Merlijn’s Magical Christmas Cruise in Germany

December 1 Itinerary:

Day 1: Düsseldorf
Day 2: Düsseldorf – Oberhausen
Day 3: Oberhausen – Dortmund
Day 4: Dortmund – Münster
Day 5. Münster

 The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, lock repairs, and mooring requirements.

Day 1: Düsseldorf
You will be welcomed on board starting at 3:30 pm. The crew will assist you with check-in. Around 5 pm your captain and host will offer you a welcome drink, introduce the crew, and educate you regarding the ship, your home for the next few days, and safety. In the evening, after dinner, you can stroll to several Christmas markets in ‘der Altstadt’. Well known is the market on the ‘Engelchen-markt’ (angels market) or ‘Heinrich-Heine-platz’. To warm yourself up, you can drink a traditional ‘gluhwein’ (hot wine) or visit the longest bar in the world! Overnight in Düsseldorf.

Day 2:  Düsseldorf – Oberhausen
Before breakfast, you can enjoy a morning walk over the boulevard, along the Rhine. The Merlijn will depart during breakfast and sail the mighty river downstream towards Duisburg where you will enter the German channel, the ‘Rhein-Herne-kanal’. As the ship navigates, you can relax in the lounge, fully decked out for the holidays. After your first lunch on board, you will arrive in Oberhausen. Here your included excursion to the industrial ‘Landschaftspark” will start, which is a nice variation to all the Christmas things! After the last coal mine was closed in 1985, the steel factories were closed and mostly dismantled. Nowadays this area is an acknowledged UNESCO world heritage site. The park was designed in 1991 by Peter Latz, who wanted to emphasize understanding the industrial past, rather than trying to reject it. You will enjoy a 2 hour guided tour through an old steel factory, where you will follow the way of Iron ore until steel. 

In the eveningyou can visit the Christmas market from Oberhausen,an old tradition in a new style. One of Europe’slargest shopping malls ‘CentrO’ is converted into a Christmas heaven, with trees, Santas, and lights everywhere!

Day 3: Oberhausen – Dortmund
Today starts with a sailing breakfast which is always a very relaxing way to begin your day.  You will enjoy a lunch prepared by the chef on board and by the afternoon, you will arrive in Dortmund. A local guide will be waiting for the group to show you around this beautiful old city. During this excursion, you can already look for your favorite restaurant, because this evening you can taste the local cuisine while eating out. Or perhaps you prefer to sample all the local delicacies while you visit one of Dortmund Christmas markets with the largest Christmas tree in Germany.

Day 4: Dortmund – Münster
Enjoy your warm morning coffee on the sunny aft lounge-seats or on the spacious front terrace while cruising, don’t forget to wear your winter jacket it might be cold! After breakfast, you spend
your last morning onboard. The captain steers the ship through the ‘Dortmund-Eems-kanal’. Along this channel, we will see more nature and some architectural highlights from hydraulic engineering. The ship will arrive in Münster after lunch where a local guide is waiting to walk you through the city. This is a tour that you don’t want to miss! Before diner there is
still plenty of time to stroll through the large but cosy Christmas market and buy your last
souvenirs.
The captain's dinner is held this evening. This is an old tradition on ships where the captain would share the best products that he had with everybody on board.

Day 5. Münster
After a delicious breakfast, your tour officially comes to an end. We hope that you have planned onward travel in Germany (perhaps Berlin for the Christmas market there or elsewhere in Europe as 5 days might not be enough!

December 5 Itinerary:

Münster to Düsseldorf

Day 1: Münster
Day 2: Münster - Dortmund
Day 3: Dortmund - Oberhausen
Day 4: Oberhausen - Düsseldorf
Day 5. Düsseldorf

The Merlijn is always dressed up in her finest but imagine this beauty decked out for the holiday. Nobody will come away feeling anything less than festive!

• Merlijn

  Deluxe

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  4.9 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Deluxe Class Barge

  Touring Bicycle

  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered and as of 2023, have brand new standard bikes available. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has unisex e-bikes available to rent. These must be reserved in advance. • Gudereit or ISY Brand … • 7 gears … • Bosch engine … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and… Read More

  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step on board and discover for yourself! Read More