I Spent a Week on 1930s River Cruise Ship

[@incurableromantic4006]

I love that you're highlighting such a small independent company, in an industry dominated by these leviathan ships owned by huge venture capital firms.

[@EmmaCruises]

It is really really lovely to cruise with a family run business, you see how much they really care and it makes a big difference 😀

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

​@@EmmaCruisesthis looks like so much fun!

[@prgnsean]

My wife and I were SO DISAPPOINTED - we JUST missed you! We hopped on the Merlijn right after you left, on the Mittellandkanal across from the VW Autostadt. We booked the Merlijn based on your video from last year. It was amazing as we went from Wolfsburg to Berlin. I think everyone on the ship had seen your video and were there based on your experience!

[@EmmaCruises]

Ahhhh!!!! Ha ha. I love that. Hope you enjoyed it as much as me!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@bevricker4812]

Skiving? We call it a mental health day. I like bunking in too that is a jammie day (pajamas)

[@LuckyJones-7]

You have an uncanny gift for talking. No "ah"s or "um"s, no hesitation in your speech. I'm in awe. Love listening to you.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! Lots of practise 🤣

[@jenstravelblog]

What a cute little ship. A cyclist dream cruise! The food looks 10 times better than a lot of the big cruise ships. I loved this experience for you and your dad 🫶🏻

[@UDPride]

Its obvious Emma LOVED this cruise and would probably book it again in a heartbeat. Havent seen her this surprised and excited to talk about a river boat cruise like this in a long time. When you get on a boat this small and the owners are also doing the dishes, you realize they cannot compete on price with the bigger cruise companies so they win you over with service and hospitality. Seems like they won the entire guests over.

[@EmmaCruises]

🥹❤️

[@tabithag6523]

Sasha is so pure 😭😭 what a good life for a dog and a wonderful addition for guests.

[@EmmaCruises]

I know right!! The dream life. 🤣🐶

[@williamdrake2315]

The on.y thing i ever miss on a trip is my dog. Having Sasha would help with my missing my ruffers.

[@hannahrobertson31]

I find it absolutely adorable that they have their own Captain Hudson!

[@EmmaCruises]

Cute right? 😀🥹

[@heyytwo]

Its always a good day whem emma posted

[@EmmaCruises]

Woah so fast!! In the first minute. Ha ha. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@whosucks]

Whenever Emma posts you can guarantee it’s going to be good quality and interesting

[@karipreston1204]

Amen!

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

My husband loves cycling, I will occasionally suffer the saddle for his benefit. This looks like it would be an excellent introduction to cruising for both of us. He could have people to cycle with, I could see lots of sights onboard, on foot, or on a bike. And neither of us would be overwhelmed by large crowds. Plus supporting a family-run small business! Thanks, Emma!

[@Cloxxki]

Do it! Book the e-bike and when your bum needs a rest, skip the day. Seems epic to have the ship to yourself making it to the next place where the cyclist hop back on.

[@EricaWeida]

Emma - found your channel during covid and while I have no desire to do an ocean cruise, I’ve enjoyed watching your experiences. When I found the original video you did on the Merlijin last summer I decided that this was the cruise for me. My husband and I are going next week and I am very excited. Thank you so much for sharing your passion for cruises.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yessss!!! Have the best time ever. You’ll know what to expect now for sure 🤣

[@denisevillemure4034]

Are you onboard the Merlijn July 8-15?

[@SunnyTravels]

Emma, I loved this video so much! Thank you for making it! That sounds like an excellent time, and a bike-and-barge cruise is now on my itinerary!

[@EmmaCruises]

Awwwwh Justin!! Thanks so much.

[@EricAlainDufresne]

We used the term "skiving" quite a lot in the Royal Canadian Navy. If you were identified as a "skiver", you were known to avoid work.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

I can’t get over the atrium ceiling inside the lounge. What an AB-SOLUTELY lovely, intimate space. So much natural light in the day, and such a lovely space to be in at night. What a marvelous experience.

[@EmmaCruises]

So lovely isn’t it? 😀💕

[@johnwelch5132]

Sasha is a beautiful dog. Deserves her own channel.

[@mandybling]

I started watching your channel last year and it's convinced my husband and I to go on a European river cruise at some point. It just looks far more intimate than a sea one.

[@EmmaCruises]

Woohoo! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@EmmaCruises]

Woohoo! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@Trektrendy]

Have so been looking forward to watching this one! Plus trips with family are the best :)

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh heeeeyyyyyyyyy you!!!!!

[@RebelPickle]

It looks like such a unique cruising opportunity! Thank you for sharing your experience. Your delivery and ability to tell a story is absolutely delightful.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@jasonsumma1530]

So glad you had a father daughter cruise. I hope it brought you two closer. Did the barge owners remember you from last year? At least you were better prepared, equipment wise, this time around AND your camera\phone survived unlike last year. I can't believe it been a year since you been on this cruise which means I've been following you for at least a year.

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh yes it was like seeing old friends again, loved it! 😀🙏 Yep!! My hairs so different in this one. 🤣

[@freeetosaywhatilike7473]

This is a 5 STAR VIDEO ON THIS BARGE nicely done .😉

[@EmmaCruises]

Awhhh Thank you! 😁❤️

[@CaptainGyro]

Just to cruise on a ship almost 100 years old is worthy of spending a few dollars for histories sake. Great production as always Emma. Your delivery and personality is awesome. You are a credit to the crown.

[@InBNAJay]

Emma, thank you for sharing this!! You always brighten my day when you share your amazing travels!!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much Jay! Appreciate it. ❤️❤️

[@jshoe2490]

This was an impressive video! So many new topics, like logistics. Really enjoyed it. Do more like this. Maybe on other continents?

[@EmmaCruises]

Absolutely 😀

[@farab4391]

This looked so cool. So different from a typical cruise that calling it a cruise doesn't really describe what it is. And they had a Captain Hudson !!! 😃

[@EmmaCruises]

Yess!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@PortsladeBySea]

Excellent vlog. Your Dad did an amazing job enjoying all that cycling. It’s funny to think that when you had a well earned rest day he carried on cycling! My wife and I have owned e-bikes for many years. They make cycling up the big hills in Brighton easy to climb. Must admit other road users in the UK are much less bike friendly 🫢🚴🏽‍♂️🏥 In 2025 we are going on a Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel and have booked a houseboat in Amsterdam for two nights before we board the river boat. Can’t wait! 👍

[@davidponseigo8811]

Please appreciate and enjoy your time with your dad. I lost my dad two years ago and I miss him so much.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you, I try to, love travelling with my dad. Thinking of you. ❤️❤️

[@gayzell850]

My oh my! I love river cruising. This looks fantastic! I now know what my next vacay will be. I'm going to start saving and practicing my bike-riding right now.

[@Trudloops]

Thanks for this long-awaited video. It was worth the wait. As usual, I felt like I was on the barge/ship with you. Your video footage and commentary are so engaging. I can relate to the burning thighs. This is an amazing adventure.

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha!! Thank you so much 🥹

[@TropicLuv]

What an amazing adventure! I’m too old for the cycling and doing this now but I sure wish I could’ve done it when I was younger!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@fragalot1964]

Hi Emma, Thank you for this nice video. We have booked a week on this ship after watching your video last year. We will cycle from Vienna to Passau in August.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yay!! Tell Coen and Cristina I say hi!! And Sacha!! 😀💕

[@ccollins8127]

I love that the Merljin had their own Captain Hudson!

[@EmmaCruises]

So cute right! 😀

[@jmpersonal2402]

Great review Emma, wonderful cruise and one I should have considered when I was younger... small and friendly is so much more interesting. Be well - we follow your adventures from Australia

[@cherifurr3935]

However the bikes would be a no for me! (But maybe an e-bike.😂) I supposed I could have lounged during the morning and go on the evening town tours. Nice to see the owner was so flexible with the food. I would think this was a good cruise for solos, since it was such a small group. So nice that they donated their mattresses to Ukraine. Congratulations on cycling on such a long time journey!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks lots! Yep yep 😀🙏

[@carolfinnis6152]

Thank you Emma for another great and informative video and congratulations to you and your Dad for coping with the saddle for all those miles ❤

[@deavz]

What a beautiful and intimate experience, i think this looks so much more emotionally connecting to other people than other cruise experiences!! As always amazing video, love watching your material! 😊😊

[@patevans3709]

What a wonderful trip to share with your dad! You will cherish this memory your entire life--and so will he! Thank you for sharing.

[@EmmaCruises]

🥹💕

[@jolo3118]

This is my IDEAL cruise, and ive never even been on one, but my mind is made up, THIS is the one! Edit: minus the cycling. 😬

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha!! :) Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@EuropopTop]

Thanks Emma again for another entertaining video. I love your positivity and diplomacy (!) - it’s so refreshing

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@madiantin]

I call it skiving - never heard bunking off! =D I *love* the pockets on the back of my cycling jerseys! Once upon a time 25 years ago we lived in Germany. My son was 3 years old and we signed him up for a little preschool. They told me to pick him up at half ten. You can guess what happened. At 10am when I'm getting ready to pick him up and thinking I will be early, I got a phone call from a very concerned preschool who were worried I hadn't picked my son up yet. Oops. And that's where I learned that "half ten" meant nine thirty. =D. Absolutely fantastic video! Thank you! I'm sending this to my husband and fingers crossed he loves the idea too.

[@barbier5488]

I am now tempted to book a river cruise. It seems so lovely.

[@gabrieleortiz5041]

What a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing this lovely trip with us (and your dad!). 😊

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@Ashley_daraz45]

I love Germany there such nice people I would love to go again.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yessss, the best! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@douglasdangelo6755]

What an amazing trip! It definitely is much different than an ocean cruise

[@barbarashuster9029]

This looks wonderful! We loved our river cruise!

[@DLFH]

WOW Emma, first great job crushing the cycling! Cruising with such small group and a small ship seems like it would be a fun way to explore an area. I'd love to see more adventure river cruise videos. Yep when you are ditching school or work you are playing hooky in the US.

[@EmmaCruises]

Me too!! Rivers are so fun. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@CruisingEngineer]

Hi Emma. Great video on the Merlijn. What a fun cruise. We (USA) would call it "skipping school" or "playing hooky". QUESTION: Did the boat have an old smell (not in a bad way) or creaking noises associated with old vessels (like vintage aircraft or vintage rail cars)? We sailed the SS Norway (formally the SS France) and the smell, creaking/popping noises, plus very thick white paint let us know it was truly a vintage ship that was still very clean, very nicely decorated, and functional.

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha. Nope not at all, but the bit I stayed in was from 2002 so that’s really not very old 😀❤️

[@patricialane7896]

Emma, I sincerely thank you for all the hard work you put into your videos and podcasts! I enjoy them so much. I’m disabled but can still walk with an assistive device. I’m really hoping to take my first cruise next year. Any suggestions for me? I love Europe and especially the UK. I’m from America as you can probably tell by my accent (lol). Thanks again and give my best to Hudson!😊

[@EmmaCruises]

Hey Patricia!! Thanks so much 🥹❤️ If you go to EmmaCruises.com and download my free guide it compares all major cruise lines on things like dining, entertainment etc. That should give you an idea on where to start. ☺️👍🏼 Then if you need any personalised help, my US team are here: emmacruises.com/book-a-cruise/ 🥳🥳

[@SeanMcGuire92]

This is so cool! With my asthma I couldn't do the biking, but whereas cruise ships aren't for me, I would love to do a river barge like this!

[@EmmaCruises]

🥹❤️

[@manofsteam1]

I remember your last cruise with Coen and Christina! Seems like they enjoy running cycling river cruises.

[@LeAnimal65]

That boat is deceptively large. Looks cramped from the outside, but the interior shots shows quite the opposite. Looks like a real fun time!

[@EmmaCruises]

Yeah! It’s like a Tardis 😂

[@septemberclare2697]

That looks incredible. They are going to be booked out for years!

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha!! They are quite far in advance already! 🤣

[@alexdavis5766]

I really want to do a river cruise but sadly I doubt I’ll ever find one that’s accessible. Will have to live through these videos. Beautiful barge, so nicely decorated. That price for a 7 night cruise is AMAZING, I was genuinely expecting you to say double that and could easily see how it could be that. Wow. Such great value

[@EmmaCruises]

It is tricky! Newer ships are more suitable though, the tricky thing is the top deck they don’t have elevators usually. Thanks for watching! 🥳👏🏼

[@nigelparry4911]

contacted river cruise. about wheelchair access and was told we would have to stay on lower deck.which we would miss the entertainment etc, so we now stick to the larger. ocean. cruises which has excellent wheelchair access

[@caitlina664]

Hi Emma!! I love your videos. They bring so much joy and excitement. I've never cruised and am not a cycler, but your videos on this make it look amazing. As a side note, in NZ we use bunking too but are more likely to call it wagging. I might have to wag work and get myself over to Germany 😅

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha!! Yess wag it! 🤣🤣 Thank you! 😁❤️

[@dextervonwhiplash1755]

Looks like a great trip. I took a "large" riverboat cruise on the Rhine and it was amazing. Even cozier would be unforgettable. As long as you never cruise anything as tiny as the "Titan" I'm interested.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yeah! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@nardusvdv]

Love this video! Good to know there are alternative choices. BTW: "Adelaar" also means "Hard Worker", being this was a sand vehicle, I guess this translation makes more sense than "owl". Keep up the good work!!

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh wow!! Never knew that. Brilliant. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@sheismymom]

Sounds like a lovely time 23 guests wow.

[@cherifurr3935]

Really interesting to see a cruise like this! Love no lines to check in. It looks really nice, and so great to be with the owners and such a small group. And I agree-why not use river water for flushing toilets!

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep! 😀💕

[@akossarfo-kantanka7231]

Who else stops whatever they’re doing when you see Emma posted!?

[@EmmaCruises]

Awhhhh, thanks so much! 🥹💕

[@Ashley_daraz45]

So happy you posted a video I missed watching your videos 💗

[@EmmaCruises]

Woohoo! Thanks lots and lots!! Appreciate it. ;D

[@RaymondMullen-t9j]

that is very '''RUSTIC ''' and seems SO FRIENDLY!! To Me thats seams to be a lot more Fun that a Big Boat River Cruise..

[@EmmaCruises]

So friendly! ❤

[@gillsinclair6927]

Great to see the small boats highlighted. It proves that not all cruises are on huge ships.

[@LauraNiemond]

Thank you for wisking us away from all the troubles that are facing us, in this turbulent world!

[@EmmaCruises]

Hey Laura, thanks so much for being happy to be whisked!! 🤣❤️

[@blueelvewithwings]

That looks like such a fun tour! I am so glad you liked Münster so much, that's my home town! You tend to forget how impressive the long history is if it's just the place where you or your family live, but that is indeed a great cycling area! So many good German impressions on this trip, I'm glad to hear you had a great experience!

[@EmmaCruises]

Such a lovely place!! 🥹❤️

[@EmmaCruises]

I agree, I live quite close to Stonehenge but never been, isn’t interesting to me but people come from all over to see it 🤣

[@SharonJohnson-l7n]

Thanks!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@1234j]

❤ Excellent upload! Great concept - plus Sasha. Hope Hudson and Sasha coped with each other.

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha! Best friends!! :D Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@aureliacornelia79adgracchu29]

Sounds like such a lovely idea! I couldn't do the cycling now, but I'd be happy just to be on the trip!

[@EmmaCruises]

😀💕

[@aureliacornelia79adgracchu29]

Would it be a terrible thing to offer e-bikes to geriatrics like me? SO tempting!

[@callummacallister5691]

It is so nice that you reply to all the comments, the cruise looks soo relaxing and an amazing experience!😊

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@EmmaCruises]

I try my best! 🤣

[@scruff520]

We'll done Emma all that cycling. Amazing video as usual. Thank you for sharing.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

It sounds amazing! Six people doing all that work is amazing! Thank you for the video!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@elnamayberry]

I agree that cycling jersey pockets are the most useful things and more shirts should have them!

[@EmmaCruises]

Yes!!! Agreed!!!

[@sparx550]

That looks fantastic, great vlog Emma.

[@1234j]

🎉 so sensible with river water in the right place 🙌

[@EmmaCruises]

Yeah! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@sharonlarsen3642]

Seeing their Captain Hudson working the pole must have been a moment for you.

[@EmmaCruises]

Did make me laugh! 😂

[@markeaston7353]

Wow what an experience! I'm going to look very seriously at doing this. Thanks Emma!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@Philipk65]

You seemed like you really enjoyed this cruise. The barge looked very interesting and a cruise worth doing. Also by your video this seemed a lot more personable than large cruise ships.

[@EmmaCruises]

So much!! Thank you! 😁❤️

[@anonymixx8106]

This sounds so amazing. I would have to do the e-bike but i would love the cycling 😍 a small cruise seems so intimate and relaxed.

[@paulcooper8818]

Another fantastic cruise report, thanks Emma.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@richd6362]

Great video. I'm a little too old for that much cycling, but I'd love to cruise on a German Barge. I love Germany.

[@EmmaCruises]

Love Germany too! ❤️

[@mattlostatsea]

Another great well documented video Emma x

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@Milo_1368]

This looks absolutely delightful and cozy too!

[@martyb3783]

Great video. I love the detail that you include into your videos. You mention things that are very important but it would not occur to most people to even mention. Well done.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@mojosbigsticks]

I recently took a boat down the Canal Du Midi with friends, and I think I'm hooked. Barges are amazing!

[@EmmaCruises]

Ooo!! Amazing! 😀🙏

[@barbaralazier8352]

This trip looks like so much fun. The bikes make this a challenge. I think the e-bike would be a must

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you Emma for a very interesting video. It looks like a very beautiful ship with a wonderful crew. I like the way the cruise was organised with the cycling tours. I am past cycling now but love the concept. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️❤️❤️

[@MrEroshan]

Happy for you and your dad.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@traincruise5491]

Looks like an interesting trip, thank you for sharing. I would love get back to Europe but the airfares from Alberta would cost more than the cruise. Watching your videos is the next best thing to being there. How about a polar Hudson for the Arctic and Antarctic cruises. Give him a touque and a scarf, eh! And maybe some mittens.

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha! I like that idea. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@incurableromantic4006]

If I had even the smallest capacity to cycle for long distances - this would be an amazing holiday.

[@EmmaCruises]

❤️❤️

[@jwk4567]

Wow. We love all your videos. Truly. But this was amazing! Thanks! ❤

[@MikeHerbstUSA]

I've only recently found your channel, and this cruise, more than any other, is REALLY exciting for us! I'd love to see more content like this - highlighting smaller and independently owned/run options. This level of intimacy and contact with the crew (and owners!) seems ideal. We'd already be thinking about booking with the Merlijn, except that my wife 100% does not ride a bike. We've now begun trying to find similar offerings, with less bicycle focus. :D

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Wow! Small but mighty river cruise ship Emma! Creme Brulee for dessert? I'm in! Now it must not be inexpensive at all as that is definitely boutique cruising! Enjoyed the video!

[@EmmaCruises]

Mmmm yep!! So good 😀💕

[@amac7476]

After watching video and your guiding words, we have booked a holiday on Merlijn for next May from Amsterdam - Thanks Emma

[@EmmaCruises]

Yesss 😁🙌 Have the best time ever!!!! 😀❤️

[@rcormie]

Love this. Just added it to my bucket list for 2024.

[@richardcinquino6373]

Em, when are you going to do a Maine Windjammer cruise? It's really different and I think you'll love it.

[@EmmaCruises]

Hey Richard can you send me the money please they are not cheap 🤣🤣🤣

[@trishawatling]

Hi Emma, Great video, watching from Sydney, Australia. We call skipping school - Wagging and skipping work is - Chucking a sickie or having a bludge day😊

[@ingvildkvakestad]

Omg new Emma Video! I love your content.

[@EmmaCruises]

Hey hey!! Thanks so much, appreciate you!! :)

[@kathrynm7720]

Emma this looks like a brilliant way to cruise. Intimate and gorgeous scenery. I'm Cdn and for me personally, half-nine would also mean 8:30 am. 😁

[@EmmaCruises]

Really?! I thought it was just Germany that was different :0

[@Thegonagle]

Neat! I would love this cruise, if I ever get to that part of the world before I’m too old.

[@lisameridth5638]

Amazing video and I experienced similar bike and barge cruises. More active travel as opposed to typical passive cruises.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

this is by far the most tempting (for me) of all the cruises you've documented

[@dcnole]

I'm not sure this is the cruise for me, but it seems like an incredible experience for those who are cylcing-inclined. I imagine your video may stir up some good business for the lovely folks who own this ship.

[@EmmaCruises]

Hope so they deserve it! 😀🙏

[@1234j]

20:52 tail swish bottom left!❤😂 Hudson alert.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep!! Good spot I wondered if anybody would see that 🤣🤣