I Spent a Week on 1930s River Cruise Ship

This is the Merlijn, she was built in 1930 to transport sand and she will be my home for the next week. We’re sailing 420km across Germany and I’ll be sharing the ship with only 23 other guests. I’ll show you what it’s like to live on a Barge, what we eat, where we sleep and how a brilliant Husband and Wife team run this business with just 4 other crew members, oh and their dog, Sacha. We can’t forget Sacha.
This cruise was anything but ordinary, and our time on land was mostly spent on bikes cycling each day through German towns and the countryside. The time on the bike definitely was a challenge for me but we saw some bizarre and incredible things along the way that distracted me from just how long I’d spent on the saddle.
Our cruise began in Dusseldorf on the bank of the Rhine river.
Usually when you board a cruise you have to start your journey by going through security and standing in lots of queues, but that isn’t what happened on the Merlijn.
(Because it's such a little business the easiest way to book is direct with Coen at www.merlijn.nu if you do need any help though with things like adding flights and hotels, we can help at emmacruises.com/book-a-cruise/)
When we walked down to the river edge the Merlijn was already waiting for us. There's no big cruise terminal or buildings the ships just dock on the river's edge. The ship looked beautiful, the paint looked flawless and compared to the other river ships that were around, to me the Merlijn looked tiny. You would NEVER know that she was almost 100 years old though, I’m sure shes had about 100 fresh coats of paint in that time.
We walked right onto the ship and that was it, our cruise could begin! One small step for me, a giant leap for my cruise, or something like that.
I was taking this cruise with my Dad and was really looking forward to spending the week together. It’s very rare that I spend much time with just my dad by himself so I was hoping that he would enjoy the week as much as I thought he would. I’d booked this cruise for us about a year in advance and had spent the last year telling him how much he’d like it, so I really needed it to be good.
We chatted to the other guests on the open deck area and I found out that there were people onboard from the USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil and me and my dad were there representing the UK. The front terrace area was beautifully decorated with little flowers and lots of comfy seats.
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[@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 🤣

[@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.

[@heyytwo]

Its always a good day whem emma posted

[@EmmaCruises]

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

[@stabbitystab]

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

[@karipreston1204]

Amen!

[@hannahrobertson31]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

Cute right? 😀🥹

[@Hoosier_man01]

My grandfather just died and this was the first things that’s made me really happy in almost a week. Thank you Emma

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh my goodness. Thank you for taking the time to write this, this makes the editing worth it! Ha ha. Hope you are doing okay. ❤️

[@user-ik2lv4mu5s]

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?

[@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.

[@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? 😀💕

[@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.

[@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 😀👏🏼

[@gillsinclair6927]

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

[@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 😀👏🏼

[@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!!!!!

[@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. 🤣

[@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! 👍

[@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.

[@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!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@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.

[@johnwelch5132]

Sasha is a beautiful dog. Deserves her own channel.

[@jaysimmons9598]

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 😀

[@freeetosaywhatilike7473]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

Awhhh Thank you! 😁❤️

[@chrisalexander8110]

This is so cool! Thank you for highlighting this

[@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 ❤

[@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 😀👏🏼

[@Olbear040]

To much fun!so glad your Dad had such a good time!

[@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 🥹

[@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! 😊😊

[@tn_bluestem]

This looks absolutely delightful and cozy too!

[@barbarashuster9029]

This looks wonderful! We loved our river cruise!

[@sparx550]

That looks fantastic, great vlog Emma.

[@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

[@douglasdangelo6755]

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

[@incurableromantic4006]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

❤️❤️

[@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!! 😀💕

[@lindameyer6397]

Fantastic journey and post! Thank you😊

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@jefreykoenig6774]

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

[@gabrieleortiz5041]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@paulcooper8818]

Another fantastic cruise report, thanks Emma.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@marinao730]

Looks like great fun. Have to add this to my travel list.

[@devilinsideanangel]

This looks like such a great trip!

[@rcormie]

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

[@elnamayberry]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

Yes!!! Agreed!!!

[@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

[@barbier5488]

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

[@mattlostatsea]

Another great well documented video Emma x

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@BenjiBoggis]

What an absolute joy to see Lea again. She was the guide on the first Bike and Barge I did in 2008. Amsterdam-Bruges-Amsterdam on the Sailing Home barge.

[@EmmaCruises]

She's so brilliant isn't she?! :-)

[@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.

[@EuropopTop]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

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.

[@cyberirv1]

Fascinating Emma! What an experience! So so different. I love your reviews and love my cruises but this was something else! X

[@EmmaCruises]

You are tooo kind!! ❤️❤️

[@travisrevel3826]

Hi Emma! Just outstanding! I would love to take a river cruise through Germany! Time to start saving my money! Thanks for the video!! 😻

[@EmmaCruises]

Germany is the best, I love it. Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@markeaston7353]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@scruff520]

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

[@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! 😁❤️❤️❤️

[@Marcel_Audubon]

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

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@karenjordan5731]

That looked amazing and way to go Emma - 155 miles!!!

[@santiago3685]

That looks super cool! We might have to put something like this on our vacation list. You do a terrific job! Cheers :)

[@sheismymom]

Sounds like a lovely time 23 guests wow.

[@hemaccabe4292]

Wow, this looks so good!

[@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]

🥹💕

[@LaJuana558]

Wow! What a fun cruise!!

[@septemberclare2697]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

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

[@sharonlarsen3642]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

Did make me laugh! 😂

[@ccollins8127]

I love that the Merljin had their own Captain Hudson!

[@EmmaCruises]

So cute right! 😀

[@lisameridth5638]

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

[@adamnoble3546]

This looks like a perfect little cruise. I love dogs and cats, and l love cycling 😊

[@joemichaels4231]

Hey Emma! Great trip and video!!!

[@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 😀👏🏼

[@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/ 🥳🥳

[@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!! 🤣❤️

[@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! 😁❤️

[@MrEroshan]

Happy for you and your dad.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@Cruiseguy333]

That cabin looks so cool! I think the porthole right next to the waterline is awesome

[@laurenschenck5355]

SO EXCITED!!💛🩵🩵🏝️💛🩵🏝️🏝️🩵🌞🌞🌞🌞🩵🩵🏝️⛱️⛱️👏🏻🏝️🩵🩵🏝️🌞🌞🌞🩵🩵🏝️💛💛💛🏝️🩵🌞🌞🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️

[@EmmaCruises]

Woop woop! :)

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@EmmaCruises😊😊

[@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 😀👏🏼

[@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! 🤣

[@nicholashall4625]

Wow it looks amazing!

[@aidanflorida2334]

Thank you for vry interesting cruising videos, I look forward to your upcoming adventures. When I was going to school the term Skipping school was the term we used for missing a class or the whole the day.

[@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 😀🙏

[@Ashley_daraz45]

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

[@EmmaCruises]

Yessss, the best! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@manofsteam1]

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

[@nikt6374]

Great film, really enjoyed watching it.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@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

[@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! 😁❤️

[@Ted_K_Have_a_nice_day]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@Ted_K_Have_a_nice_day]

@@EmmaCruises 😺👋

[@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 😀👏🏼

[@1234j]

🎉 so sensible with river water in the right place 🙌

[@EmmaCruises]

Yeah! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@emstar780]

this is the most unique and coolest cruise ive ever seen

[@miraclesandmoonbeams464]

What a great journey!

[@EmmaCruises]

So much fun! :)

[@dospalmascb]

Wow! That food looked absolutely incredible, wouldn't cope with the cycling, but the boat looks like a fantastic way to spend a week

[@ingvildkvakestad]

Omg new Emma Video! I love your content.

[@EmmaCruises]

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

[@RossMKF1]

This is a very cool cruise ship and very cool lifestyle for the owners!