Tjalk hunting Pelican Enkhuizen

The Tjalkjacht Pelikaan in Enkhuizen offers an experience far removed from the standardized world of most hotels or vacation homes . It's an authentic sailing ship, built in 1904, that serves as a floating holiday home. This type of alojamiento is inherently different; it promises adventure, authenticity, and direct interaction with both the elements and the crew. Situated at Tussen Twee Havens (Tenants Two Harbours), the ship enjoys a picturesque and central location. Guests aren't simply booking a room here, but an experience on the water.

The Pelikaan can be experienced in various ways: as a bed and breakfast, as group accommodation for weekend, midweek, or week-long sailing trips, or even as a quiet, atmospheric overnight stay in the harbor. This flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of groups, from families and groups of friends to company outings and team-building events. The ship itself is surprisingly comfortable and well-equipped. It has central heating and even underfloor heating in the day room, making it a cozy place even on cold and bleak winter days, as several guests have confirmed. The presence of six double habitaciones (cabins), two showers, and a spacious galley (kitchen) with a ceramic hob and a large oven offers amenities one would expect in a well-equipped apartment .

The Mostly Positive Experience

The vast majority of guests are very pleased with their stay. The atmosphere on board is described as warm, hospitable, and friendly. Skipper and owner Lucas Knol, who has been sailing charter ships since 2001 and has owned the ship since 2019, has been praised in many reviews. He is seen as a thoughtful skipper who involves guests in the sailing experience, patiently explains everything, and ensures a wonderful trip. This interactive element distinguishes the Pelikaan from a passive hospedaje ; guests become part of the crew, which enriches the experience. Even steering the impressive ship is possible.

A notable aspect highlighted in a review is the attention to accessibility, specifically the presence of a sign language interpreter. This demonstrates a rare level of inclusivity and personal attention. The communal meals, sometimes prepared by the crew and guests together, reinforce the sense of community, reminiscent of the atmosphere of a cozy albergue or a snug hostería . The comfortable warmth on board, even in wintery conditions with frost and snow, is a consistent plus. The ship thus offers a unique combination of adventure and comfort, making it an attractive alternative to traditional cabañas or villas ashore.

A Critical Note: The Other Side of the Coin

Despite the many positive words, a very detailed and negative experience sheds a different light on the matter. A group of three families who rented the boat for a New Year's Eve celebration described an experience that completely contradicted the positive reviews. The problems began even before arrival with unpleasant and rude communication from the skipper regarding the arrival time. Once on board, the festivities were rudely interrupted when the skipper loudly demanded that the group be quiet, as he wanted to sleep due to a service call.

This confrontation, on a night marked by celebrations worldwide, led the group to decide to leave, considering the substantial rental fee lost. The reviewer noted that the skipper dismissed the fee as a "small pittance," demonstrating a very unfriendly attitude. This incident suggests that the quality of the experience on the Pelikaan can depend heavily on the interaction with and the skipper's demeanor. While one guest experiences a warm and welcoming atmosphere, another may encounter inflexibility and a lack of empathy. This makes choosing the Pelikaan a gamble not everyone will want to take, especially not for a special occasion.

Who is the Tjalkjacht Pelikaan suitable for?

A stay on the Pelikaan isn't a standard product like a room in a resort or posada . It's a niche experience best suited to groups seeking an active and unique vacation. It's ideal for those who appreciate the charm of a historic ship and prefer the personal, sometimes unpredictable, interaction with a skipper to the anonymity of larger accommodations.

What you can expect:

• A unique experience: Sleeping and living on a floating monument is an unforgettable experience.
• Comfort and good facilities: Despite the authentic setting, the ship is modernly equipped with heating and a fully equipped kitchen.
• Active participation: Guests have the opportunity to help with sailing and the day-to-day running of the ship.

Potential drawbacks to consider:

• Skipper dependence: The atmosphere and success of the stay seem to depend heavily on the skipper's personality and attitude. A documented negative experience is a significant warning sign.
• Less privacy: In group accommodations, you share space more intensively than in individual hotel rooms. This is more comparable to a hostel than a private vacation apartment .
• Expectation management is key: It's essential to make clear agreements and communicate expectations beforehand, especially when it comes to parties or special events, to avoid conflicts like the New Year's Eve incident described.

In conclusion, the Tjalkjacht Pelikaan is a two-faced accommodation. It offers the opportunity for a fantastic and authentic adventure on the water, led by a generally appreciated skipper. The high overall rating suggests that positive experiences are the norm. However, the very negative review cannot be ignored and points to a potential risk. For adventurous travelers open to a unique, interactive form of alojamiento and willing to make clear agreements, the Pelikaan can be an excellent choice. For those seeking certainty and predictable service, a traditional hotel might be a safer option.