News
Friday 21 november 2025
Who is responsible for Merlijn’s mooring spots?
Hi! I’m Petra, and within Merlijn I am responsible for arranging all mooring locations for the ship. Every time the Merlijn docks somewhere, a reservation needs to be made — for overnight stays, but also when guests return to the ship during the day with their bikes, or when they disembark. It’s important that everything is arranged in advance, so the Merlijn can dock with peace of mind, without stress about whether a spot is available.
Over the past years, I have built many important contacts in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany/Poland, France and Austria. This allows me to react quickly when something changes along the route, such as a blocked lock. In that case, I contact the relevant harbors to cancel or reschedule. Sometimes a phone call is needed, but most communication goes through email or online booking systems.
What I enjoy most about my work is planning more than a hundred different harbors, each with their own contact persons. In small towns I sometimes call or email directly with the mayor, who is often delighted to welcome the Merlijn. In larger cities, reservations go through booking systems, but even there I have regular contacts I can coordinate with. I love that variety. And how nice is it when Coen sends a message with a beautiful photo of a mooring spot he is happy with! Then I know it’s all well arranged for our guests.
I joined Merlijn when Coen and Cristina were looking for someone to handle the mooring reservations. Since my husband and I have sailed for many years on our cargo ship between the Netherlands and France, I already knew a lot about the waterways — also from my childhood, when I grew up on my parents’ cargo ship sailing through Germany. Coen is my youngest brother and Cristina my sister-in-law, which makes working together even more enjoyable. Before becoming a skipper, I worked in the tourism sector, so it’s great to combine those worlds again. I started working for Merlijn in 2019, when both our sons started school and I had a bit more time for a new challenge — something I still enjoy doing every day.
In my free time I love to be active: running, cycling, sailing and really anything that has to do with water and ships. I play guitar, teach swim training at our children’s sports club and am active in the school’s parent council. I also enjoy good food, good wine and visiting the theater.
My favourite Merlijn memory so far is the trip from Merzig to Cologne, where I joined for three days together with my sister. I especially loved Traben-Trarbach, with its cozy evening wine tasting. Cycling along the Moselle, cruising and dining on board — it was a wonderful experience. So special to see how everything works on board, to meet the guests, and to see the mooring locations I arrange come to life in real time.
I always wish the Merlijn and her crew a safe journey, I wish our guests many beautiful trips, and of course I hope everyone enjoys the wonderful mooring spots I book for Merlijn!
Love, Petra