moment\" that most people enjoy taking from a trip. Firstly, the captain, the chef, the guide, and the rest of the members of the crew demonstrated one of the highest levels of professionalism and also a most friendly welcome aboard throughout the trip. Secondly, the Merlijn was kept in such a state of good care and good taste that it was the perfect \"home away from home\". And thirdly, although pure coincidence, from the very first moment we set sail and, again, throughout the trip, the best rapport and camaraderie permeated the whole group of twenty people who didn\'t know each other previously and came from so many different walks of life. By the way, you can read my full report NATURA i AIGUA - BICI i BARCASSA (Nature and Water - Bike and Boat) at my blog: https://esporqueret.net/2024/09/08/natura-i-aigua-bici-i-barcassa-alemanya/#more-14653 So, one word is in order: Congratulations! With our best wishes and kindest regards. Julià & Assumpta Barcelona Catalonia