An update on a few of the frequently asked questions! 😀 When am I cruising with them again? 27th May 2023, the Weser valley tour in Germany. If you'd like to come, that'd be awesome! Where did I get the towel from? It's from here: amzn.to/3A6vInJ (affiliate link). What is the price based on? It's two sharing. Solo prices are available at the cabin price - a 10% discount. Thank you for your lovely lovely comments on this video, it's been really interesting to see the different reactions this video has received. Lots of non-cruisers are interested in this one, which is awesome.

"... we arrived at a place called Bonn." This led us to the very sobering realization that Emma probably hadn't been born yet when Bonn was the capital of West Germany!! 😊 However, we oldies are definitely interested in this cruise, so thank you Emma for the video!!

I am SO excited to share this video with you! Thank you so much for following along with this adventure, it took me far out of my comfort zone but I always had you cheering me on and that made such a big difference. Have a great day! :)

Spending money at a small business just feels different. Especially now, when everything more and more expensive so you showing us this beautiful family business. Honestly my favourite cruise I've seen from you. And I'm gonna pretend that's not just because of Sascha...

If you want a game to play while watching this video, count how many times I said the word Bum... 🤣. More than in any other video thats for sure!

Can we all just pause for a moment to honour the life and work of Emma`s camera lol. Really interesting cruise, IU can`t cycle but it looks ideal for those who do. The food looked really good too.

As the sort of person who prefers looking at the cruise ships from outside rather than being on them- this looks like my kind of cruise. Will book one!

That looks like it would be a lot more fun than a traditional cruise on a sea monster. I said I was looking forward to this video, thanks for not disappointing. It was great!

Thanks Emma for the wonderful review. After watching your video we booked for summer 2023, then showed the video to our adult son who is now also booked on the same trip! We would not have known of this bike/barge cruise option, nor of the wonderful family business without your video. Appreciate all your content!

Hi Emma, It was so nice to finally see such a vacation get „air time“! We also took a „barge and bike“ vacation in 2019, booked with Freedom Treks out of the UK (we are in Switzerland, but they were fantastic! - they also are the „agent“ for „Boat and Bike“, I think out of Germany). Your trip sounded exactly like ours (36 passengers) and the food, I agree, was THE BEST on any cruise I`ve taken. Cooking for a smaller guest group means the Chef can do his own thing and it was fantastic! We did ours 8 days round trip from Amsterdam. 3 of our 4 group were not cyclists and on our trip we had a short route and guide and then a long route and guide. Had the best time and would even do our tour again. Just keep in mind in Holland - yes flat but wind all the time - so the e-bike I rented was the key to my enjoyment!

You may not have felt like one, but you certainly looked like a proper cyclist! What a lovely, scenic and personal travel experience. Thanks for sharing! 😊

@emma this was absolutely one of my favorite videos. I would have never thought this would be interesting. We didn’t even watch it for quite a while because it didn’t seem like anything we would be interested in. My wife has already been on their website looking at all of their different options! Absolutely one of my favorite videos! Your videos are so well put together! Thanks!

Fantastic video Emma! This is absolutely something my wife and I would love to do. Thank you so much for sharing this as I had no idea that there are cruises like this one. I love the idea of being on a ship with so few people and cycling everyday. By the way, you did famously riding your bike for the distance you did! I always enjoy your vlogs, very informative. Cheers

A new adventure for my bucket list!!! I want to bike and barge on the Merlin!!!!!!!!!!!😊😊😊

This is honestly a dream cruise for me. I wanted to cycle in Europe for so long. But I don’t have the guts to just do it by myself.

That is EXACTLY what I want to do. Thank you for featuring this and also mentioning the E bikes. I have the privilege of living with the unpredictability of Myasthenia Gravis limitations for the last 6 yrs. Went from biking 20 mi easily to 6 easily,then hard, now not at all as balance is impacted by weak muscles. You have given me a goal to work toward and reassurance that 65 is not OLD!! I have no desire for the "normal" American cruise experience ever but this....!!!!!

Wow Emma. Like you, I thought the barges were private rentals or homes. I love this barge and bike cruise. The barge & meals looked absolutely fantastic and the hosts look like they enjoy what they do. I always thought about a river cruise but this is so much better. Thank you for bringing this to us.

This looks amazing. The best of both worlds: sailing but the plenty of time to explore the small towns and villages. Putting Merlijn on my list to research.

Well done Emma. Very informative and I felt I was onboard with you. Certainly perked my interest in such a cruise, thank you. Ross

This looks very interesting thanks for posting about this type of River Cruise .I have been on several river cruises I might have to look into this because I cycle regularly and this is an interesting way to see a town along the river looks like fun.

Excellent narration of your cruise! My biggest surprise is the age of the group and how they were able to cycle all that way. I love seeing healthy retired people…

a wife and husband duo running a small cruise ship on a river sounds like the set up for a great sit com

I would never choose to go on a big cruise but this I would Love! Looks amazing 😻

I am not able to go on any cruises and never been but I got hooked on watching the ocean and these River cruises. I think the river cruise is something I've really wanted to look at and was always enjoying it these. however Emma the barge trip and your video on that was so exciting! I can't tell you how envious and excited I was to think you know imagine that maybe I would you know book a cruise. and the bicycling is something that I've always thought about. but the way you were able to see things just was amazing and your telling about the bicycling was so exciting. normally I would want to know about some of the things you saw but actually you did a remarkably exciting video. I hope your trip which I haven't seen on the river again will be enjoyable but I hope that you continue laying this really know how things are. I really trust that you let us know the good and the bad and from a person who enjoys what they're doing. thank you so much have a good fall. 🍁🍂🥧 (pumpkin pie is American fall, Thanksgiving standard.)

I lived in West Germany 1976-1979. We lived on the Moselle River in a town called Punderich. This really took me back.

watched several of your videos as I have never been on a cruise before, This barge trip is the one that interested me the most,and will look more into this type of travel. thanks for the detailed info,( nice haircut too ) Merci.

I love all of your videos, but this may be my absolute favorite! I love cruising and this looks like an amazing adventure! My wife and I recently went on a cruise to Bermuda. We rented a motor scooter and toured the island and had the best time!From a scooter we were able to see and experience so much. I think riding a bike may be even a little better. Thank you for sharing this experience!

Emma, I've been watching your cruise vids for over a year -- and I've never cruised! Based on this vid -- I'm literally about to book a cruise on the Merlijn. Thank you so much.

Definitely my style of travel. Thank you for such a thorough review of this incredible barge trip. I am strongly considering this for my next vacation.

Just a quick thank you. I have never cruised but have been enjoying some vicarious living and I too am a vegetarian. Not a ton of vloggers out there showing food I actually find appealing for mains! Thank you!!

'The camera died for a good cause'! These are such good reviews - you get a really honest and detailed review from Emma. I certainly take notice of these reviews rather than the on-line text reviews which say stuff like 'We never got used to the door handles and it took the edge of our cruise' type of nonsense.

This type of cruise wouldn't have ever appealed to me....until your video. This looks like so much fun!!!

Thanks for sharing. It is brilliant how cycling incorporated seeing the countryside while participating in an activity. The food looked delicious even to my husband who refuses to ever step foot in a MDR on a cruise ship.

What a lovely trip you had (RIP Emma's camera) and the video is terrific. Thanks for sharing this with us. 🥰

Emma this adventure looks so awesome. I am so thankful that you did this and shared your experience with us. I would never had known what it was like or ever dreamed it was something I would like or feel that I could do, if it wasn't for you and your wonderful, very thorough video. Thank you so much. 😽 hi Hudson!!

I had been following your adventures on this cruise on social media and wondered how you would be able to capture it all in one of your You Tubes eventually. Today when I saw this video was less than 30 minutes, I was very surprised. Well, watching it, I saw your creative and editorial genius come to the forefront. This was a terrific video capturing this very different experience for most of us, and answering all of the questions we might have, while increasing our interest in it. You rock, Emma.

The first thing i have to say is The Water Gods smiled on you, for you to be invited onto this river cruise ship. With your Instagram's, and now confirmed by this video, I want to take a Christmas Cruise on the Merlijn. However, there a few other itineraries that also interest me. I'm going to make it happen somehow in the next year or so. Without your superb video, I'd have never have known a thing about amazing type of river cruise. Your camera's noble sacrifice was not in vain. Your shots of the scenic vista's left me amazed.

Loved the video and now I want to book the cruise! In the US ‘ticks’ are insects that suck your blood and transmit disease. I have to treat my dog in the summer to protect her against tick bites. We call it a check mark or check for short.

Well done,you. Narrated like a documentary professional. Look out Sir David, Emma is coming for your job. I felt as if I were along for the trip. I have always enjoyed your vlogs, but this one is special.

Hi Emma, thanks for your lovely video. We were so impressed, we booked the Danube trip for next year in august.

I recently got back from my first cruise trip and I came across your channel. Thank you for the wonderful content and tips! I'll put them to good use for my future trips 🙏🏻 Subscribed!

Emma; What a lovely cruise! I had no idea 💡 I ride my bike every day. I would love a bike-cruise. So intimate, I would enjoy that too (being a solo traveller.) The food looks amazing! And the little beagle ❤ Thanks for a great video 😊

I had no idea a cruise like this even existed. Fantastic video and now I want to go on one.... !!!

That sounds like a great trip. I used to be an avid cyclist, back in the 1980s... ha ha The comraderie you described reminds me of the week long scuba diving trips. It is interesting being onboard with the same small group every day, and partying every night. Certainly not the norm on most vacations. 😎

Really interesting video Emma and definitely a cruise I’d like to do. This one has caught my imagination. Thank you.

Growing up as a kid my family would do an annual Santana Tandem Tour in the US. It was a bit more for serious cyclists as we were always the slowest and last to arrive! It was structured more or less the same, but instead of a boat meeting us at the next stop, the trucks would meet us at the next hotel destination. The mileage was more like 50-60 miles a day (80-96km) and most people brought their own bikes. I have such fond memories of those tours and this feels like a relaxed version of that! I'm so glad you had a great time!

Hi Emma, I am a newbie to your channel over the last year. I enjoy your videos so much. I have to say, after this video, I want so very much to take a cruise on the Merlijn. This is my favorite video/trip you have done. Thanks again for the wonderful videos, all of the detailed info and of course your effervescent personality.

This looks like the kind of trip I would love to take. Everything looks fabulous.🐱

We are scheduled for 3 weeks with Viking next summer but this has definitely been added to my bucket list! 40-50 km per day of cycling sounds ideal. We will be paying extra for all the Viking excursions on bicycles because we love to see country and cities by bike.

Thanks Emma! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this trip. I'm one of your followers that's never been on a "typical" cruise ship but I'm very experienced in "expedition cruising" on ships less than 100 passengers. I understand that your budget doesn't stretch to that type of cruising but might consider trying one of the larger ships after having watched your videos as well as Gary B.'s. Stay well everyone!

Oh my gosh this is perfect!! This is where it's at! A barge, a smaller group, and cycling! WOO HOO!

Wow, Germany really is beautiful, the towns you bike through look so cozy! Thanks for the video.

OMG! What a great adventure! I want to do this cruise for sure! My husband would love it also! Love your pixie haircut! Fabulous, absolutely fabulous review. Thank you for sharing. This goes on my bucket list!

What a delightful trip. I've been watching and enjoying your videos for a while. This was especially enjoyable becuase it was an excellent look at unique voyage. Thanks.

Well done, Emma, especially in a heatwave. I spent two weeks going up and down the Mosel River three summers ago in heat like that, and it was brutal - but SO beautiful. Barges (in several different countries) are next on my bucket list. I think I will try to schedule for spring or autumn though.Thanks for the review - this gives me confidence.

Emma, your genuine enthusiasm is quite evident, well done!

It looks absolutely AMAZING! I have just added another cruise to my bucket list!!!! Thank you for sharing! :)

Thank you so much for sharing. Living in Central Queensland, Australia I'm quite naive and had no idea how beautiful Germany is. You definitely have me addicted to this style of cruise, now just have to save hard to take my three teen daughters. What an amazing experience.

I'm a relatively new subscriber and am working backwards through your videos. They are all great but this was the best yet. Well done!!

Great video! This looked like so much fun! I really love that you get out and get active every day. Looks like something that should be on my bucket list!

Thankyou. As an avid cyclist I am now interested in this type of adventure for the future. this definitely looks fun.

Thank you Emma! Definitely one of your best videos. I've never been on a river cruise, but this one looks just excellent!

Great video Emma. I would absolutely love to do this!

This cruise looks fantastic, I'd love to do this but not cycle, what a lovely surprise, all the things to do and see, great food, lovely cabin, good company, brilliant hosts, what more could we want!

Fantastic Video Emma! Gorgeous Scenery, Lovely Cabin, Delicious Food! Stunning In Every Way! Thanks! Stay Safe💖

It was so great so cozy so sweet and well organized in one word, luxurious, kind of Emma had rushed past me in a carriage with a royal retinue. I look forward to your May adventure. Emma, you shear obliged to show your best side, be preparing! Honestly I faint imagine cycling 50 km. I had this experience in May 2021. Unfortunately a hindu-looking owner of dog destroyed my bicycle last summer.

This sounds absolutely amazing! Thank you for doing a video on it I don't think I would have known about it otherwise

I've been on river cruises in the area and I have cycled in the area. I even lived in the area, in Koblenz, for a short time 40 odd years ago and yet watching your video still makes me think that I must try this cruise. Lots of great info and footage and well presented. I'm already looking for more information. The DJI Pocket is a great camera but is not an action cam :-(

One of the best of your best Emma. The barge was sublime, you can tell when people put love into a project. The service and food seemed exquisite. Better 20 friends that 5,000. The last cruise that came close to this was the White Line Trans-Atlantic. I think you will remember this as one of your best cruises. Bravo to the crew and your presentation! This is what I would call a Bohemian cruise. The owners know their business. May they prosper in their love and devotion to making a perfect experience. Cheers!

I am struck, once again, by how excellent your videos are. Succinct yet comprehensive. Peppy, yet not rushed. They're really a great pleasure. :)

That was the best ship review!! You did such a great job with it. Thank you Emma!!

I REALLY loved this video Emma! What a creative way to travel. Thank you for doing this amazing trip and documenting it for me!

WOW! This is my favorite video of all! Thanks for sharing and giving me a new goal! I would have never considered this type of vacation but you have enlightened me. I enjoy all your videos - but this one has the Wow factor. I am setting a new goal- thanks to you!

What a fabulous unique holiday experience… loved it! Not surprised you’re heading back for more 👍

I never went on a cruise and don't really plan on doing one in the future but I love watching your channel! This is the first time I actually feel intrigued by a cruise. I am not very fit and don't ride a bike often but this sounds like so much fun while also being quite relaxing. The fact that the passengers have the choice of biking or staying on the ship makes it so nice to me.

In US English when talking about marking things off a list, a tick is a single line and a check is this ✅(with the v shape and long and short side). I think we say we're checking things off a list because we're marking them off with a check mark, which is the name for ✅.

Emma this sounded like so much fun. Great food and rooms. One of my favorite cruises of yours. 💙⛴️ Loved hearing about the toilets. Who knew? Lol

My wife and I have been searching for the most ideal cruises ( For us anyway ), in Germany or France. We had settled on a Croisi Canal Barge in the Alsace region of Germany but you have just trumped that with your Bike River Cruise on the Mosel River. What a fantastic trip and not too expensive. I just hope our BUMS can hold up for 8 days !!!!. Thank you Emma. Max. Australia.

This sounds like my kind of cruise! Though i'm not a bike rider, either. Thank you for sharing this- it looks really cozy and fun!

This is such a cool concept, thanks for the video, I would never have known about this it wasn’t for you!

This looks like one of the best and fun ways to do Germany/Austria, and I’m definitely attracted to the small group (boutique) setting.

Great insight into a cycling / barge holiday , thank you Emma.

There is a cooling towel brand called “Frog Toggs”. My daughter played junior and college golf and it really helped when temps hit the high 90’s.

I love seeing your stuffed kitty enjoying the trip!

Great Video Emma. Thank you! As you were talking about barges and tiny ships I kept thinking about narrowboating there in Britain and Hebredian Princess up in Scotland. Narrowboating: You, the crew you bring with you are the captain, head chef, lock tenders and line handlers. Oh, you can bring a bike, even on the hire boats if someone wants to cycle. So the food probably isn't as good as on the Merlin. You feel much more independent. Coordinating meetings for those that go ashore is easy as you always have a tow path on one side or the other. We've enjoyed all of your narrowboat trips. Hebredian Princess: She's the oldest cruise ship we've been on. She's the only time we've taken an inside cabin. She's only 50 passengers, 10 of whom are in single cabins. She's the only ship we've been on with a Royal warrent. Her Majesty has hired her twice! She has the widest selection of single malts we've seen on any ship. Only The Pot Still in Glasgow has had more for us. She's the only ship I've been on where the cruise directors father's bar became the source for a single malt when the ship ran out. :-) She's the first cruise I've been on with two included tours each day. And in different places no less. She is the only ship I've been on where a member of the crew, from the captain down, joined you for every meal. Speaking of meals starting the meal with a reading of An Ode to the Hagias was interesting. It was also the most expensive per person per day we've been on. I hope I can go back at some point. You should consider both of the above. Perhaps when the temperatures calm down a bit over there. David Heinsohn

This sounds like a perfect way to dip one's toe in the cruise pool! E-bikes? Wonderful. So sorry for your loss. Mashed tech is a heartbreaking sight. PS- STOP with the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Raspberry cookies pics! Stop it! I am dying over here.

This really sounds amazing. I'm on their site now looking to possibly schedule a booking for next year.

Great video! Thanks for sharing your trip!

This sounds great Emma! I'm an e-biker at home, so it's good to hear that is an option. Also glad to see veg options on the menu. Would love to try this .Thanks!

Happy you got to Luxembourg 🇱🇺 I just visited to pickup my Passport and fell in love with the country. Need to get back.

Your narratives are always so enjoyable, and this trip was no exception. I am so glad you enjoyed the cycling. We used to ride from one B&B to another carrying all our gear in panniers, special packs designed to be carried much like a saddle bag over the front and rear wheels. Food at s B&B is usually good, yet perhaps not as good as on the Merlin. So happy you had a wonderful experience on your river cruise yet still stayed in touch with the country ride around you.

This looks like such a fun and exciting way to cruise! I can’t imagine going on something like this and not making at least one friend! I wish we could go on this cruise! Unfortunately my husband is disabled and wouldn’t be able to bike for that long, but I’m sure we’ll find something similar that will be just as fun!

My favorite video of yours. So clear how much you really loved this.

What a great video! I never knew this style of cruising even existed! Now I must put it on my to do list. Maybe. I doubt I'd be fit enough to fully enjoy it... but it looks super fun though.

Wow what a delightful cruise…i was waiting with bated breath to hear’ you don’t need to come near a bke😂😂. Thank you, I am appreciative of you introducing this to us😊🚢

Your experience reviews are fabulous. Well done (again). Gooday from Australia.

Thanks for this fantastic review, its so thorough. Very enjoyable.

This video was very interesting. Glad you had a great trip.

This cruise looked lovely , apart from the bike riding lol . I’m in a wheelchair so maybe I could totter behind on my electric one instead !?☺️😉 Maybe not . Lol . Nice to watch a cruise that is very different but looked very relaxing on board . Great video x

I have been following them since your 2nd Bike and Barge Cruise. This Barge is on my Bucket List.. Only 24 adventurers per trip. The eBikes are a real plus. Thanks Emma.