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Europe , Port Guides

Zeebrugge cruise port – where to go and what to see.

Make the most of your time ashore with my guide to some of the things you can do in Zeebrugge and beyond.

The Port of Zeebrugge is a popular stop on mini and Northern Europe cruises from the UK and beyond. A coastal town in the north of Belgium – it’s name means Bruges-on-Sea – Zeebrugge is a port full of possibilities.

Ships usually arrive in the morning and depart late afternoon/early evening. Occasionally, there might be an overnight stay in port. Over the last couple of years I have done cruises with both these options and either way, there is usually plenty of time to explore this part of Belgium.

Whether you visit the nearby coastal town of Blankenberge, take a trip to magical Bruges or head to the Belgium capital, Brussels, there is more enough to keep you busy here.

So, I’ve put together this guide to Zeebrugge cruise port based on my experiences to help you make the most of you day in port.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.

At A Glance: Things to do from Zeebrugge

All cruises lines that call into Zeebrugge will offer many different excursions to help you see the best of the region. Or you can easily visit most of these independently, giving you more flexibility and freedom.

Popular places to visit include

• Blankenberge

As well as sightseeing tours, there are often also options for experiences like beer tasting and chocolate making. Well, we are in Belgium, probably the chocolate capital of the world!

Zeebrugge Cruise Port

Located on the North Sea coast of Belgium, the Port of Zeebrugge is the country’s second largest port. While it is largely a commercial port handling cargo, there is also facilities for cruise ships to dock.

Once docked, there is no pedestrian access for cruise passengers at the port. So you can’t just get off the ship and go for a wander. However, there is a free shuttle bus that takes you from the gangway to the cruise terminal and vice versa. On my visits, these buses ran regularly and there was little wait so it didn’t take too long to get in and out of the port.

If you are taking a shore excursion with your cruise line then the tour coaches will come to the ship. A member of the shore excursion team or ship crew will usually be waiting for you dockside to direct you to the right coach. 

Tip | Before leaving the ship, make sure you have your shore excursion ticket. It’s surprisingly easy to leave it behind and you don’t want to have to get back on board to retrieve it. 

As there are likely to be multiple coaches heading off to different locations (and maybe more than one booked for the same shore excursion) you want to make sure you get on and off the right coach throughout the day. When boarding your coach, make a quick note of the number on the sign in the window or door. I jotted it down in my notes app on my phone just in case.

When you return from your excursion you’ll be dropped off at the cruise terminal. You then take the shuttle bus from the terminal to the ship once you have cleared security. 

Doing your own thing in port

If you prefer to do your own thing, you can reach Bruges, Ghent and Brussels quite easily using local transport options.

Your cruise line may offer a shuttle bus into Blankenberge, where you can pick up a train to Bruges, Ghent or Brussels. Alternatively, you can book a round-trip service to Bruges that will pick you up and drop you off outside the cruise terminal. The journey from Zeebrugge to Bruges takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

There is also a taxi rank outside the Zeebrugge cruise terminal. On my last visit, the shuttle buses were fully booked so we ended up using a taxi from Zeebrugge to Bruges. This cost us €50 each way.

Doing it yourself offers a lot of flexibility to your visit. However, please remember it is your responsibility to get back to the ship on time. The ship won’t wait if you are late. 

Places to visit from Zeebrugge

From coastal towns to fairytale cities, there are lots of things do near the port of Zeebrugge. You could easily spend an overnight there and not run out of places to visit. However, most cruises are only in port for a day so it’s best to pick one place and explore at a leisurely pace.

Blankenberg

Just 15 minutes or so from Zeebrugge is Blankenberge, one of Belgium’s most popular coastal towns. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the sandy beach or promenade, sip a drink in one of the beach bars or wander along the pier.

If the beach isn’t for you, other things you can do in Blankenberge include visiting the local nature reserves, checking out the yachts in the marina or having a nose around the shops.

You can learn about the town’s culture and heritage at the Belle Epoque Center or discover more about Blankenberge’s maritime history with a visit to the oldest fisherman’s cottage on the Belgian Coast.

Find out more about Blankenberge here .

Beautiful Bruges is probably the most popular excursion from Zeebrugge. With its cobblestone lanes, winding canals and stunning architecture, a visit to Bruges is like stepping into a fairytale city for a few hours. 

The historic centre of the city is so well preserved it has been made a UNESCO world heritage site.

Some of the top things to do in Bruges include

• Trying some Belgium chocolate and/or waffles 
• Wandering around Market (Markt) Square (and maybe have lunch or a drink in one of the restaurants and bars that surround the square)
• Climbing the Belfry Tower for a panoramic view of the city
• Enjoying a canal ride (Bruges is dubbed the Venice of the north)
• Exploring the old town

On my first visit, I just wandered around but in hindsight I should probably have had bit of a plan of what I wanted to see. It did end up being bit of an aimless wander with a stop for some waffles. An enjoyable afternoon but I think I could have seen a lot more of the city.

Tip | If you want to take a shore excursion to Bruges, book early as it is a popular choice and likely to get booked up quickly.

It is fairly straightforward to get from Zeebrugge port to Bruges. If you are not taking a ship run excursion you can pick up a taxi or a Zeebrugge to Bruges shuttle bus outside the cruise terminal.

If you’d like to explore further afield you can take a trip the Belgium capital, Brussels.

Your cruise line may offer an excursion or shuttle bus there or you can make your own way there by public transport or hiring a car. It takes between an hour an half to two hours to get to Brussels.

Despite its reputation as the most boring city in Europe, you’ll find plenty there to keep you busy for a day. None of them boring either.

Some of the things to do in Brussels include

• Visiting the Grand Palace
• Walking the comic book route
• Taking in some of the city’s impressive architecture
• Trying a Belgium waffle or chocolate (or maybe both!)
• Enjoying a Belgium beer

On a previous trip to Brussels – not while on a cruise – I spent a great afternoon following the comic book trail. Over 50 comic strip murals are painted on buildings across the city. You can purchase a map from the city’s tourist office to help you find them.

While everybody heads off to Bruges, it’s easy to overlook Ghent. However, this vibrant city is also packed with incredible architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, bustling squares and scenic waterways. And far fewer crowds. 

Popular things you can do in Ghent include

• Wandering around the city centre
• Visiting Gravensteen – a 10th-century castle
• Taking a boat trip along the canals and waterways
• Visiting St. Bavo’s Cathedral 
• Climbing the Belfry of Ghent

It is possible to do Bruges and Ghent in the same day if you’d like to get the best of both worlds.

However, you would only get a few hours in each place so it might be worth booking a return trip so you can give each city the attention they deserve. And save yourself a bit of rushing around.

It seems hard to believe now but the region just an hour or so from Zeebrugge saw some of the bloodiest battles of World War I.

Today, you can visit the battlegrounds and pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the war cemeteries and memorials along what was the Western Front. 

Cruise lines often offer tours of Ypres and the surrounding area so you can learn more about World War I.

Stops on these tours usually include

• Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial – the largest British and Commonwealth war cemetery in the world
• In Flanders Fields Museum

It takes an hour or so to reach Ypres by road. Unless you hire a car or book a private tour, it’s probably easier to take up a cruise line excursion as they will take to you all the main places to visit.

I did a shore excursion here on my last visit to Zeebrugge. While it was quite a long, draining day it was a thought-provoking look at this terrible time in history.

The Last Word

While at first glance, seeing Zeebrugge on your cruise itinerary might not seem that exciting, however, it is actually a great port to start exploring Belgium from.

I’ve been back twice on cruises so far with one more booked as I am still finding plenty of things I’d like to see and do.

So, don’t be surprised to find you might also want to plan a trip back as it so hard to choose where to visit from this port.

More Norther Europe Port Guides

• Rotterdam Cruise Port Guide
• Hamburg Cruise Port Guide
• Le Havre Cruise Port Guide

2 thoughts on “ Zeebrugge Cruise Port – Where to go and what to see ”

What time does the local shuttle from the gangway to the cruise terminal gate start operating, please?

Hi Josette, I don’t know the exact time but it should be shortly after the ship has docked and you are allowed off. Enjoy your cruise. Emma

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Zeebrugge (Bruges, Belgium)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia

Local Time 2024-06-07 10:09

Port Zeebrugge cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Zeebrugge, Bruges, Belgium. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Zeebrugge (cruise port to Bruges) is Belgium's largest cargo and passenger port. The distance between Zeebrugge and Bruges is just 17 km (10 mi). This deep-water port is also popular with its ferry connection to the UK ( Hull England ). Ghent is approx 50 km (30 mi) from the port, and Antwerp and Brussels are approx 100 km (60 mi) away. Ypres is approx 85 km (53 mi) to the south (1-hour drive distance). Zeebrugge's population is ~18,000, in 2018, Bruges City welcomed 8+ million tourists.

As cruise port destination, Zeebrugge benefits greatly from its close proximity to large port cities like Southampton (port to London), Le Havre (port to Paris), Holland's Amsterdam and Rotterdam , as well as Belgium's Bruges, Ghent, Ypres.

Note: Here, CruiseMapper combines the ship schedules for both Port Zeebrugge (ocean-going vessels) and Bruges (as river cruise port).

Port Zeebrugge-Bruges

Port Zeebrugge (locode BEZEE) is accessible through Vandammes Locks (length 500 m / 1640 ft, with 50 m / 164 ft, depth 18 m / (59 ft). The Baudouin Canal has total length 12 km (7,5 mi) and depth 7 m ((23 ft), with planned dredging to depth 8,4 m (27,6 ft). The Canal has 2 main bridges - a railway and a car. All locks and bridges operate 24 /7.

The port authority company "Maatschappij van de Brugse Zeevaartinrichtingen" (1895-estbl) is the main shareholder. It manages all the port's nautical, technical and commercial (cargo and passenger) aspects. It is also responsible for maintaining the infrastructure - building quay walls and jetties, paving roads, security, etc. Harbour Master controls all the shipping traffic, bridges and locks, and is responsible for its security and surveillance.

The port has a dedicated ferry terminal (serving P&O FERRIES ships) and a new cruise ship terminal (read in the "terminal" section below). It has a well-developed road and rail network, with cargoes being transported via road, rail and inland waterways navigation.

In Boudouin Canal, there is a recycling terminal (operated by Denolf Recycling) and a drydock shipyard (operated by Flanders Ship Repair / Longueville). The shipyard offers 24-hour services (mechanical repairs, welding, piping, propulsion and engines works, diving, high-pressure cleaning, painting, sandblasting). The shipyard has a drydock (Berth 413 ) with length 106 m (348 ft) and lifting capacity 4500 tons. The Dutch company Marpos (Baudouin Canal) provides vessel waste treatment services (collection and processing.

Port Zeebrugge handles primarily cargo and Ro-Ro ships (containers, trailers, car carriers, ferries ), also handles conventional cargoes (perishable goods, food, fruits, wood pulp, LNG / natural gas , heavy-lift, building materials, steel, agribulk). Zeebrugge is also a major fishing port and fast-developing passenger port (ferry and cruise). It supports around 28,000 jobs. Zeebrugge is ranked Europe's largest new car export port (after Bremerhaven and Emden ).

Statistics for 2010 showed that Port Zeebrugge handled a total of 8863 ocean vessels (over 49,5 million cargo tons, including 26.4 million containerized cargo tons), a total of 1423 inland vessels (nearly 0,626 million cargo tons), nearly 12,4 million tons of Ro-Ro cargo (mostly new cars), bulk cargo (nearly 8 million tons liquid bulk, 1,7 million dry bulk)conventional cargo (over 1,1 million tons) and over 0,6 million passengers (of which over 130,000 were cruise ship tourists).

Zeebrugge is a major container port serving boxships to and from Asia (Far and Middle East, China), Scandinavia, UK, Spain, as well as many Baltic Sea and Mediterranean Sea destinations.

• Zeebrugge International Port (Container Quays 125-129) has total quay length 600 m (1969 ft) and depth 17 m (56 ft). After completing a terminal development project, the quay length was increased to 1500 m (4921ft). The container port has annual capacity 3 million TEU-containers.
• The port's first container terminal (Container Handling Zeebrugge / Quays 202-207) is in the outer port and was last upgraded/expanded in 2008. It has annual capacity 1,1 million TEUs, total quay length 1 km ((3281 ft) and depth 16 m (53 ft).
• APM Terminal Zeebrugge can handle world's largest container ships . It has annual capacity 0,85 million TEUs, 784 reefer plugs, 1.3 km (4265 ft) docking space (all 7 berths, depth 15 m / 50 ft), all 9 gantry cranes (7 7 super-post-Panamax, and 2 rail-mounted).
• CdMC terminal serves coastal cargo shipping traffic.
• Zeebrugge Breakbulk Terminal (outer port) is operated by 2 companies (International Car Operators, Rhenus Holding Belgium) and handles break-bulk and project cargoes (general, forest products, steel, agribulk).
• The company Sea-Invest operates a cargo packing and fruit terminal (outer port). Its Flanders Cold Center handles frozen and chilled cargoes (fruit juices, vegetables, meat, fish). Sea-Invest also operates the Belgian New Fruit Wharf (inner port ) handling fruit, food, perishable, general and containerized cargoes. In the inner port there are many companies specializing in cargo storage, processing and packing.
• Zeebrugse Visveiling sells online fresh ocean fish, distributing around 19,000 tons per year to many European fish markets.
• European Food Centre (inner port) is a logistics centre for fishing and provides sorting, inspecting, and auctioning, ice; transportation and ship supply services.
• Zeebrugge Food Logistics (inner port) has a deep-freeze warehouse (cold storage facility) and a packing facility (repacking, labelling, wrapping). The warehouse has all 6 docks and also offers container handling services.
• Hanson Europe (inner port, Baudouin Canal) operates 2 building material terminals (sand and gravel, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt, bricks, cement). The French company Alzagri (Baudouin Canal) operates another sand and gravel terminal.
• Borlix (inner port) handles agricultural products (storage, toasting and extrusion of organic raw materials - soybeans, linseed, rapeseed, etc), dehulling oilseeds and derivatives.
• Seabridge / Efico (inner port) operates a modern terminal for storage and distribution of green coffee.
• Bridgestone Logistics (inner port) operates tire storage warehouses. The Japanese Bridgestone Corporation is the world's largest producer of tires. The terminal's capacity is 1,1 million tires.
• Brit European Transport (inner port) operates warehouses for floor coverings. The terminal has 8 quays.
• The companies "Seaport Shipping and Trading" and "Minne Port Services" operate 2 cargo terminals (general, project, bulk) in the Baudouin Canal. Seaport additionally provides stevedoring, bulk storage and transshipment services.
• Tomar Kolen (Baudouin Canal) operates a coal terminal with a fully-automated coal bagging plant.
• Solid BVBA (Baudouin Canal) operates a timber terminal (Nordic pine wood products for Europe's garden sector).
• Port Zeebrugge-Bruges (outer port) has an LNG terminal operated by Fluxys and supplying with gas northwestern European countries (Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Luxemburg, the UK), as well as some southern European countries. From here, gas from the UK is shipped to European destinations through the port's grid. In the inner port, Fluxys operates an LNG storage terminal with 2 storage tanks (total capacity over 114,000 m3). The facility has another tank for liquefied nitrogen (capacity over 19,000 m3).
• Gassco Norway (inner port) operates the Zeepipe Terminal serving transportation of gas from the Norwegian continental shelf.

In the outer- and inner-port areas are located Ro-Ro terminals serving roll-on/roll-off vessels. The berthing areas are Britannia Dock (4 berths), Swedish Quay (1 berth) and the new Albert II Dock (1 berth).

• DFDS Seaways (Danish shipping company, outer port) operates the Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight ferry route linking Belgium to Scotland ( Rosyth-Edinburgh ) with 3 weekly-scheduled crossings in both directions (24-hour ferry travel time).
• C.RO Ports Netherlands BV (outer port) operates a Ro-Ro terminal in outer port (Britannia Dock, Hermes Quay, 10 berths) dedicated to handling, storing and transporting vehicles (new cars, light vehicles, trucks, buses), trailers and containers. In inner port (Canada Quay) the company operates a Ro-Ro terminal for new cars (with 4 berths).
• ICO Terminals (International Car Operators, inner port, Northern Inlet Dock) operates a Ro-Ro terminal handling breakbulk cargoes and new cars. The terminal has all 5 berths (2 deep-sea and 3 short-sea) and capacity 28,500 cars.
• Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (inner port) operates a Ro-Ro terminal for new cars with 1 wharf, 1 storage capacity (capacity 22,000 cars), 1 warehouse, 1 heavy machinery facility (washing, painting, repairs, refits, inspections, parts warehouse, fueling station). This terminal handles both new car imports (from North America, Asia) and exports (to North America, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania).
• Toyota Corporation (inner port) operates a car terminal. Most cars to Western Europe are imported through Port Zeebrugge (around 2,000 cars daily).

CSP-Zeebrugge is a container terminal concessioned to CSP (COSCO SHIPPING Ports Ltd / renamed in 2016 from "COSCO Pacific Ltd"). This is a Chinese company (headquartered in Hong Kong ) subsidiary of "China COSCO Holdings Company Ltd" (COSCO Group-owned, 2005-founded). COSCO is currently ranked world's second-largest marine shipping company - after Maersk ).

• In 2019, OCEAN Alliance included CSP-Zeebrugge in 2 out of 7 Asia-Europe lines (NEU1 and NEU3), thus increasing CSP-Zeebrugge terminal's chances to become one of Europe's hinterland gateways. Ocean Alliance. This partnership between CMA CGM, COSCO SHIPPING Lines, OOCL and EVERGREEN LINE was launched in 2017. It is currently the world’s largest operational agreement between shipping companies. The 2015-founded OCEAN Alliance was formed by the companies CMA-CGM, COSCO, OOCL, and Evergreen Marine. It was launched in 2017 and is currently ranked world's largest marine shipping alliance .
• With its new "Day 3 Product", the OCEAN Alliance operates ~330 boxships in 38 services, with estimated annual TEU capacity ~3,8 million.
• On May 18, 2019, CSP-Zeebrugge terminal handled its ever-largest boxship - OOCL United Kingdom (IMO 9776200). The 21413-TEU vessel was deployed on Ocean Alliance's NEU1 loop served by 5x Cosco ships (each 18980 TEUs) plus 6 OOCL ships (each 21413 TEUs).

As of 2019, CSP-Zeebrugge is Europe's first discharge port (after Felixstowe England). Other major European ports included in the NEU1 loop are Gdansk Poland , Wilhelmshaven Germany and Piraeus Greece .

On September 19, 2019, started the construction works on the new quay wall (length 1071 m / 3514 ft) which is an extension of the existing Bastenaken Quay (International Car Operators Zeebrugge). For this port development project was contracted BESIX (1909-founded and Brussels-based construction group with activities in Europe, Middle East, Oceania, Asia, Africa, North America).

In FY2019 (fiscal year), Port Zeebrugge reported 14,2% cargo shipping growth (over 2018) with handled 45.8 million tonnes. Increased volumes were reported for RO-RO traffic (+3,7%, to 16,5 M tonnes), and especially between Belgium and Spain (+153%) linking Zeebrugge with Santander and Bilbao . The number of handled vehicles increased 4,6% (to 2,960339 million). Liquid bulk cargo increased 60,8& (to 10,8 M tonnes). Solid bulk cargo increased 7,6% (to 1,3 M tonnes). Breakbulk cargo decreased 13,5% (to 896,892 tonnes). LNG shipping increased 107,5%. Cruise ship calls were 149 (143 in 2018).

Zeebrugge cruise port

Port Bruges-Zeebrugge is the country's most important passenger port due to its maritime accessibility (easy access to open sea) and proximity to Bruges City (just 3 km / 2 mi). Zeebrugge has a great chance to become turnaround/homeport for cruise ships (operating roundtrip itineraries).

In 2016, the port handled a total of 111 cruise ship calls and 471,084 passengers. In 2017, the number grew to 146 ship calls. For season 2018, the cruise port had scheduled (booked berthing) 142 ship calls with estimated 400,000 passengers. In June 2018 was inaugurated Zeebrugge Cruise Terminal, which benefits from a new (direct) motorway connection to the riverport cities Ghent and Brussels .

Bruges City

Bruges (aka Brugge) is a river cruise port and travel destination city visited mainly on Scheldt River cruises to Ghent Belgium . These European river cruise deals are inclusive of the bus travel between Ghent and Bruges - one of the oldest towns in Flanders. Among excursion's highlights are the city walks visiting the Church of Our Lady (with Michelangelo's "Madonna and Child" sculpture), Beguinage courtyard (inhabited by nuns), town’s network of river canals. City's best-known landmark is the 13th-century belfry, which houses a municipal carillon (musical instrument) comprising 48 bells. Bruges still employs full-time carillonneur (musician) giving free concerts on a regular basis.

Bruges is the largest city and capital of Belgium's West Flanders province (Flemish Region). The whole city area is ~138 km2 (53 mi2), including 10,75 km2 off the coast, at Zeebrugge (meaning "Bruges on Sea"). The city's historic downtown (UNESCO Site) is oval and sized ~4,3 km2. The city's population is around 120,000, of whom ~20,000 live in downtown. Bruges metropolis has land area approx 616 km2 (238 mi2) and population around 255,000.

Along with several other canal-based northern cities, like Stockholm and Amsterdam , Bruges is often referred to as "The Venice of the North". It has significant economic importance due to its port and was once the world's chief commercial city. Bruges is famous as the seat of College of Europe (elite university for European studies / aka EU's Oxbridge").

In June 2019, city authorities implemented a policy to limit tourist numbers by stopping advertising in hotels and Belgian tourism travel destinations. In 2018, Bruges was visited by ~8,3 million tourists (compared to the ~900,000 in 2017). Of those, ~6 million were day-trippers (staying in the city for 2-3 hours). During peak times, tourists outnumber the city's residents 3 to 1. Since 2019, the number of cruise ships berthed/moored at the riverport is limited to 5 (simultaneously). The riverboats are encouraged to dock on weekdays rather than weekends.

For season 2019, Port Zeebrugge handled 149 ship calls and ~400,000 ocean cruise tourists (~371,000 served in 2018).

Following the industry's pause due to the Coronavirus crisis, in October 2021 the Port reported 127 booked cruise ship calls for 2022 and 105 for 2023.

There is an intention to merge ports Zeebrugge and Antwerp (in 2022) under the name "Port of Antwerp-Bruges".

Zeebrugge cruise terminal

Since 2018, Port Zeebrugge has a dedicated passenger terminal (Zeebrugge Cruise Terminal) which was officially opened on June 15, 2018. The multi-purpose ABC-Tower building is 3-storey, with both lower floors and floor 3 (top) serving passengers and crew.

• The new terminal is just a few hundred meters from the quay, next to the boat marina. Complimentary shuttle buses transport passengers between the gangway (ship-to-shore bridge) and the cruise terminal.
• The avalable at the new terminal facilities and services include modern security (luggage screening, walk-through detectors, 4 lines for hand luggage scanning), free WiFi (throughout), ground floor (separate arrival / departure halls, info counters, check-ins, gift shop, public restrooms), 1st floor (waiting lounge for departing passengers, separate crew lounge, LED screens, large video wall for tourist attractions), publicly accessible zones, secured ISPS zones, taxi lane (capacity 19 cabs), public transport area.

Previously, cruise ships docked at the commercial / cargo port. Most occupied were Zweedse Kaai and Swedish Quay, located approx 3 km (2 ml) from downtown. Some ships berthed at Albert II dock or Leopold II dam. Both are located approx 2 km (1 ml) from bus and train stations in port's western area.

Zeebrugge port authorities offer free shuttle service to the end of the cargo port area. Bruges City is located approx 17 km (10 ml) from the cruise port. There is a direct bus service from the port's ferry terminal, where are also available taxis. With the free shuttle service from the cruise port, passengers can also use the city's public transportation service – either bus or train.

Zeebrugge ferry terminal serves P&O Ferries (car and passenger) ferry ships between Belgium and England (British Isles). All ferries have cabins, bars and restaurants allowing overnight voyages. Hull Zeebrugge ferries serve domestic routes (in Belgium), as well to France and other destinations.

(NEW) Terminal Zeebrugge

In August 2016, Port Zeebrugge announced its plans to build a dedicated cruise ship terminal. Inaugurated in June 2018, the new facility allowed the cruise port to be used also as a homeport/turnaround port for cruise ships with roundtrip itineraries from Zeebrugge.

The decision for this major project was also based on the Port's well-developed infrastructure (hotel and transport).

The new passenger terminal building is 6-storey, and located between the wharves Rederskaai and Zweedse kaai. Floor 1 serves passengers with separate arrival / departure areas. Floor 2 has a large waiting hall with all standard catering facilities. On non-cruise days, it can be used as event space. The above floors will house offices, meeting rooms, shops, a rooftop restaurant. In the building will be also the headquarters of the company ARTES Group International SRL.

• Belfort: the symbol of Bruges. The bell tower is extraordinary and stunning. She was a backdrop in several movies and also part of literature works.
• Burg: the square showcases amazing architectural masterpieces. So does the other famous square – Markt.
• Heilig-Bloedbasiliek: or Basilica of the Holy Blood is the next proof that Bruges deserves to be a premier World Heritage city of Unesco.
• Church of Our Lady: dates from the Middle Ages and houses the famous Michelangelo sculpture of the Madonna and Child.
• City Hall: located on the Burg square, it dates from the 14th century. It is a Gothic building.
• Sint-Salvator Cathedral: the Bruges’s cathedral dates from the 10th century and looks almost as it did when it was built.
• Jeruzalemkerk: the Jerusalem Church dates from the 15th century. It houses also a museum.
• Groeningemuseum: the art collection is the most important one in the country.
• Gotische Zaal: or the Gothic Hall. Majestic building located in the old Brugge.
• Bus tours to Ypres are also offered, via road E403 (distance approx 85 km / 50 ml) with travel time.around 1 hour.

Zeebrugge tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Zeebrugge - user reviews and comments

The fold of P&O Cruises Australia signals the end of Australian-branded cruising

Analysis The fold of P&O Cruises Australia signals the end of Australian-branded cruising

In 1981 Australia was on the cusp of a recession that would usher in the Hawke and Keating years.

And one Aussie-branded company, P&O Cruises Australia, was selling the idea of escaping the rat race by taking to the high seas .

But now the brand is set to fold as the harsh economic realities of the 2020s take their toll.

Its parent company, the Miami-based Carnival, has decided it's too expensive to operate the brand in Australia.

There will be job losses in Carnival's Sydney office, and one of three ships under the P&O brand will be retired, with the other two absorbed into Carnival's fleet.

Griffith University's Cruise & Maritime researcher Johnnel Smith called the decision "heartbreaking". 

"It's sad news all-round," she said 

"Our beloved P&O Cruises will be leaving the Australian market."

It's understood P&O Cruises Australia will be absorbed by the Carnival Cruise Line brand.

"It's a cessation of the [Australian-branded] cruising," Ms Smith adds. 

"Basically Carnival is taking over all of the ships."

Restructure not uncommon in cruise industry 

To be clear, P&O Cruises Australia is not insolvent.

Ms Smith explains there's "lots of restructure" in the cruise industry, especially post-pandemic. 

"There's been a lot of restructuring – a lot of bigger cruise lines, you take over smaller ones," she says. 

"I wouldn't say [the business] is a bust.

"I would say it's an improvement."

Which is precisely how Carnival Corporation chief executive officer Josh Weinstein described the move.

"Given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region," he said.

More competition in the cruise market 

The fundamental problem is P&O Cruises Australia has become, as far as US bosses are concerned, a high cost and uncompetitive operation.

Costs, including port fees and fuel, are relatively high in Australia and make it one of the most expensive regions to operate a cruise line.

Carnival told the ABC it viewed the Australian P&O brand as a drag on the overall business.

Or to put it bluntly, the business isn't turning a big enough profit for the company's American shareholders.

Between 10 and 20 jobs will be lost in Australia and Carnival says crew members will be assigned to other ships, although it's not clear where or how.

Competition was also an unwelcome factor for P&O, Ms Smith says. 

"This past cruise season we had Disney and Virgin Voyages come Down Under for the first time," she said. 

"And so when it comes to the level of competition taking place in the cruise market, Aussies are cruising, and all it means is that [you need to be] a bit more competitive [but] it takes cash to care."

"It costs a lot of money to stay competitive and to remain top of mind [for travellers]."

Fears for future itineraries

It's the end of an era for the popular brand which set sail from Sydney on December 23, 1932, on a seven-day itinerary calling at Brisbane and Norfolk Island.

The company's first permanent ship in Australia, called the "Fairstar" and heavily promoted as 'the fun ship', was part of the fleet for nine years until 1997.

The brand's fold has also led to doubts about the future of cruises across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand for many cruise goers, Ms Smith says.

"People are a bit concerned that, in addition to taking over this cruise line, that there are going to be changes to the itineraries," she said. 

"It's a major concern. 

"And especially also value for money because P&O does provide a lot of value for money for cruises."

Passengers booked onto P&O Cruises this year won't be affected, while guests booked for next year will have the option for a full refund.

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P&O Ferries ‘mini-cruise’ to Bruges reviewed

13 hours and 15 minutes

If you’re clearly in a hurry to get to Bruges, then the P&O Ferries Hull to Zeebrugge ferry is probably not your best choice. There’s plenty of flights that will get you to Brussels and then onto Bruges in a few winks plus, there’s also now a new direct train service from London. Clearly, you have to be a fan of slow travel to enjoy the concept of taking a ferry.

If you’re looking to travel with your family and bringing the car to Europe, then the choice of taking the ferry is an easy choice to make. Plus if you have pets, it is a far more easier bringing them by ferry. I can’t think of anything more terrifying that being stowed into the cargo hold of a plane and being stuck there for the duration of a flight.

Pride of Bruges

However, I don’t have any pets. No car too. Which begs the question- why on earth am I taking the ferry to Zeebrugge in the first place?

Open disclaimer. P&O Ferries invited me to experience their route plus secondly, I really don’t know Bruges. Last time I visited, it was a cold December night, just 2 days after the Brussels attacks, There was a sombre mood in the air and I wasn’t particularly feeling in the Xmassy mood to soak up the markets and melting snow.

Creating memories on the sun deck, Hull to Zeebrugge ferry

My other reason, is simple. Nostalgia . I took this trip based on a memory of a previous crossing to Amsterdam with a rival ferry company. It was February and not the ideal time to cross the North Sea. However, I was with a great group of friends. We weren’t in any particular hurry to reach Amsterdam and the fares were pretty decent. The ship and facilities were nothing much to write home about. I did enjoy the novelty of watching the latest Indiana Jones movie onboard in their cinema. The rest, the dining experience was nothing much to write home about. Nor was the terrifying spectacle of drinking beers with a bunch of inebriated stag and hen groups tearing up the bar from the early hours. Luckily, we were tired enough and slept through the night with hardly any disturbance. Then there’s the fact of waking up in a boat and hearing the ship’s horn bellow as it is about to enter port. It is quite a thrilling way to reach somewhere. Beats waking up for a 5am cheap flight anyday.

Depature time for our Hull to Zeebrugge ferry

Hull to Zeebrugge by ferry

So almost 10 years later, for a variety of reasons, I am back on a mini cruise , from Hull to Zeebrugge with the girl. The trip gives us the opportunity to spend the night in the beautiful and historic city of York. From York, Hull is just over an hour and 30 minutes by train. We hop on a cab at Hull Station and soon find ourselves in Terminal 2 in the Port of Hull which is where we will depart for Zeebrugge.

Boarding the ferry with no waiting lines or queues

The ferry terminal is pretty chill. There is hardly any queue for checking-in. It was 2 hours before departure and a surreal sight to see no queues. The chatty and friendly lady at check-in tells us that with only 200 passengers ( it can hold upto 930 passengers ), it will be a pretty quiet crossing given it was a bank holiday Monday. Security is a breeze and barely 5 minutes after getting our tickets, we were walking up the ramp via the rear of Red Deck 5. Curious, we have a wee wonder and find the deck has a Sunset Show Lounge, a Bar, a casino that is no longer in operation, a Starbucks Coffee café, duty free shop, a reception, a Bureau de Change, and cabins to the front.

Inside Cabin

We have a standard inside no frills cabin with two bunk beds. The room comes with an ensuite shower and toilet. The room is a bit dated but functional. You have a reading light, plug points (including a USB port) and the beds are itself are pretty comfy. Granted, it is pretty cramped but given the amount of time we intended to spend in the cabin , we were pretty happy with this. However if your budgets permit, definitely do consider the option of upgrading to one of their club class cabins. They are quite spacious and I’d love to wake up to the view of the sea.

Sabrina quaffing our £14 bottle of white wine on the sundeck

After dumping our bags in the rooms we head to the outer decks as the ship is about to leave port.   There is a nice outdoor sundeck where you can grab a bottle or glass of wine from the ship’s bar and have a drink. It was a gloriously late April sunny afternoon and perfect for alfesco drinks. At £14 a bottle for their house wine, granted this is not the cheapest bottle of wine you will buy in your life but then again, I have spent far more on far worse wine.

We soak up the sun and get chatting to some of our older fellow passengers. When I asked them what made them choose a minicruise they mentioned they loved the onboard dining options and also the entertainment provided- ‘Its a holiday within a holiday plus we can bring the car with us so it gives us a lot more freedom.’

Their feedback whets our appetite and after we polish off the wine, we clearly look forward to our meal.

The Kitchen-Gorging on the curries from the fantastic buffet

You have the choice of two restaurants on the P&O cruise ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge. You have the Kitchen, an all-you-can-eat dining venue with a very impressive selection of meal options. On the other hand you have the Brasserie, à la carte restaurant offering a more premium dining experience. I check the prices for the Brasserie and the Kitchen and they are not too far apart but we had already pre-booked a package of dining in the Kitchen plus breakfast which for around £24 which is pretty decent value.

I’ve never been a huge fan of the all-you-can-eat buffet type restaurants but when you have the leisure of time and the luxury of an open evening, it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.

Cheese board selection and the delicious icecreams

The buffet options are impressive as I mentioned and include a salad bar, a selection of hot soups, a hot buffet that include meal, fish and veggie options and a themed hot buffet which had a nice selection of curries plus naan bread and poppadoms. I really enjoyed the curries and the salad bar. To top it all of they have a fantastic cheese board selection plus dessert selection that included mousse, baked desserts, fruit and a range of gourmet ice-creams. This was the mother of all buffet meals. I think I went a bit overboard with the buffet and ate too much.

After the meal, I was naturally comatose. We went for a stroll around the ship to walk off the post dinner coma and found ourselves pretty much alone on the outer sun deck again. To our left was the last stretch of sun drenched land we would see in awhile. A quick look at Google Maps revealed the place to be the Spurn National Nature Reserve.

We head back to checkout the range of entertainment options available onboard. There’s plenty to keep you amused. We discover a games arcades , a small play area for kids ( worth noting that during the summer months children’s entertainers are employed to keep the kids entertained plus there are specially trained staff to help run a kids club). There’s even a quiet lounge where you can sit down with a book and just enjoy the sea views. There’s also a programme of live music and bingo which pulls in the crowds. I’ll admit, I wasn’t too enamoured by the live musicians but they had the sparse crowd of onlookers entertained. The floor later transforms into a disco which I imagine pulls in a few punters. We leave soon. We don’t know whether it was the incredible amount of food we consumed or whether we were just tired but we go for another wee stroll on the outer deck for a breath of fresh   sea air.

Sunset from sea

We had timed it perfectly. The sun was about to sink into the horizon and given the clear weather conditions, the sky looked spectacular. I don’t know if you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing the sunset from the sea but it really is something else, especially given how perfect the weather was. We huddled together on one of the benches and enjoyed the sky turn red, pink and then that beautiful shade of pale blue when you can’t tell the difference between the sea and sky.

Spot of Duty Free Shopping..

We head back to our cabin but get distracted by the duty free shop enroute. It is a good time to catch up on a bit of window shopping. We try out some designer shades, try out the latest range of perfumes and even buy a few essentials- extra storage memory cards for the GoPro! While shopping, we had duty manager Carrie who has been working on this route for the last 18 years! We were curious to know more about what life was like onboard and what motivated her to do the job all these years.

‘I love meeting people and onboard you’re always meeting people from all walks of life. Plus our staff are multinational so it is a pretty diverse and interesting work environment. We all take care of each other here and are one big family. The work itself is enjoyable but pretty intense but I have the flexibility of working a few weeks then taking a few weeks off. I have a good work/life balance and I can’t see myself doing anything else.’

We go to bed at around 11pm and sink soon into a deep sleep. At 6.30am we have a wake up call and bleary eyed head to the kitchen for breakfast. There’s a nice selection of hot food on offer but we’re both still heavy from last nights epic buffet so we slurp on lots of caffeine and grab some fruit before heading back to the room to pack our bags. Around 8.30am the ship finally comes into sight of land. Skies are blue. Sun already has a nice sting. The prospect of another beautiful day in a different country. The seagulls whirr above our head as the ship honks loud and clear to announce journeys end. We grab our bags and return our keys at reception. The end of any journey in life is always a bittersweet moment. The end of an experience and the beginning of something fresh, unknown. What next?

Journeys end. Pride of Bruges docking at Zeebrugge

Securities and custom is a doddle and within 5 minutes we’re walking our way towards our transfer coach that will whisk us to Bruges in little over 30 minutes. Ostend is just 25 minutes away while Antwerp is 1 1/2 hours away so there’s plenty of choice of places to visit. If you are returning in the evening, you have little under 7 1/2 hours in   Bruges to enjoy yourself. We had the luxury of staying for 3 whole days and then travelling to Portugal so that was pretty much our journeys end. I’m not a fan of rushing through a place and I would much prefer staying for a 2 night short break before returning. The P&O Ferries site give you the option of booking your onward stay in Bruges so checkout their site for more details.

So. In the end to summarise, we both enjoyed it. The food was a major highlight and surprise compared to my previous experience of mini cruising. While the entertainment am sure will appeal to others, I’d love to see other options like the in house cinema making a comeback. Another plus were the staff who were really friendly and helpful.

The overall package works well if you have the luxury of time and in no particular hurry to get from A to B. Taking the mini cruise harks back to a more distant era of travel when the journey itself was truly the adventure. Cruising is making a comeback, maybe a reaction to the frantic pulse of modern life and the difficulty of getting away from it all.

After an hour of leaving land, the night before my GPS signal disappeared and I could no longer track the ship’s route on my phone. No wifi ( you can buy it onboard if you feel the need to be connected) and no clue of where we were in that wide stretch of blue sea between the English and Belgium coast- it felt strangely exciting and peaceful.

Out to sea. No stress and strains, just the gentle waves below lulling you in a deep sleep.

P&O Ferries run frequent crossings to and from Hull to Zeebrugge. There are lots of choices of cruises, with the Bruges minicruise a very popular one. The mini cruises (based on a short break, car and two adults and an inside cabin) from Hull for £129. For more information and offers ring 0800 130 0030 or check out the P&O Ferries website .

I was invited by P&O Ferries to experience their mini cruises from Hull to Zeebrugge. All opinions expressed here, are entirely my own.

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There’s something that keeps calling me regarding taking a ferry somewhere and I think it’s mostly the nostalgic connection to heading across to Ireland with my parents as a kid but also the desire to see just how different it all is to cruising which we tend to do a lot (and visit Belgium and Bruges quite often too). Despite living just ten minutes away on foot from Portsmouth’s port I’ve only once set foot on a ferry there once and that was just an overnight work’s do booze cruise and mostly lost in an alcoholic haze. Love getting on ships, love seeing those sunsets at sea and feeling the gentle motion (or rough; we quite like rocky conditions too), and taking a ferry crossing somewhere now that we’re more travel-oriented really appeals; good write-up that’s nudging me closer to making a booking at some point.

Bit late on replying to this but there is something about jumping on a boat or ferry and leaving land behind…Just did a write up about another shorter ferry crossing to an island called Fohr in the North Sea-was likewise liberating. Did you book any ferry or cruise holidays then? 🙂

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How to get from your cruise ship in zeebrugge to the centre of bruges.

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Will you be docking in zeebrugge on your upcoming cruise this article will tell you how to get from your cruise ship docked in zeebrugge to the cultural centre of bruges, plus give you a few tips and recommendations along the way..

As you disembark your ship in Zeebrugge, you’ll see a long line of coaches waiting on the quayside. Several coaches will be for the organised shore excursions arranged by your cruise line, and some will operate a shuttle service between the port and the seaside town of Blankenberge. Depending on your cruise line, this will either be complimentary or a pay for service. Walking around the quayside is not permitted, so a free bus is in operation to take you to the port gates. From here it is just a short walk, turning right, to the nearest tram stop. Where you’ll be able to travel to Blankenberge, Oostend, and further afield.

The shuttle service takes around 20 minutes, and drops you off across the road from the train station. Trains run every hour and can be busy during peak times. Head inside the ticket office and ask for the cruise special to Bruges. It’s five euros for a return, and you’ll save yourself around 4 euros compared to the ticket machine outside.

The train takes 15 minutes and once you arrive it’s about a 20 minute walk into the main square. We recommend walking through the park near the station, as this will lead you to one of the main shopping streets, and a few local eateries. If you are unsure of the way, simply follow the crowds.

Of course Belgium, and in particularly Bruges, is famed for delicious chocolates, so you’ll find yourself gazing in plenty of shop windows as you explore the city. Bruges is also popular for its lace making and tea rooms. And a visit to Belgium isn’t complete without having a Belgian waffle!

The city is best explored by foot, but cycling is a popular transport option, so be aware of your surroundings and keep off the cycle paths. Buses run from the station to the main square in Bruges, and tourists are particularly fond of the horse carriage rides and canal tours.

Whatever you choose to do in Bruges, have a great trip and remember to leave enough time to get back to the ship!

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Zeebrugge Port Overview | 6 Best Things To Do In Bruges

Welcome to Zeebrugge port, a large industrial and commercial port and one of the most important seaports in Western Europe. It is a perfect gateway to visit Flanders and its stunning cities of Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, and Antwerp, as well as its picturesque countryside and beautiful seaside resorts. In this article, read about:

• Zeebrugge cruise port (Zeebrugge cruise terminal, getting around)
• Getting to Bruges from Zeebrugge and the 6 best things to do in Bruges
• Zeebrugge shore excursions (Brussels, Ghent, Ypres, Flanders)

Visit also our cruise port guides to Cherbourg , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Lisbon , Le Havre

Zeebrugge Port Guide

The majority of cruise ships dock at the port of Zeebrugge: at the Swedish Quai (Zweedse Kaai), while the smaller, more luxurious vessels dock at the Maritime Station.

• Swedish Quai can simultaneously accommodate two large cruise ships longer than 200 meters each. It is a container port and it’s forbidden to move around the pier on foot. Free shuttle buses are organized by the Port Authorities to transfer the cruise passengers to the exit of the port, where they can enjoy a large number of facilities in a newly built, multi-purpose cruise building called ABC Tower. A shop, security screening, free Wi-Fi, a tourist information desk, tour booths, a visitor center, and a top-floor restaurant offering a beautiful panoramic view of the port are some of them. Next to the ABC Tower, you can find a taxi rank and large parking, and nearby there is a tram/bus station as well.
• Maritime Station – Smaller, less than 200 meters long vessels dock at the Leopold II Harbour mole (Quai 103). This cruise ship terminal has only 1 berthing space.

Getting Around Zeebrugge Port

• The currency in Belgium is EURO (€). There are ATMs available in the city and most of the places take credit cards. However, bring some cash for souvenirs.
• Upon leaving the ship, you’ll notice that the gangway is quite steep, so make sure you take extra precautions. Guests with mobility issues will be assisted by the Assistance team onboard.
• The pier is wide, and you’ll spot many buses upon stepping off the gangway. Free shuttle buses taking you to the exit of the port are normally lined on one side of the pier, while the tour buses are on the other side. The tour buses have signs with the tour names on them, so make sure you bring your tour ticket to avoid getting on the wrong bus.
• The guests joining cruise ship shore excursions will meet their tour buses and guides alongside the ship. If you book a tour with an independent tour operator , you’ll meet their representatives in the cruise building outside the terminal. Hop on a free shuttle bus in front of your ship, and upon arrival, your tour guide will meet you and give you further instructions.
• Bruges is located about 19 km/12 miles (a 30-minute drive) south of Zeebrugge cruise port, and cruise lines typically offer transfers for an extra cost. If you are taking a cruise ship tour/transfer, the bus will drop you off at the parking from where you need to walk over uneven surfaces for about 15 minutes to reach the Bruges Old Town.
• Bruges is a medieval city and a lot of streets in the Old Town are narrow and cobbled. It can be challenging for people with walking difficulties, especially if you are taking a guided tour and you need to catch up with your group. Most of the surfaces in the historic heart of the city are not suitable for wheelchairs.
• For guests with mobility difficulties, I would suggest you explore Bruges on your own. The city center is relatively small, there are many cafes and restaurants where you can take a break, and near the center, there is a wonderful lake and a huge park where you will find benches and areas to relax.
• Also, the cruise lines may offer shuttle transfers to Blankenberge for a fee , and the tickets are purchased on board. Blankenberge, a popular seaside resort is located a 10-minute drive from the Zeebrugge port. In Blankenberge, the shuttle bus drop-off point is close to the railway station, where you can catch a train to Bruges and other Belgian cities. Some cruise companies offer a complimentary shuttle to Blankenberge. The prices can vary, and you can check them once you come onboard.
• If you decide to stay in Zeebrugge, keep in mind that the town of Zeebrugge doesn’t have much to offer. Its main attraction is a sandy beach that ranks among the widest ones on the Belgian coastline. You can take a pleasant walk along the beach and explore its charming marina offering a multitude of seafront cafes and restaurants offering local delicacies. Within a short walk from the cruise building and marina, you’ll come across a lovely maritime theme park featuring fishing exhibits, a Russian submarine, and some interesting artifacts dating from World War I.
• In case you decide to do your own thing, you need to be very careful and organize your day according to your ship’s schedule. Save at least one hour each way if you decide to go to Bruges on your own. Be aware that on weekends the trains might run less frequently.
• Oostende-Brugge International Airport is the nearest airport and is located approximately 30 km/19 miles (a 45-minute drive) southwest of Zeebrugge cruise port.
• Book a private transfer to/from Zeebrugge port
• Explore tours and activities from Zeebrugge
• Find accommodation in Zeebrugge

Local Transportation

If you decide to do your own thing, you have several options. You can stay in Zeebrugge, or take a taxi, tram, or train from Blankenberge to the Belgian cities of Bruges, Ghent, or Brussel (please note that there are no direct trains from Zeebrugge to Bruges, you first need to get to Blakenberge and then take the train from there).

• TAXI – Taxi fares are fixed for some cities, and a taxi to Bruges costs will cost you approximately 55€, regardless of how many people travel in the vehicle. There is a taxi rank outside the terminal, and there you’ll also find a few other private bus companies offering round-trip transportation to Bruges. The taxi to Blankenberge railway station shouldn’t cost you more than 15-20€ per vehicle/one way, as the distance between Zeebrugge and the popular coastal town of Blankenberge is around 6 km (3.7 mi), and the ride lasts less than 10 minutes.
• TRAM – You can go to Blankenberge from Zeebrugge by coastal tram. The tram station is very close to the cruise terminal building – All you have to do is turn right upon getting off the free port shuttle and walk around 600 m to the Zeebrugge Kerk (The Church of Zeebrugge), where you’ll find a bus and tram station. The trams run frequently, every 15 minutes, and the ride to Blankenberge takes 15 minutes. The tram stops at Blankenberge railway station.
• TRAIN – Trains from Blankenberge to Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, and other Belgian cities normally run every 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the season and the time of the day (in the morning they run more frequently). Check out the timetables and prices at https://www.belgiantrain.be/

How to get from Zeebrugge Port to Bruges?

The distance between the Zeebrugge cruise terminal and the city of Bruges is about 19 km/12 miles (a 30-minute drive). There are a few ways to get there:

• Book a tour/shuttle transfer organized by your cruise line or independent tour operator .
• Take a taxi – Taxi fare is fixed and costs 55€ per vehicle/one-way.
• Take a train from Blankenberge – The train ride from Blankenberge to Bruges lasts less than 15 minutes, and once you arrive at Bruges you need to walk around 10-15 minutes to reach the city center (800 meters over some uneven and cobbled surfaces). To get to Blankenberge, you can take a tram or taxi from the Zeebrugge cruise port.

6 Best Things to Do in Bruges

1. market square.

The historic Markt Square is the place where you should start your exploration. Surrounded by centuries-old architectural gems and dominated by the imposing, 83 m (273 ft) high Belfry Tower dating from the 13 th century, Markt Square is a vibrant place full of restaurants, and cafes packed with tourists.

The beauty of the square and surrounding buildings will blow your mind away, and when you add to it the horse carriages and the sound of the tower’s 47 bells, the place becomes a true fairytale! Time permitting, you can climb the Belfry Tower’s steep staircase of 366 large stone steps and admire the unmatched views of Bruges downtown. You might encounter long queues during the high season.

Explore Belfry of Bruges tours and activities

2. Taste the Belgian Chocolate

Welcome to the sweet world of the finest Belgian chocolate! Located in the heart of the old town, Choco-Story is a chocolate museum featuring chocolate-making demonstrations, exhibits on the history of Belgian chocolate, chocolate tasting, and a gift shop where you can buy sweet souvenirs for your loved ones! I suggest this one-of-a-kind place if you want to learn about this world-renowned Belgian delight and sample the mouth-watering, premium Belgian chocolate.

Cruise lines normally offer Belgian chocolate workshop shore excursions, but if you want more flexibility you can book a guided tour with an independent tour operator or go there on your own.

Explore the Belgium chocolate-tasting tours and activities

3. Take a Canal Boat Trip

The romantic network of Bruges’ canals, the veins of the city with a centuries-old tradition, will allow you to discover the magnificent medieval bridges, dreamy gardens and exquisite facades, and explore the medieval city from a different perspective!

Boat trips count among the most popular attractions in Bruges, and there are several locations where you can board a boat for a 30-minute canal boat trip. You can’t book the tickets in advance, so you might face some queuing in the summer months. The boats run every day from March to November.

Check out Bruges canal boat trips

4. Bruges Old Town

Strolling through the historic old town is a must-do thing in Bruges, as the city’s Old Town has been recognized as a World Heritage Site due to its stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking landmarks.

• Start with St. John’s Hospital (Sint-Janshospitaal), one of the oldest hospitals in Europe dating from the 12 th century that today houses a hospital museum (you can visit it time-permitting).
• The Church of Our Lady , another Gothic medieval gem boasts a 115.6 m (379 ft) high brick tower and is best viewed from Boniface Bridge, often packed with people taking photos. The iconic church has a sumptuously decorated Baroque interior and houses unique and valuable artwork including the marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child, created by Michelangelo at the beginning of the 16 th century.
• The Burg square , situated next to the central Markt square, boasts magnificent historic buildings among which one stands out – a stunning 15th-century  Town Hall building (Stadhuis), one of the oldest city halls in the whole Netherlands region. Its lavish Gothic exterior and extraordinary interior reveal the political and economic power of the city and the entire Flanders back in the past. You can take an audio-guided tour of the interior, see the statues and paintings of former counts and countesses of Flanders, and marvel at the impressive Gothic Hall, whose opulent ceiling and murals will leave you speechless.
• For art lovers, head over to the Groeningemuseum , an impressive art gallery featuring extensive collections of Flemish primitive artworks, 18 th, and 19th-century works, as well as modern art.

Many other churches, narrow medieval alleys, historic buildings, and museums await you in this magical old town. It is an enjoyable experience to walk through its old streets, browse for souvenirs and Belgian chocolate, have a coffee at one of the cafes overlooking the dreamy canals, and take in the old town’s atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed crispy Belgian fries and delicious Belgian waffles that you can buy in many street kiosks and fast food places in the old town.

Explore Bruges Old Town tours and activities

5. Take a Tour of the Brewery

Beer is another Belgian treat that you must try while in Bruges! You can simply taste the beer in one of the old town’s cafes and restaurants, or if you want to learn more about the beer-making process, you can book a guided tasting tour with a local expert.

De Halve Mann is a family-run brewery with a long beer-making tradition, offering guided tours, a museum displaying old brewing techniques, dining areas, and a shop where you can purchase beer and souvenirs. The tour takes up to 45 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes as there are 220 steps to handle on a tour.

• Explore De Halve Mann brewery tours
• Check out Bruges beer-tasting tours

6. Minnewater Lake

Top off your visit with a relaxing walk by the scenic Minnewater Lake (“the Lake of Love”), set in a beautiful Minnewaterpark. The legend says that water nymphs lived here, and the place hides a tragic love story that the lake got its name after.

The lake is a tranquil oasis that marks the entrance to Bruges, and you can’t escape it on your way from the train station and parking lot to Bruges old town. You’ll cross the Lover’s Bridge, see the swans floating on the lake, and admire the fairytale brick church, a picture-perfect spot that needs no filters! I suggest you take some time to absorb the serene and peaceful atmosphere reigning in the park.

Explore Minnewater Lake tours and activities

Zeebrugge Shore Excursions

Besides a day trip to Bruges, I suggest you explore several more excursion options when your ship docks in the port of Zeebrugge.

1. Brussels

It is possible to visit Brussels on your cruise to Belgium. It takes less than a 1-hour 30-minute drive to get from Zeebrugge to Brussels (around 115 km/71 miles), and the best option is to either book a private transfer or a shore excursion. It takes a full day to explore Belgium’s capital, and I recommend you book it with your cruise line as that way you will be guaranteed to get back on board on time.

An alternative option (and a cheaper one) is to book a tour with an independent tour company , but make them aware of the ship’s schedule so they can bring you back to the ship before the departure.

Check out Brussels tours from Zeebrugge port

The city of Ghent boasts marvelous architecture, rich industrial history, medieval churches, historic landmarks, idyllic canals, and much more! It takes less than 1 hour to get from Zeebrugge to Ghent (around 60 km/37 miles), and there is a train from Blankenberge that runs every 30 minutes to 1 hour. Cruise lines and Independent Tour Operators offer tours to Ghent , but you can also go on your own if you manage your time well.

Check out Ghent tours from Zeebrugge cruise port

Located a 1-hour drive from Zeebrugge port (86 km/54 miles), Ypres is a great place to explore Belgium’s World War I history, its memorials, and national landmarks. You can visit In Flanders Fields’ war museum , the world’s largest Commonwealth cemetery, and a war memorial dedicated to British and Commonwealth soldiers. The town boasts stunning medieval architecture and is well worth visiting if you love history and architecture. Some cruise lines offer shore excursions, but you can also book a private guided tour or a private transfer if you want to have more comfort.

Explore Ypres tours from the port of Zeebrugge

4. Flemish Countryside

Explore the breathtaking Flemish countryside and its picturesque castles, windmills, and endless fields. Visit the 19th-century neo-Gothic Castle Loppem (Kasteel Van Loppem), located a 25-minute drive from Zeebrugge port. The castle is set in a scenic park and has a lavishly decorated, well-preserved exterior and interior, housing a rich art collection. Romantic ponds, an English garden, a maze, and an abundance of greenery throw you back to the era of Flemish barons, countesses, kings, and artists.

Visit the picturesque town of Damme , the Castle Wijnendale – a 15th-century fortified castle with a moat, or the Castle d’Aertrycke , surrounded by a vast park where you can walk and relax.

Check out Flemish countryside tours and activities

If you are coming to Zeebrugge port for the first time, I suggest you go to Bruges. Take a guided walking tour, as there are many hidden corners to discover but save at least one or two hours to explore the old town on your own. Take in the old town’s atmosphere, try Belgian beer, chocolate or waffles, and top off your visit with an unforgettable boat trip on the canals. Bruges is the city you will fall in love with!

Visit also our cruise port guides to Greenock (Glasgow) , Cork (Cobh) , Belfast , Holyhead , Dover , Dublin , Invergordon (Inverness) , Copenhagen

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This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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Which cruises have been affected?

P&O initially revealed all itineraries on Pacific Explorer cruise lines scheduled to sail after March 2 next year would be cancelled.

But the company has now outlined the other itineraries that won't be heading off on their trips.

Pacific Adventure: V515, V516, V517, V518.

Pacific Encounter: I512, I513, I514.

These were scheduled to leave Sydney and Brisbane in mid to late March, however, P&O said the ships "will be taken out of service for a technology upgrade" and be rebranded by Carnival.

"If you are booked on one of these itineraries you will be contacted by Guest Services in the coming days with refund details. We apologise that this change has been necessary," the company said.

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"If you are booked on any other P&O Cruises Australia itinerary your cruise is unaffected by this announcement and we look forward to welcoming you onboard soon."

No Carnival Cruise Line itineraries are impacted by this update.

Why are P&O cruises being cancelled?

Carnival Cruise Line said “high operating and regulator costs” were the reasons behind shutting P&O down.

Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein described P&O Cruises Australia as a “storied brand with an amazing team”.

"We're leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world's most popular cruise line," Weinstein said.

“Given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region."

He said Carnival will be the biggest cruise operator in the region, with 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing nearly 60 per cent of the market.

'Disappointed is an understatement'

The move has thrown many Aussies' travel plans into disarray and Jemma Dwyer revealed the heartache she experienced when she heard the news.

She explained to Yahoo Finance their four-day trip was the one thing her family had been looking forward to after being told they had to move homes because their landlord was selling their rental.

“I told my kids it doesn't matter, we have our cruise to look forward to, it will be our reward for needing to pack up and find a new place and all the stress,” she explained.

“My kids and I have been collecting cans and returning them and putting the money into a tin and that was going to be our spending money.”

But now that dream getaway was in the bin.

“Disappointed is an understatement,” Dwyer said. “This was going to be our first cruise … It was the cheapest cruise I could afford as I am on a low income and I booked the cruise for next year so I had time to pay it off with Ezypay.”

She said one of her kids cried when she told them they weren't going on the cruise.

Can I get a refund if my cruise has been cancelled?

Customers booked to travel on the impacted itineraries will be offered a full refund, or the option to receive a Future Cruise Credit with bonus onboard spending money.

You don't need to do anything to receive a full refund as P&O Cruises said it will automatically cancel your booking and process a refund.

If you want to accept the Future Cruise Credit, P&O Cruises said you need to complete an online form by midnight Sunday, June 30.

In a statement to Yahoo Finance , P&O Cruises’ parent company Carnival Corporation said it apologised for disrupting the holiday plans of guests.

“While there are no changes to itineraries until early 2025, some cruises set to sail from March will regrettably be cancelled as part of this transition. We sincerely apologise for this disruption of their cruise,” a spokesperson said.

“All guests affected by this are receiving direct communication from us and will be offered full refunds, or, we hope many will take us up on our enhanced special offer and rebook a new cruise with Encounter or Adventure, and let us show them the improvements along with the same great crew, entertainment and dining that our guests love.”

Get the latest Yahoo Finance news - follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn and Instagram .

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Cruises to Bruges, (Zeebrugge), Belgium

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Bruges, Belgium is called “the Venice of the North,” and its canals and romantic cobblestone alleys twist and turn to show visitors a perfectly preserved side of medieval history and culture. The city center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning a stroll through its center is a must-see and must-photograph opportunity for travelers. History and art buffs will find plenty to see during a cruise to Bruges, like hearing stories of ancient Belgian lore or touring 19th century castles like Loppem Castle or Castle Wijnendale along the way. Then there’s the Groeningemuseum, an impressive art gallery featuring work from artists like Jan Van Eyck to Magritte.

As a stop on a Northern European cruise , Belgium also offers plenty of chances to relax, whether you’re taking a tour of a brewery or simply strolling around the Markt, a medieval square where restaurants, cafes, and weekly markets promise plenty of people-watching. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Belgium without trying the region’s signature beer and chocolate, so leave time and room for a cold one and a rich dessert. 

Cruises to Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to bruges (zeebrugge), church of our lady.

The tallest building in the city is the Church of Our Lady in Bruges, which adds a stunning focal point to the cityscape. It’s also the home of Michelangelo’s famous “Madonna and Child,” and other world-renowned pieces of art. The tombs, dating back to the 13th century, are particularly memorable.

Saint John’s Hospital

What was once a medieval hospital is now an 800-year-old museum, home to incredible works of art from the medieval period, expertly preserved rooms, and even a pharmacy that was once used to treat and cure patients. This is a step back in time you won’t want to miss while you’re stopped on a cruise to Bruges.

Don’t leave Bruges without stopping at the Markt, a once-in-a-lifetime square that is so picturesque, it rivals other European metropolises like Rome, Florence, and Berlin. The Markt is home to the iconic Belfort, as well as weekly markets where you can pick up fruits, cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and more. Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the square.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Thousands of visitors flock to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where it is said a vial of the blood of Christ was brought back from the Holy Land to live in Bruges. This pilgrimage site holds strong religious significance to Catholics and Christians the world over. Walk through the opulent chapel and take in the beauty of the space on a short but memorable tour.

View All Bruges (Zeebrugge) Shore Excursions

Top things to do in bruges (zeebrugge), climb to the top of the belfort.

Take over 350 steps up to the top of this magnificent belfry, where you’ll hear the 47 bells ring out in beautiful harmony. From the top, a stunning view of the Markt and a panorama of Bruges waits for you.

Learn to Make Chocolate

A chocolate-making class is well within reach during your cruise to Bruges, where plenty of chocolatiers offer classes for you to learn all about how your favorite sweet treats come to be. You’ll also discover the history of chocolate and its cultural significance in Belgian life.

Try a Beer Tasting

On your cruise to Bruges, make a cold beer the highlight of your trip. The Beer Experience museum in the Markt is just one popular way to learn the significance of beer to the area, and there’s a variety of tastings and tours available in the city. You’ll discover the secrets to the brewing process, the history of beer in Belgium, and a lot more about this drink of choice for many locals.

Take a Canal Boat Tour

They don’t call it “the Venice of the North” for nothing. Hop in and enjoy a canal tour, where you can see the city’s beauty by boat at a more leisurely pace than if you’re walking or riding a bus. There’s no better way to enjoy the medieval architecture and beautifully preserved canal system than by being in Bruges’ canals, which some believe is the beating heart of the entire city.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Bruges (Zeebrugge) Cruise Port

Park Restaurant

Address: Minderbroedersstraat 1, 8000 Brugge

Park Restaurant is not only a great spot for seafood lovers and vegetarians, it also offers one of the best wine lists in the city. There’s a four-course prix fixe that includes mouthwatering dishes like crispy mushroom and spinach pie and baked salmon filet. You’ll find it hard to choose dessert, thanks to options like decadent chocolate mousse and ice cream souffle. 

The Olive Tree

Address: Wollestraat 3,8000 Bruges, Belgium

You won’t feel far from Greece at The Olive Tree, even though you’ll be firmly seated in Belgium. It’s a cozy, intimate spot where Mediterranean classics come to life. You’ll find everything from lamb kebabs to souvlaki, warm pita, and comforting, full-bodied Greek wines. Note they’re closed on Tuesdays. 

Address: Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat 4, Bruges 8000, Belgium

The atmosphere at De Stove is both relaxed and upscale. There are only 20 seats in the restaurant, so reservations are recommended. It’s small enough to feel really special to eat here. Try the carpaccio, the coconut cream mussels, or the unusual quail fillets.

Culture & History of the Bruges (Zeebrugge) Cruise Port

What we now call Bruges was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, and it became a central port city for trading and international commerce. From the 9th century until the 12th, Bruges was a city with international promise, attracting trade and business from Italy, Spain, and Germany, who all wanted to build hubs in the city. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Bruges became acclaimed in the art world, where famous painters traveled and lived to produce some of their most prolific and meaningful works. Though the 18th century brought about a decline in overall status and culture, Bruges has since reclaimed its spot as “the Venice of the North”. Today, Zeebrugge, about 10 miles from the center of Bruges, has become a new source of industry to the region, and continues to grow in popularity as Bruges’ impact as an intellectual and somewhat hidden tourist attraction continues.

Bruges (Zeebrugge) Port Facilities & Location

When your cruise ship arrives, you’ll either need to take a 25-minute ferry into Bruges, or you can hail a taxi, which will take you about 20 minutes to get to the center of town. The most popular thing to do around the port area is to check out the nearby beaches, but most cruise passengers opt for excursions into historic Bruges. It’s about 10 miles from the Zeebrugge ferry terminal to the center of Bruges itself.

Transportation in Bruges (Zeebrugge)

You’ll find taxis will pick you up from the Brugge cruise port or from the central city square, called the Markt. Another popular mode of transportation in this part of Belgium is bicycle. If you’re hanging out mostly in town, much of the center of Bruges is charming and conveniently walkable.

Shopping Near the Bruges (Zeebrugge) Cruise Port

Most of the shopping that Belgium is famous for won’t be near the Zeebrugge terminal, but rather in the historic city center or the Markt, where vendors often sell their wares and chocolatiers give out samples of their famous chocolates. Otherwise, shopping in Bruges ranges from middle of the road to high-end boutiques like you’d come to expect from a cosmopolitan, European city.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro, and you’ll find plenty of ATMs while on your Bruges, or, as it’s stylized in Dutch, Brugge cruise. When shopping in Bruges, you’ll quickly notice that bargaining and haggling is common in local markets, but not widely practiced in higher end stores. Tipping isn’t common in Belgian culture.

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Zeebrugge Shore Excursions

Things to Do in Bruges

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Zeebrugge lies on the route of several Western European cruises. Every year, the port welcomes thousands of cruise tourists who can discover Flanders' tourist offering during a day trip.

Cruise terminal Zeebrugge

Cruise terminal antwerp.

Arrivals and departures

Zeebrugge is the ideal tourist gateway to Flanders . As such, it is a popular port of call for cruise ships with a route in Western Europe, or for mini-cruises from the UK or in transit to the Norwegian fjords and the Baltic Sea. Some cruise companies also offer departure cruises from Zeebrugge.

The port welcomes around 180 cruise ships and nearly 500,000 passengers each year. More than three-quarters of the passengers are German or British.

The main berth for cruise ships in Zeebrugge is the 'Zweedse' (Swedish) Quay (quay 702-705), along the Kustlaan, just before the Pierre Vandamme lock.

Cruise terminal ABC Tower

On the Rederskaai stands the eight-story ABC Tower , a reference to "Artes-Brugge-Cruise". The two lower floors serve as the reception and embarkation areas for cruise passengers. Visitors can meet up with family, friends or acquaintances who are passengers on a cruise ship calling at Zeebrugge. Visitors can park cars outside the terminal. Travelers departing on a cruise in Zeebrugge can park for free in a secure parking lot next to the ABC terminal building.

On the top floor, travellers and visitors can enjoy stunning views at the rooftop restaurant Njord. The building also houses a visitors' centre, a knowledge centre of the Provincial Development Corporation (POM) and the headquarters of the contractors Artes Depret.

Sustainability

Port of Antwerp-Bruges navigates towards a greener future as a cruise port through a range of sustainability initiatives:

Shore power

The first 16MW shore power installation will be available from 2026 , supplying cruise ships with green electricity for emission-free mooring at the quay. A second installation is planned in the course of 2028.  

Environmentally-friendly ships receive a discount on port rates based on their emissions report score.  

Destination management

To limit pressure on tourism at the main tourist destination of Bruges, a maximum of 2 cruise ships are allowed to dock at Zeebrugge on any given day . Part of a new booking policy, this measure is aimed at spreading cruise calls and pax volumes as much as possible.

Electric port shuttle

For the transport of passengers and crew members, the switch to electric buses is well underway. Our first zero emission bus was deployed in November 2023.  

Alternative fuels

The port continues to invest heavily in switching from fossil fuels to more eco-friendly alternatives. As part of a first transitional phase, we already offer LNG bunkering . In the future, ships will also be able to bunker new fuels such as methanol or hydrogen.  

Quay infrastructure

Investments in new, wide fenders and additional bollards offer even greater safety for today’s cruise ships. The wider fenders will also allow improved value-added services such as luggage handling, provision of stores and waste reception.

Cruise ship spotting

At the start of the Zweedse Quay , next to the entrance to the Vandamme Lock, you get the best view of the big cruise ships from the roof of an expo container. For security reasons and out of respect for the passengers on board, it is not possible to visit a cruise ship.

An area for short stay parking is provided in the car park of the cruise building. As a visitor, you can park your car for free near the marina. There are always plenty of available spaces along the Rederskaai and the Graaf Jansdijk.

Tourist gateway

In addition to beautiful Bruges , which is a hotspot for cruise tourists just 20 minutes from Zeebrugge, there are a wide range of options for day-trippers to explore Flanders .

Just think of historic cities like Ghent , Brussels and Antwerp , charming seaside resorts like Blankenberge , Ostend and Knokke or the rich war history in Ypres or picturesque places including Damme and Lissewege .

Planning a tourist excursion

To go on a day trip as a cruise tourist, you can book an excursion directly with the shipping company. The excursion bus will be waiting for you at the ship, you will be accompanied by a guide during the excursion and brought back to the ship in time.

Overview of all transportation options

More and more cruise ships and tourists are visiting Antwerp . The cruise ships dock in the city center 200 meters from the cathedral, at Het Steen. This historic castle, with a history of more than 800 years, now serves as the official visitor center of the city of Antwerp.

The cruise terminal at Steenplein is a five-minute walk from the  historic city centre , the main shopping streets and a wide range of cafes and restaurants . From the raised promenade, you have an excellent view of the docked ships, and watching a ship set sail is a great experience.

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P&O Ventura - Bruges Shuttle?

By Gizmorella , July 10, 2017 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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Hi all, sorry if this has been answered a million times over. I wasn't wondering in anyone could tell me if there is a FREE shuttle from Zeebrugge (cruise port) to Blankenberge train station? Or likewise free shuttle into Bruges itself?

This is on the Ventura in August 2017. Thanks for any help provided :)

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tartanexile81

There's a shuttle from the ship to Blankenberge to get the train but the trains aren't very frequent. I'd recommend the shuttle bus from the port gates to Bruges. This is the website -http://www.cruise-express.be/en/ and it costs €20

The bus runs every 30 minutes and is very reliable. It drops you off in the same coach park that P&O use but costs an awful lot less than the Bruges On Your Own tour. This shuttle only started last year so it's not too well known about yet but we'll definitely use it again.

There has always been when we've been to Zeebrugge, a free shuttle to Blankenberg Station. There is not a free shuttle into Bruges - that would have to be one of the paid excursions. I believe the Port Authorities do not allow anyone to walk from the ship to the port exit and that's why they provide the shuttle.

There's a shuttle from the ship to Blankenberge to get the train but the trains aren't very frequent. I'd recommend the shuttle bus from the port gates to Bruges. This is the website -http://www.cruise-express.be/en/ and it costs €20   The bus runs every 30 minutes and is very reliable. It drops you off in the same coach park that P&O use but costs an awful lot less than the Bruges On Your Own tour. This shuttle only started last year so it's not too well known about yet but we'll definitely use it again.

That's some fantastic info. Thank you very much. I think with my little one in tow this might be the best solution!

Personally i would either get the free shuttle to Blankenberg or take the tour to Brugge especially if you have a child with you.

We saw the bus stop but it was a little distance from the port gate and the shuttle won't stop there and you can't walk through the industrial port so to save a few pounds i personally wouldn't do it.

Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app

On our cruise to Bruges next week, P&O are offering what they call a (transfer to Bruges) for £22 per person under shore excursions.

Never seen this before, not badly priced either.

Personally i would either get the free shuttle to Blankenberg or take the tour to Brugge especially if you have a child with you. We saw the bus stop but it was a little distance from the port gate and the shuttle won't stop there and you can't walk through the industrial port so to save a few pounds i personally wouldn't do it.   Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app

It wasn't just about saving a few pounds, but also about the convenience; we could leave the ship when we wanted (in our case 9:30) and return when we wanted as the bus comes back every 30 minutes straight to the port. We didn't have to fit our times round P&O's on their transfer. When we left Zeebrugge it was a rainy morning so we didn't think we'd stay long but then it cleared to sunshine so we spent all day there. I think it's perfect if you've got a little one. if they were getting tired you could just head back and get the next coach, instead of hanging around for the transfer.

Everybody leaving the ship has to get on a bus to the port gates and the shuttle bus is just at the end of the taxi rank so certainly close to the gates.

It wasn't just about saving a few pounds, but also about the convenience; we could leave the ship when we wanted (in our case 9:30) and return when we wanted as the bus comes back every 30 minutes straight to the port. We didn't have to fit our times round P&O's on their transfer. When we left Zeebrugge it was a rainy morning so we didn't think we'd stay long but then it cleared to sunshine so we spent all day there. I think it's perfect if you've got a little one. if they were getting tired you could just head back and get the next coach, instead of hanging around for the transfer.   Everybody leaving the ship has to get on a bus to the port gates and the shuttle bus is just at the end of the taxi rank so certainly close to the gates.

The only shuttles i have been on took us to Blankenberg.

There is nothing within miles of the port gates.

When we went there were two busses one is a shuttle to Blankenberge and the other to the Port gate; something people don't realise - you can check whether this will be the same when you board.

The train will be easy if you decide that option, they are very modern.

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The only shuttles i have been on took us to Blankenberg. There is nothing within miles of the port gates.   Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app

I can assure you there is. I posted a link to the website above. There is a shuttle from the ship to the port gates - 2 minutes - and there is a shuttle from the gates to Bruges. It is not a regular public service bus but a special service run solely for cruisers to get from Zeebrugge to Bruges. There is a canopy just by the taxi rank and the Cruise express shuttle bus is sitting there. It really is very easy and I cannot recommend it highly enough. As I said I will definitely use it again

I saw the bus stop with several young people standing there plus the taxis​ on our Ventura new year cruise and wondered how they got there.

We have seen Brugge several times so we just pop along to Blankenberg for a few hours as there are several nice chocolate shops here plus if you walk the full length of the main street and go up the steps there is a long promenade and nice beach.

I thoroughly recommend Martin's Taxis. They charge 50 Euros each way for up to 7 people. You book online / via email and you don't pay anything until the day. Taxis aren't allowed into the port, so they meet you outside the port gates. Simply get the free port shuttle bus to / from the gates (NOT the P&O shuttle to Blankenberg). The added advantage of a taxi is that they drop you off and pick you up in the central square. Buses, coaches and trains cannot do this and involve a 20 minute walk. DO NOT use any taxi company that asks for payment in advance. This is not permitted under local law and these are rip off merchants. When we visited in February, a very unhappy family were at the port gates having pre booked and pre-paid (far more than the 50 euro set fee that all firms are bound to) for a cab that didn't turn up.

On our cruise to Bruges next week, P&O are offering what they call a (transfer to Bruges) for £22 per person under shore excursions.   Never seen this before, not badly priced either.

That's interesting. We have a 3 night trip booked in December on aurora. Just checked cruise personaliser but we don't have this option available.

That's interesting. We have a 3 night trip booked in December on aurora. Just checked cruise personaliser but we don't have this option available.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

When we first looked at the tour options for Bruges I'm pretty sure it wasn't available we sail next week and I think its only just been added. we have visited at least 6 times and this has never been advertised on any past cruise.

Extract below.

A completely hassle-free way to visit Bruges. Early birds can enjoy the morning and return for an afternoon on board. Leisurely risers can explore later on and be back in time for the sailaway. And unlike shuttle transfers, you’re guaranteed a seat on your designated return coach, so nothing is left to chance.

On your transfer you’ll receive a Bruges City Map and be greeted by a local guide who can highlight the iconic activities and attractions. They’ll map your route to the city centre ‘Markt’ and provide details of where and when to meet for pick up.

When we first looked at the tour options for Bruges I'm pretty sure it wasn't available we sail next week and I think its only just been added. we have visited at least 6 times and this has never been advertised on any past cruise.   Extract below. A completely hassle-free way to visit Bruges. Early birds can enjoy the morning and return for an afternoon on board. Leisurely risers can explore later on and be back in time for the sailaway. And unlike shuttle transfers, you’re guaranteed a seat on your designated return coach, so nothing is left to chance.   On your transfer you’ll receive a Bruges City Map and be greeted by a local guide who can highlight the iconic activities and attractions. They’ll map your route to the city centre ‘Markt’ and provide details of where and when to meet for pick up.

These tours are great and only around 4 hours long which gives you time to shop,sight see and have a coffee or beer sitting outside a restaurant in the main square.

Hi all, sorry if this has been answered a million times over. I wasn't wondering in anyone could tell me if there is a FREE shuttle from Zeebrugge (cruise port) to Blankenberge train station? Or likewise free shuttle into Bruges itself? This is on the Ventura in August 2017. Thanks for any help provided :)

Yes there is a shuttle to the train station, used it many times and just a short walk to the station, never had a problem getting on a train straight away. We always pay select fare so don't know if shuttle is free for everyone. It's a nice walk through the lake of love into the centre of Bruges from the train station.

The shuttle to Blankenberg is free for all fares.

The shuttle to Blankenberg is free for all fares. Brian

I thought it was but we always do select for obc so i wasn't sure.

The train station is across the road to the shuttle drop off point so it is easy to travel to Brugge and back then shuttle back to the ship.

Solent Richard

You may like to look at this...

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/06/15/zeebrugge-for-dummies/

And when you get to Bruges, this may be of interest...

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/06/15/one-way-to-do-bruges/

You may like to look at this...     https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/06/15/zeebrugge-for-dummies/   And when you get to Bruges, this may be of interest...   https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/06/15/one-way-to-do-bruges/  

This is brilliant! I love a picture guide lol. Especially for the directionally challenged like me ;)

Be aware that the coach park is a long way from the centre.

We took a ship's tour of Bruges and weren't aware of this.

I use a walking stick and am quite slow. There was a lot of standing around while the guide talked with nowhere to sit, unless you were out of earshot. And she set a cracking pace which I struggled to keep up with.

On our return I was exhausted and very slow, we would have missed the coach if my other half hadn't run ahead as the guide didn't check that everyone was back on board. So I would suggest a taxi back if you have mobility issues.

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