52 | LUXlife Magazine hen Coen and Cristina began this venture in the April of 2019, it represented a dream coming true for them both. Having worked for years as captains of huge vessels that would undertake five-star cruises with in excess of 100 guests, they both sought out something more intimate, personal, and specialised, along with all of the pros that come with managing one’s own business. In the midst of tireless planning and searching, a chance encounter led to them discovering The Merlijn, and being 100% committed to this endeavour, the couple sold their home, quit their jobs, and moved to the boat to execute their vision. The rest as they say, is history. Boasting space enough for 24 passengers, The Merlijn was built almost 100 years ago in 1930, starting out life as a freighter, a duty it served until the turn of the century, when it was converted into a luxury, authentic river cruise ship in 2002. One of the most elegant and beautiful ships sailing across Europe’s rivers, it would be fair to say that this boat is the lifeblood of the company and the perfect choice for a boutique, small, and luxury-filled adventure. Leveraging this terrific ship, Merlijn offers its customers trips across Europe that can be reserved, booked, and paid for online, with the entire barge even able to be booked for a group or company via Merlijn’s own website. Comprised of a large and bright restaurant area, a grand and professional kitchen with all the latest cooking equipment, a fully manned bar, 12 deluxe and spacious cabins that embody a luxury stay, as well as a private bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet for each cabin, The Merlijn possesses all that one could possibly desire to cruise in style and extravagance. Aside from these wonderful indoor spaces, guests are invited to experience fresh European air four seasons round on the boat’s 40m2 sundeck or its 15m2 aft terrace, the latter of which is affectionately known as the “Captain’s deck” due to it being Coen’s favourite place to enjoy the encompassing scenery. Furthermore, an eco-friendly practice is prioritised across the ship, benefiting the very landscape that Coen and Cristina show off to their discerning guests. So that nature can continue to be experienced in all of its glory, the vessel has been fitted with all of the equipment necessary to underpin the environmentally friendly nature that is strived for by the business. Some examples of this include its toilets being flushed with water from the river to save on drinking water, its air conditioning system utilising a heat pump that generates cold air from warm river water, and finally, powering through generators, using its Best Bike & Barge Cruise Provider 2024 - Netherlands Merlijn strives to provide its customers with the very best way to see Europe from both the water and the saddle of a bike, offering a bike and barge river cruise on its namesake vessel, The Merlijn. While bike and barge is often what tours of this type are called, Owners, Coen and Cristina van der Vlies feel that this term does not quite do justice to the tremendous experiences that all guests are afforded aboard the ship. In addition to cycling around some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes and dining/sleeping aboard the boat, The Merlijn sets sale with guests on board, living up to its name as an award-winning cruise provider. rest heat to heat up hot water supply and central heating system on colder days. Sailing between April and October, the tours available from Merlijn span Europe’s most breathtaking locations, and from the tulip fields of the Netherlands through to the wooden houses and beer gardens of Germany, there is something for everyone on these magnificent journeys. Spanning the most beautiful regions of the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Austria, one only has to take a quick look at the photos that adorn the company website to get a feel for the innate beauty that they will be exposed to throughout the duration of their visit. If this is still not enough to convince a prospective traveller, they would do well to read the outstanding testimonials left behind by guests. Similar distinction is set to continue, and having recently finalised the plans for its 2025 bike and barge cruises, Merlijn has spared no detail when it comes to ensuring they offer the action-packed itineraries and beautiful views that the company is famed for. Those looking to sail on this terrific ship and be afforded a holiday experience like no other need only visit the company’s website below for more details. Contact: Coen van der Vlies Company: Merlijn Web Address: https://www.merlijn.nu/ W
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