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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.

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02 july 2025

Never did I imagine how amazing (not even a big enough word) was the experience on our trip. From the moment we stepped on the Merlijn, to the moment we stepped off, everything was exquisite. It is clear everyone who works on the Merlijn has a personal interest in her guests. The vessel itself is a work of art, the meals and care given to us, the same, the biking and leadership to get us through the amazing countryside, towns and other biking ventures so artfully and carefully arranged for us, nothing short of excellent. I almost don\'t want to go again because it might not match this experience - but I will!!! Over half of the people on this trip were return visitors - that says it all. I almost didn\'t write this because I want to make sure I can book another trip without competing with others, but everyone should experience this trip at least once.