Plan a CruiseZeebrugge Cruise Port Guide
Your ship will dock in Zeebrugge, an industrial port located approximately 15 km from Bruges (Brugge) and 2 km from the coastal town of Blankenberg. A mandatory free shuttle bus, provided by the Port Authorities, will transport you from your cruise ship to the port exit at the ABC Tower, as walking within the port itself is not permitted. The ABC Tower functions as a cruise terminal with passenger reception areas and the Njord rooftop restaurant, offering panoramic views. Gangways can be steep depending on the tide, and assistance is available for guests with mobility issues. Zeebrugge itself offers very limited attractions for independent travelers. Most visitors opt to travel to the historic city of Bruges, as the small coastal towns of Zeebrugge and Blankenberg can be uninteresting in inclement weather.
Getting Around from the Port
After taking the mandatory free port shuttle to the ABC Tower port exit, you have several options to reach Bruges or nearby coastal towns:
To Bruges (Brugge):
- Cruise Line Shuttle: Many cruise lines offer a direct return shuttle service to Bruges for approximately €25. The drop-off point in Bruges is typically a 15-minute pleasant walk from the city center.
- Public Transport (Tram + Train/Bus via Blankenberg): This is a cost-effective independent option:
- Tram to Blankenberg: From the port shuttle drop-off, turn right and walk about 500 meters to the Zeebrugge Kerk (church) tram station. Take the tram in the "De Panne" direction and alight at Blankenberg train station. Trams run every 15 minutes. A single ticket costs €3 when purchased from the driver, or you can buy a €7 day pass from the Spar shop located near the tram stop (note: the Spar shop is closed on Mondays). Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding the tram.
- Train to Bruges: From Blankenberg train station, a train to Bruges takes only 15 minutes and costs €3 for a one-way ticket (often less on weekends). Trains depart hourly, with increased frequency (every 30 minutes) during morning and evening. Crucially, check the return train schedule to Blankenberg before you depart for Bruges, as weekend times may vary.
- Bus to Bruges: Alternatively, the €7 tram day pass is also valid for Bus #40, which travels from Blankenberg directly to Bruges. The total journey from your ship to Bruges using this public transport method takes approximately 1 hour.
- Holland America Line Shuttle: Passengers on Holland America Line ships often benefit from a complimentary shuttle service directly to Blankenberg train station. From there, a one-way train ticket to Bruges costs €6. Other cruise lines might offer a similar shuttle to Blankenberg for around €10.
- Taxi: A taxi to Bruges can be arranged for a fixed price of €62 one-way, which might be economical for groups.
To Coastal Towns (e.g., Blankenberg, De Panne):
- Coastal Tram: For exploring the Belgian coast, the Coastal Tram connects cities and towns along the entire coastline. A day pass costs €7 if purchased from the Spar shop near the Zeebrugge Kerk tram stop, or €9 if bought directly from the driver.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, the primary destination for most independent travelers is the historic city of Bruges, renowned for its medieval charm.
- Explore Bruges (Brugge):
- Art & Museums: Discover six centuries of Flemish paintings at the Groeninge Museum, including works by Jan van Eyck. Don't miss the Memling Museum, home to the wooden Shrine of St. Ursula. The Church of Our Lady houses Michelangelo's only work of art to leave Italy during his lifetime, and the Chapel of the Holy Blood displays a reputed ampul of Christ's blood.
- Iconic Activities: Enjoy a picturesque canal cruise or a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets. For panoramic city views, climb the historic Belfry.
- Local Delights: Indulge in sampling famous Belgian chocolates and waffles. Shop for exquisite Bruges lace and other local craftwork, and explore numerous art galleries. With over 350 available Belgian beers, a tasting experience is a must.
- Getting Around Bruges: The Bruges train station is about 800 meters from the city center, a pleasant walk on cobblestone streets. Public buses also run every 5 minutes between the train station and the city center, stopping conveniently near major shopping streets and attractions.
- Coastal Towns (Blankenberg & Zeebrugge): If the weather is favorable and you prefer a relaxed day by the sea, you can visit these small coastal tourist towns. However, they offer limited attractions beyond the beach and pier and may not be worthwhile in poor weather. The Coastal Tram provides easy access.
Dining & Shopping
- At the Port: The ABC Tower at the port exit features the Njord rooftop restaurant, offering great views.
- In Zeebrugge: Dining and shopping options are very limited directly in Zeebrugge itself.
- In Bruges: This is where you'll find ample opportunities for dining and shopping. Bruges is famous for its chocolate and lace stores, which are abundant throughout the town. Be sure to sample traditional Belgian waffles and explore the vast selection of local beers. General store opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm, though larger stores may stay open later. In tourist-centric areas like Bruges, some shops may open on Sundays.
Safety
Be aware that depending on the tide, the gangways for boarding and disembarking the ship can be quite steep. The onboard assistance team is available to help guests with mobility issues.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (€). While Dutch is primarily spoken in Bruges, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas. Free Wi-Fi is available in the town of Blankenberg.