Maria moored on still water in the early morning fog, her bow and name clearly visible

Maria · built in 1931 · still travelling

A different way through Europe.

Life and journeys aboard our historic Dutch barge.

Meet Maria

Maria in the mist, photograph 1 of 3

Our home moves with the horizon

A working barge became our home.

A 1931 Dutch Luxe Motor, built to carry cargo and now our travelling home. We’re Mike and Karen — Kaz to friends — and since 2019 Maria has carried us, our family, friends, Oscar and a growing collection of stories along Europe’s waterways.

Discover Maria’s complete story →
Maria warmly illuminated at the Arsenal in Paris at night
Maria at the Arsenal in Paris — a travelling home glowing after dark.
1931Built in the Netherlands
7 seasonsOur journeys so far
1,178Cruising hours
1,004Locks travelled

Stories from Maria

The stories you don’t plan for.

A difficult crossing, eight weeks in Paris and a concert on the water — three unexpected chapters from life aboard Maria.

Spray breaking over Maria's foredeck while crossing the IJsselmeer
IJsselmeer · 2023

Spray across the IJsselmeer

The IJsselmeer was a complete shock. Too rough for the small boats to be out, with spray breaking over Maria’s foredeck.

Read about the crossing →
The Eiffel Tower seen from Maria's deck during eight weeks living in Paris
Paris · 2022

Eight weeks living in Paris

Eight weeks at Bastille. A comedian on one side, a travelling musician on the other — and our own home in the middle of Paris.

Live with us in Paris →
A pianist playing on a floating platform beside a large audience in Génelard
Génelard · 2025

A piano and choir join Maria

A floating piano, a choir and an evening concert beside Maria. Sometimes the music comes to your own front door.

Discover the concert →

Cruising

Follow the journeys, year by year.

Choose a year by the place or moment that made it memorable, then follow Maria’s routes on the journey map.

2020First season → 2021Dijon → 2022Paris → 2023Amsterdam → 2024Family aboard → 2025Génelard concert → 2026Strasbourg →

Maria’s history

Nearly a century afloat.

From working cargo vessel to travelling home, three moments trace the essential shape of Maria’s life.

Read the complete history →
1931

Built to carry

Maria begins life as a Dutch working cargo vessel.

1991–92

A new life

A careful conversion turns the working barge into a home.

Today

Still travelling

Maria continues through Europe with history, family and everyday life aboard.

Maria at a glance

The important details.

Full technical notes →
25 mLength, approx.
4.8 mBeam, approx.
3 en-suite cabinsPrivate bathroom in each
OM421 V6Mercedes engine
216 hpMain engine power
02305103ENI number
Mike and Kaz together with Maria moored behind them
Mike and Kaz — with Maria, our travelling home, behind us.

The people aboard

Our home comes with us.

We’re Mike and Karen — Kaz to friends. Since 2019, Maria has carried our everyday life from city to village, river to canal, with Oscar never far away.

Come aboard Maria →
“Maria changes the pace. The journey becomes the destination.”
A few words from Mike