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!

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