cruise terminal zeebrugge restaurant

Restaurant Njord

De naam Njord verwijst naar een zeegod in de Noorse mythologie die zorgde dat de zeevaarders veilig naar huis konden terugkeren.

Restaurant NJORD

We richten ons op vis uit de Noordzee en serveren het met een Scandinavische touch. Wat gisteren nog in de Noordzee zwom, ligt vandaag in Njord op uw bord.

Prachtig uitzicht

Restaurant NJORD bevindt zich op de zevende (en achtste) verdieping van het ABC Cruisegebouw. Op 40 meter hoogte zuigen de 7 m hoge ramen meteen alle aandacht en bieden een prachtig uitzicht op de zee, de (jacht)haven van Zeebrugge, en op het Brugse ommeland. Door de laagbouw in Zeebrugge kan je aan de ene kant kijken tot in Oostende en aan de andere kant tot in Cadzand. Daarbij komt dat de skyline van Zeebrugge met zijn vele lichtjes ’s avonds prachtig is. Twee Schotse zilverberken van 4,5 meter hoog brengen rust in de zaal. Lange eikenhouten balken lopen langs de muren en zorgen, samen met het stoffen spanplanfond voor een goede akoestiek. Het gebouw is van de hand van Olivier Salens. Het interieur in samenwerking met Lieven Musschoot. Een geslaagde samenwerking met een hypermodern restaurant als resultaat.

Scandinavische touch

We hebben een houtgrill, wat je niet vaak ziet in een restaurant dat zich op veertig meter hoogte bevindt, en daarop grillen we staartvis, kreeft, zeetong of roggevleugel. Op zijn Scandinavisch: geen zware sausen, niet te veel show. Puur natuur. Ook oesters en andere fruits de mer zijn beschikbaar. Maar uiteraard kunt u ook gegrild vlees zoals ribstuk of West-Vlaams rood van eigen kweek bestellen.  

Family Tradition Restaurant & Hostellerie

Njord maakt deel uit van de Family Tradition groep, meer informatie en de andere locaties kan je hier ook terugvinden.

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Cruise Port Zeebrugge – One Day in Bruges – What to Do, See & Eat

One day in any city is a tough call – there’s so much to see, do and eat how can you squeeze it all in?  The answer is you don’t.  Consider the “one day only” visit an appetizer to the city which may (or may not) tempt you to return.  For those visiting via a cruise ship port at Zeebrugge, there’s often a plethora of ship tours (expensive), private tours (more flexible and often less expensive) and the do it yourself version. Bruges (or Brugge) is a magical cobblestone city with a famous bell tower ( Bruges Belfry ), a plethora of chocolate shops in Bruges along with beer, chocolate and friet (French fries) museums .  Add in a Bruges canal boat tour , shopping options, churches, walking tours and the famous horse drawn carriage tours and your options and mind are on overload.

So I would suggest choosing two “must do” attractions, add in one awesome lunch and a few snacks along the way (and to bring home) to enjoy the city at a leisurely pace. Any time left over is a bonus to explore or enjoy the view along the canal.

Bruges What to Do in One Day

Most tourists will enter from the canal side of the main street and cross over the small bridge to walk along the street filled with chocolate, cookies, waffles and other souvenir shops.  If you continue to walk straight for about five minutes you’ll arrive in the market square with the Bruges Belfry on your left.  You’ll also see a French fry food truck selling very expensive fries – I’d go elsewhere for much less to be honest as they have “tourist prices”. There are many quirky museums in the city (one for lamps!) along with churches and art museums, etc.  Below are top attractions for most visitors, especially “check the box” visitors.

• Bruges Belfry (allow 2-3 hours to visit the Belfort) entrance is controlled and limited so you need to wait for someone to exit before a visitor is allowed to enter.  The lines will look scary but the lobby is small so allot about an hour in line (if the line is on the courtyard stairs) and another hour to visit/climb.  Wear flat comfortable shoes and be ready to climb winding stairs of various materials (marble, wood, concrete, etc.) in very tight spaces.  Its 366 steps up and 366 steps down.
• Bruges Canal Boat Tour (allow 1.5 hours) – the cruise is 30 minutes but the wait can be up to an hour in the hot sun.  You might want to go a bit further into the city to find another boarding location with less of a wait.
• Bruges Friet Museum (allow 1 hour – 1.5 if you visit the café for fresh friets) – this quirky museum celebrates the potato and the magnificent creation by the Belgians – the Belgian Friet.  Incorrectly named French Fries you can learn the history in this restored church building. The displays are low tech but quite interesting.
• Choco-Story in Bruges (allow 2 hours, longer if you don’t hit the chocolate demonstration times right) – Created by the folks behind the Friet Museum (you can buy a combo ticket to visit both in the same day), this lovely museum walks you through the history of chocolate and Belgian chocolate with low tech museum displays, a short film, chocolate art and a chocolate demonstration with samples.

• Chocolate Shops in Bruges (time will vary) – there are close to 90, yes 90! Chocolate shops in the small city.  Talk about catering to tourists.  Any flavor you can think of, you can find.  Any single origin country bar you want, you can find it.  If you want chocolate shaped like animals, they have it, chocolate shaped in naughty ways, they have it, chocolate bars, breakaway, ice cream, popsicles, fudge, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate – you’ll find it. Go experiment and buy chocolate in a few places to sample the different types. They also have sugar free chocolate and lactose free chocolate. If traveling, some shops will offer cool bags (added fee).
• Bruges Beer Museum – The Beer Museum is centrally located on the Market Square.  The museum offers a variety of Belgian beer (over 10 brands) to enjoy at the bar.  The tour is easy to follow and if you love beer or are keen to learn more about the process, this is an interesting option.
• Walking Tour of Bruges – Legends Tours offers free walking tours of Bruges daily (please tip as that’s how they earn their living) as well as chocolate and beer tours (not free – prices on website to book).  I wandered on my own aimlessly because I didn’t know about the free walking tours (next time!)
• Horse Drawn Carriage Tours – to be honest, these carriage rides will fly past you as the horses are galloping through the city at a quick pace so don’t expect these to be leisurely.  They are also expensive so you mileage may vary on whether this is a good deal and unique experience.

(Not Chocolate) Desserts in Bruges

• Bruges Donut Shop – Hill’s Donuts is an alternative to the chocolate shops – channel your inner Homer Simpson and you won’t be able to pick just one – there are so many choices –
• Ice Cream & Cake – in the main market square, the small chocolate shop by Pierre Marcolini , one of my favorite chocolatiers, offers ice cream as well as gorgeous chocolate cakes that are works of art that are almost too pretty to eat.
• Juliette Biscuit (Cookie) Shop – This bespoke cookie shop caught my eye on the main street (on the right) as I walked toward the market square. In a town of chocolate, cookies get to be a unique option.  Named for the owner’s daughter, the shop sells pre-packaged as well as loose (pick your own) cookies.  A nice change from chocolate and make great gifts (if you can resist eating them on the way back to the ship or on the ship).  I opted to pick my cookies which are priced by weight.

• Belgian Waffles – the history is funny that the “Brussels waffle” introduced at the World’s Fair had a name change to “Belgian waffle” because Americans didn’t know where Brussels was (geez first we get the fries wrong and now the waffles – sorry Belgium!).  There are two kinds of waffles – the Belgian waffle and the Liege waffle which is like a crunchy donut with powdered sugar.  Normally, you would eat as “takeaway” street food with your hands but you probably expect ice cream and over the top toppings so don’t worry, they’ve adapted for your tastes.  The main street has the “House of Waffles” which is popular with both a sit down restaurant and a takeout window.
• Tarteline has the prettiest cakes if you want to have a tea time break or hot chocolate!
• St. Paulus Bakery was my go to for croissants and pain au chocolat.

Where to Eat Lunch in Bruges (or Dinner)

As you can imagine, there are a plethora of food options in the city and while I’d love to eat chocolate all day long, I needed real food and protein.  The market square will have great views but be mindful of the prices. You may want to wander a few minutes away from the market square to find small cafes along the canals and with outdoor seating.  Here’s where I ate during my time in Bruges

• De Gastro   is a Belgian restaurant which had a set lunch menu (3 courses – starter – entrée – dessert) for a reasonable price as well as an ala cart menu that has enough choice to satisfy most. I chose the soup, ½ roast chicken, choice of salad/fries and dessert/coffee.   The other option was pasta Bolognese.  T My dessert?  Chocolate Mousse of course!
• Eekhoetje Tea Room  (no website) has a good selection of sandwiches and salads as well as desserts.  They were so kind to let me be the last guest as they were closing soon.   I ordered a simple toasted sandwich and a custard tart topped with raspberries.
• Amuni was fantastic for Italian food – they call Slow Food. The contemporary designed restaurant will make you forget you are in Bruges – there are a few areas to enjoy your meal – the bar, courtyard both inside and outside as well as a large dining room. While tempted by the pizza, I chose the pasta and bread basket along with a glass of red and of course dessert!
• El Churrasco Argentino (no website) had a crowd inside and out each time I passed by.  I went early enough that no reservation was needed and enjoyed friendly service along with a yummy steak, bread basket and many dipping options, a glass of red and dessert. As a solo diner, I was welcomed and the staff was attentive throughout my meal. At no time was I rushed out of my booth despite folks waiting to get in and that was much appreciated.
• Blackbird is a pretty restaurant, it’s almost romantic and definitely social media design friendly.  I visited for breakfast but didn’t stay as I didn’t like the set breakfast menu – I just wanted an ala carte breakfast.  The concierge said it was a wonderful restaurant, hopefully I can try next time for lunch where there’s more flexibility in food choice.

Final Thoughts Zeebrugge – One Day in Bruges, Belgium

One Day in Bruges is a wonderful time to explore this charming city during a cruise stop in Zeebrugge, a day trip from Ghent (Gent) or Brussels or a short drive from wherever you may be.  I’ve heard it called “the Disneyland of Belgium” because of the tourists influx, packing canal boats and cafes, etc.  but who cares really?  I love Disney and the magic that it creates even for a short time to escape the daily drama of life. That said, there are small streets to get lost in and a nice wander through the city to quiet parts where you can enjoy the architecture, pick up a sandwich and sit along the canal and just be. You can’t do that in any Disney park!  Be mindful that depending on the time of year, the city may be packed with cruise tourists just like you – it’s a small town so be patient – eat some chocolate, drink some beer and remember you are on vacation so just enjoy the time.

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2 thoughts on “ Cruise Port Zeebrugge – One Day in Bruges – What to Do, See & Eat ”

Could you send this to my email so I’ll have when there? Don’t have printer 🤦‍♀️

Hi Susan – It’s best to do screen shots to your phone as I do not have a feature to create and send a pdf of the posts at this time. Enjoy your visit Thanks Sue

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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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Often combined with

Panoramic polder view from the tower

B&B Pronkenburg

Foodtruckfestival SMA(A)K - Zeebrugge

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Zeebrugge Cruise Port Guide

A day ashore in Zeebrugge, Belgium

This popular cruise port features on many Northern European cruise itineraries and is also a favourite destination for many popular mini-cruises from the UK so we thought we should share a Zeebrugge Cruise Port Guide.

Zeebrugge is the second largest port in Belgium , it is 11km from Bruges, 29km from Ostend and 100km from Brussels. It is what we call a ‘transit port’, in other words a lot of cruises visit, more that 150 in 2021, but none start or finish here, although a new cruise terminal has been constructed.

Currency: Euro

Time Zone: UTC ( GMT ) +1.00

Language: Belgium is composed of four language areas: the Dutch language area; Flanders, the Walloon region which uses the French language, the German language area and the bilingual Brussels-Capital area. In Zeebrugge Flemish (similar to Dutch) and Walloon (Belgian French) are both commonly used although luckily most people seem to speak reasonable good English as well. 

Zeebrugge – what you need to know

Most visiting cruise passengers head inland for the medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent. Some even head even further inland to the Belgian capital, Brussels. Military historians find a lot to interest them here – a popular excursion is Ypres for “ Flanders Fields ”. These are tours of the WW1 Battlefields of the Somme. The site of the battle of Waterloo , whilst it is in Belgium, is slightly too far away to be practicable for a day trip.

When we first visited Zeebrugge on a cruise we were given the impression given by the ship’s staff was that it was difficult to do any independent travel from the port. This is echoed by others and is probably because there is a higher than normal number of first time cruisers onboard. Other people have mentioned how confusing it can get to research a day out from Zeebrugge. I think one of the reasons for this is the four languages, as mentioned above. Once you get the hang of things it all gets simpler…

Something (or somewhere) may be labelled in either Flemish or French: for example Zeebrugge is in Flanders hence Zee-Brugge is literally Sea-Brugge (or Bruges as we call it even though that is also in Flanders!). Confused? You will be! Maps and leaflets seem to swing wildly between the two languages – generally using both at the same time! So you just have to keep in mind that everything can have two or three completely different names and that what you may see on a map is not what you will actually see on a sign when you get there. Some maps use English names, some French and others Flemish – it can really complicate things!

What to see within walking distance of your ship

Zeebrugge port is industrial and huge, wherever your ship docks you will be transported to the cruise centre (located in a building called the ABC-Tower). This has a variety of services, including transportation desks, a souvenir and gift shop, public toilets, and a security checkpoint. you will find a really nice restaurant on the top floor – Rooftoprestaurant Njord – not cheap but very nice! There’s a small marina just outside the port gates which is nice to stroll around on a sunny day. You will find a small maritime museum with a lightship to visit and a children’s play area. There used to be a Cold War submarine but it was away being renovated in 2021. There are various cafes, galleries and chocolate shops around here too but its all a bit lowkey. It is worth an hour or so, particularly if you have children or don’t want to stray far from the ship.

The Belgian countryside and coastline are extremely flat and so, although the area is not known for its sweeping views, it is good for easy walking, bicycling and for trips on the coastal tram. Beaches are family friendly – tidal but mainly sandy, with some wonderful sand dunes. The English Channel (or La Manche as it is known from the Belgian side) is a good place to take a bracing swim in chilly waters and the coastal towns are well set up for day trippers with plenty of restaurants, kids clubs, bike hire etc. If you want to have a day out in the fresh air, walking or cycling then definitely head for the beaches.

But the most popular destination is definitely BRUGGE (Bruges)…

Brugge (in Flemish — it’s Bruges in French) is a pocket-sized medieval city with historic buildings and beautiful canals. Once the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, powerful players in European politics of the 15th century, Bruges was a cosmopolitan trading port, its wealth was built on the medieval cloth trade. It is the number one destination for cruise passengers calling at Zeebrugge.

Getting to Bruges

There are various ways to reach Bruges from the ship, which you choose will depend on your group size and personal preference. You can take a ships tour, ships transfer, shuttle to the station and then by train, local taxi. My preference for flexibility is the Cruise Express service, which runs from just outside the cruise terminal. It costs €19 a head compared to £50 or so for a cruise transfer. If you put together a larger group then a prebooked taxi / mini bus will be cheapest. The free port shuttle to the local railway station and then train into Bruges is the cheapest option but can be quite slow.

Getting around in Bruges

Bruges is basically circular and pedestrianised, so whichever way you reach the city you have to walk in from the ring road. It is only a fifteen minute walk to the historic area centre but you could take a local eco-bus. There isn’t a HOHO bus but you there are circular, nonstopping Minibus tours and horse &carriage rides which give you an overview of the whole city. The town is really very small and you can walk right across it in half an hour. It is quite straightforward walking although there are a lot of cobbled streets so wear sensible shoes!

Belgium is full of chocolate shops and locally brewed beers – even a town centre brewery and a Beer museum! My favourite hot chocolate came from Crevin in the picture above and of course you can’t leave Bruges without trying the local. waffles. These usually come with both chocolate and cream, so it is just as well that there is so much walking included in a day trip to Bruges!!

There is so much to see that you won’t be able to do a fraction of it! Sp depending on the weather you may choose to focus on the canals and gardens or spend more of the day inside in some of the beautiful historical buildings and churches. You will find museums of everything from 13th century art treasures to a museum focusing on beer or the local favourite Frites (chips / French fries – seriously!).

In fact there is SO much to see that my port profile just grew and grew and is now basically a Cruise Passengers guide book!! It is due to be published in July 2022 so if you are heading to Zeebrugge keep an eye on my Bookshop or sign up to the Cruise Addicted newsletter at the bottom of this post for special pre-order offers!

In the meantime here is a quick rundown of my favourites spots in Bruges and beyond…

#1 Insta spot

Rozenhoedkaai   – The Quay of the Rosary. Rozenhoedkaai Is where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet – cobbles, Boat trips, cute shops, coffee, chocolate, interesting museum and picture perfect shots.

Favourite Market

Vismarkt ( Fish Market ). – an arts and crafts market on Sunday and Monday.  Smaller arts and crafts presence the rest of the week but with fish for sale from the old marble slabbed stalls.  

Best viewpoint

Belfort van Brugge – the Belfry of Bruges – towers over Markt – one of the two town squares. This medieval bell tower was built in 1240, is 83 meters tall and houses 47 bells. 350 steps to the top give you amazing panoramic views of the city and the bells peel a Carrilon every fifteen minutes. You will also see the Bruges Treasury with 10 locks – the keys were individually held ensuring that no one person had access.

Best Church

Heilig-Bloedbasiliek – The Basilica of the Holy Blood   Its hard to know which church to choose as there are so many different examples. I really liked The Basilica of the Holy Blood – it is almost tucked away in a corner of Burg , the other large square  in town. The 12th century building is across two levels – the medieval lower chapel is free to enter – the ornate upper chapter has a small enrtrance fee and can be accessed by lift. The church houses a relic of the Holy Blood allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders.

Best shopping

Chocolate! Obvious but true… and Bruges lace but beware that most lace on sale seemed to machine made  – for an insight into ‘real’ lacemaking visit the lacemaking museum…

Which is very close to the …..

Best ‘off the beaten track’ spot

Adornes Domain/ Jeruzalemkerk The Adornes family, who came from Genoa in Italy, built this estate during the 15th century and it has remained in the same family ever since! They built the Jeruzalemkerk (Jerusalem church) a number of alms houses and a mansion. The family chapel was consecrated in 1429 and was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. A visit to the private estate includes the chapel gardens a museum and the Scottish chamber. Bruges Kant – lace -museum is situated in the almshouses ashown above and the folk museum is opposite so lots in the area and slightly away from the crowded part of town.

Best alternative day out

Kusstram – the Coast Tram. Take a trip to Oostende or De Hanne (or both!) The tram stretches the entire length of the coast and is very reliable. Modern, clean and largely with disabled access. A day ticket is good value at €7.50 and €4.00 for a child. It is worth downloading the app for up to the second travel info.

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Thank you for reading!

Cathy – Cruise Addicted

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Best Restaurants in Zeebrugge, Belgium

Restaurants in zeebrugge, establishment type, online options, traveller rating, michelin guide, dietary restrictions, restaurant features, neighbourhood.

• Tijdok restaurant
• t' Kastaarke
• Martin's Visrestaurant
• Brasserie Nelson

ABC building Bruges

The ABC building on the Rederskaai is a multi-functional eight-storey building in the heart of Zeebrugge. This joint project between Artes Depret NV and Port of Antwerp-Bruges houses both a cruise terminal, a visitor centre and several multipurpose halls. Tourists also have the option to take a taxi in front of the building

Besides welcoming cruise passengers the ABC building also offers a number of lounges for events.

On the first floor, passengers can check in and out and take a breather in the waiting area with its accompanying shop.

Every year more than 500,000 tourists disembark and stop by for information or top recommendations for their stay. Its proximity to the enchanting city of Bruges and other exciting seaside resorts makes Zeebrugge the perfect location for tourists from all over the world.

Rent a room

Are you looking for a unique location with a sea view for your event, reception or press event? The ABC building has various lounges for events . For a fee, book one of the three available rooms for your event or meeting. 

On the top floors of the ABC building, dine in style with panoramic views over the port in the rooftop restaurant 'NJORD' , owned by the Dendooven family.

Visitor Centre

In the visitor centre on the top floor, discover the port  in the experience area .

Accessibility

Are you travelling by the coastal tram? The tram stop 'Zeebrugge Church' is a five-minute walk from the ABC building. Zeebrugge village station is a 20-minute walk away. Are you travelling by car? Then enter the address here below. 

ABC-building Bruges

Cruise terminal and Visitor centre

Rederskaai 60/61 8380 Bruges

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The history of Zeebrugge

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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. 

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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.

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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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The ship docks in the Port of Bruges-Zeebrugge , an industrial port with some passenger ship facilities. About 2 kilometers from Blankenberg. 15 km from Brugge (Bruges). The Port Authorities provide a free shuttle bus from your cruise ship to the port exit. You have to take this bus as you are not allowed to walk in the port itself.

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. Everyone on board the cruise ship can take the free shuttle bus up to the cruise building. Visitors can park cars outside the terminal. 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.

The gangways are quite steep, depending on the tide, so make sure you take an extra precaution. Guests with mobility issues will be assisted by the Assistance team onboard.

There is much to see and do in Brugge, so do take an early train!

To get to Brugge you can take the train from Blankenberg. The ticket one-way to Bruges costs 3 €, in the weekends even less. There is a train every hour, in the morning and evening every half hour. Check the return times of the trains before you venture into Brugge. Times may differ in the weekends. The trip is only 15 minutes. There is a tram service from dock to train. The tram costs you 3 euro per person from the driver or €7 day pass in Spar shop close to tram stop opposite the church. Validate ticket on entry to tram at machine and press button 1. The tram runs every 15 minutes. Where the port shuttle drops you off, turn right and walk for about 500 meters to the Zeebrugge Kerk (church) tram station. Take the tram direction "De Panne" and get off at Blankenberg train station. The Spar shop is closed on Mondays.

The all day ticket is good on the bus #33 to Brugge and back so no reason to take the train. The whole journey from the ship takes 1 hour.  Schedule .

As of 2016 a two way shuttle service from Zeebrugge to Brugge and back is operational for the Cruise Passengers. Euro 25 for a return ticket. It is still a 15 minute. but pleasant walk from the drop off point to the center of Brugge.

Often cruise lines offer a shuttle to Blankenberg train station at an inflated price of 10 euro.

If you are part of a larger group a taxi is another option, fixed price 62 Euro one way.

Zeebrugge itself has not much to offer.

Printable map of Zeebrugge and Brugge to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Check here for festivals and events in Bruges when you are in port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Zeebrugge Belgium

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Sightseeing:

Zeebrugge and Blankenberg, get off a Blankenberg Pier tram Station, are small coastal tourist towns, which if the wheather is inclement, will be boring to visit.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Tours Excursions Transportation:

For a leisure day along the coast take the Coastal Tram a public transport service connecting the cities and towns along the entire Belgian (West Flanders) coast. 7 Euro for a day pass if bought from the Spar shop close to the tram stop. If bought from the driver it will be 2 Euro more.

Bruges tours

Nearby Places:

Bruges incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture makes it one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Europe. Besides architecture, sites to see include several museums. First is the Groeninge Museum, with six centuries of paintings from different styles, including works by Jan van Eyck, a Flemish Primitive painter. The Memling museum is also not to be missed, with the wooden Shrine of St. Ursula. Also, the only work of art by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime, can be seen in the Church of our Lady. The Chapel of the Holy Blood also displays an ampul reputed to contain the blood of Christ. Of course a visit to Bruges wouldn't be complete without a canal or sightseeing ride carriage ride, sampling the chocolates and waffles, shopping for craft work including Bruges famous lace, visiting art galleries, climbing the belfry or trying several of the more than 350 available Belgian beers.

The train station is about 800 meters from city center and is a pleasant walk on the cobble stoned streets.

Shopping and Food

Chocolate and Lace stores are all over town!

Currency Converter

Communication:

In Brugge mainly Dutch spoken, however English is well mastered.

Wifi is free in the town of Blankenberg

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Stores in general 9am - 18pm Mon-Sat. Some (larger) stores stay open later. Almost all stores are closed on Sundays, except in tourist area as Brugge and the main coastal towns.

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Cruise terminal Zeebrugge

Zeebrugge is a passenger port. The passengers either make the popular crossing to Hull , England by ferry, or they dock at the port aboard a luxury cruise ship to enjoy a day trip to one of the many Flemish cultural cities. Also the Belgian coastal towns are popular destinations. Thanks to its location on the North Sea coast, and the deep water, Zeebrugge has developed into the largest cruise port in Flanders.

Departure from Zeebrugge ferry terminal

For many foreign passengers, Zeebrugge offers the fastest access to many historical cities in Belgium. Zeebrugge has the advantage of being located within short distance of several historical and touristic cities of Western Europe: 17 km from Bruges , 50 km from Ghent , and only 100 km from Brussels and Antwerp . Especially Bruges , which is recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, attracts many cruise tourists. Almost every cruise ship in Zeebrugge has several half day, or full day, excursions with Bruges as a destination.

In Zeebrugge, cruise ships dock at the Leopold II dam, or at the Albert II dock, both located in the western harbor, about 2 km from the nearest train and bus station. You have several options to travel to other locations from this harbor:

Bruges is approximately 17 km from Zeebrugge, and is well worth a visit. The architecture, and beautiful medieval surroundings make Bruges a unique place in Europe. You have several options to travel from the ferry terminal to Bruges :

By bus directly to Bruges. A bus runs from the Zeebrugge ferry terminal directly to Bruges . Often offered by the cruise line to book or online for €20,00 p.p. . The travel time from the ferry terminal to Bruges is about 25 minutes.

Directly to Bruges by taxi. Multiple taxis drive from the Zeebrugge ferry terminal directly to Bruges . These taxis are readily available near the arrival dock. Travel time from the ferry terminal to Bruges is about 20 minutes.

To Bruges by public transportation. In actual practise many cruise lines offer a (sometimes payable) shuttle service to the Blankenberge railway station. From Blankenberge railway station are trains to Bruges, Ghent or Brussels every half hour. The travel time from the ferry terminal to Bruges is about 60 minutes.

Via Blankenberge to Bruges by public transportation. A bus operates from Zeebrugge ferry terminal to the Central Station of Blankenberge . From the Blankenberge Central Station, you can take the bus to the heart of the historic center of Bruges . The travel time from the ferry terminal to Bruges is approximately 70 minutes.

To other destinations

With the Coastal Tram to other Belgian coastal cities The long Belgian coast can be best explored by tram . The tram stops at 70 locations, which means that it always stops near a place that you may want to visit. The coastal tram starts at De Panne , near the French border, and goes all the way to Knokke-Heist , near the Dutch border.

Via Bruges to other destinations Bruges Central Station is operated by national and international lines. Belgium is via the TGV Thalys, with multiple daily trains riding from Paris to Brussels , linked to France, the Netherlands and Germany. Furthermore there are several trains per hour from Bruges to Brussels . Travel time is approximately 50 minutes.

Terminal Addresses

Ferry terminal - zeestation.

Leopold II-dam 13 (Havendam) B 8380 Zeebrugge, Belgium

Cruise Terminal - Zweedse Kaai

Zweedse Kaai B-8380 Zeebrugge, Belgium

https://www.portofantwerpbruges.com/en/shipping/cruises

Port of Zeebrugge

Isabellalaan 1 B-8380 Zeebrugge, Belgium

Bruges Tours

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Zeebrugge (Bruges, Belgium)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia

Local Time 2024-05-09 17:52

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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Cruise Port Zeebrugge

Biggest passenger port

Every year, the port of Zeebrugge can welcome more than half a million passengers. A large part of these are English and Germans. In addition to passengers arriving by cruise ships, the daily ferry connection to Hull also ensures a constant flow of passengers.

The cruise vacation is gaining more and more popularity. Because the ships are getting bigger and bigger, the ticket price drops and more people can be reached. On board, the number of restaurants, bars and leisure activities is increasing. Cruise ships usually sail in the evening and at night so you can wake up every morning to a new destination. But sometimes there is a sea day behind the corner.

Why choose Zeebrugge?

Currently, Zeebrugge is primarily a port that is approached on a multi-day sea cruise to offer cruise passengers a full-day excursion. This is also known as a transit port. In the future, Zeebrugge wants to become a departure and arrival port. In this way, residence tourism in Bruges or the coastal region and the local economy can also be stimulated.

The benifits of Zeebrugge are:

• Easy nautical acces
• Location on the route Southampton > Amsterdam
• Historical cities as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels
• Seaside resorts as Blankenberge, Ostend and Knokke are not far away
• War history in Ypres and the Westhoek
• Small villages as Lissewege and Damme in the neighbourhood

Every year, the scale of the cruise world increases, so that a younger and more international audience can be reached. Cruising is becoming increasingly popular, especially on large ships (between 3,000 and 5,000 passengers). The smaller (luxury) ships often continue to attract an older and more wealthy public.

© Tibo Deprest - Cruise Port Zeebrugge Fanpage - [email protected] - All rights reserved

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Overview Of The Port Of Zeebrugge

Cruise ships docking in the port of zeebrugge, local language & phrases for the port of zeebrugge, restaurant, bar, food & drink options in the port of zeebrugge, shopping options in the port of zeebrugge, tours, excursions & things to do in the port of zeebrugge.

12 - Day Europe from London, England

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Dover (London)

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: edinburgh, scotland.

Day 4: Fun Day at Sea

Day 5: copenhagen, day 6: warnemünde (berlin).

Day 7: Fun Day at Sea

Day 8: gothenburg.

Day 9: Fun Day at Sea

Day 10: amsterdam, day 11: rotterdam, day 12: zeebrugge (brussels), day 13: dover (london).

Get to Know Carnival Legend

Legends are made, not born... and over time, this ship has become even more deserving of its nameplate. Let’s discover some of the secrets of Carnival Legend. If you’re out to find new legends, flip directly to the RedFrog Pub ® , featuring not only a mythical mascot, but actual drinks — plus Caribbean atmosphere by the gallon. Your heroic journey down the Green Thunder waterslide is a saga you’ll recount for ages. Bonsai Sushi ™ proves that you needn’t teach a man to fish for him to enjoy delicacies from the sea. And once you’ve had a look — not to mention a taste — at the certifiable cocktail magic of Alchemy Bar ® , you still may not believe your eyes. This ship, which pays tribute to some of the most enduring legends throughout the ages, still features classic Carnival Legend favorites. Take a dip in the Camelot and Avalon pools, wish for fortune at Club Merlin Casino, and taste something savory at Truffles Restaurant. There’s more than one way to dine at Lido Deck’s Unicorn Café, including handmade faves at Guy’s Burger Joint ™ and fresh taco-burrito goodness at BlueIguana Cantina ™ . And of course there’s our signature steakhouse, Nouveau Restaurant, where the multi-course meal is no myth. Music lovers who go for the classics will love Billie’s Piano Bar. Kids will tell and retell their tale of their favorite vacation, spent hanging out and meeting new friends at one of three supervised youth areas. And adults can get lost in a good book, or just one another’s company, at the legendarily kid-free Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ area... and then dance the night away at Medusa’s Lair Dance Club. Activities on Carnival Legend? Nothing short of legendary. For a cruise vacation that’s sure to go down in your history books, turn to Carnival Legend.

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Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow . This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. Our first day we did an overview driving tour and rode the subway under the Mockba (Moscow) River to Red Square. The next day we toured the State Armory and the Kremlin.

These photos show some of the other highlights you can see with three or four days in Moscow .

The Northern River Terminal is located on the Moscow Canal in the northwest section of Moscow at the Khimki Reservoir.

Most river cruise ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg use the ship as a hotel while in Moscow. Because of traffic, it's often a long drive into the city, but the sights along the way are interesting, and you only have to unpack once for the river cruise.

View of Downtown Moscow from Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills is the best place to get a great panoramic view of Moscow. The Sparrow Hills overlook the Mockba River and are near Moscow State University.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow was founded in 1524, and was once used as a sort of prison for the unwanted wives and sisters of the Tsars. Peter the Great sent both his first wife and his sister to Novodevichy. Since the convent had such famous nuns, it was very wealthy due to the many donations of the Tsars and their families. At one time in the 1700s, the cloister had over 36,000 serfs working in 36 villages. Novodevichy was ravaged by the French armies in 1812, but the brave nuns saved the buildings by disarming the fuses set to blow them up. The Soviets wanted to make the convent into a museum in the early 1920s, but it was again saved.

Novodevichy also has a cemetery with the graves of many famous Russians, including Nikita Khrushchev, Anton Chekhov, Raisa Gorbachev, and Yuri Nikulin.

View of the Mockba River in Moscow, Russia

The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

River ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Baltic Waterways embark and disembark at the Northern River Terminal about an hour's drive from the city. The drive time can vary significantly in length because of the heavy Moscow traffic. The river looks peaceful here, as it winds around the cosmopolitan area of Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer (Cathedral of Christ the Savior) in Moscow

The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is the largest church in Russia, holding 10,000 worshipers.

The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built over 44 years to celebrate the 1812 victory over Napoleon. It was completed in 1883. Stalin had the church destroyed in 1931, but it was rebuilt using mostly private funds in 1999. The new church is a replica of the original. Note that it took 44 years the first time and only 4 years the second to complete the church! Isn't modern technology impressive.

One interesting tidbit is that it took three attempts to blow up the church in 1931. Stalin planned to build a huge Palace of the Soviets on the cleared land, but engineers determined that the land was too boggy. In the 60 years intervening, the space was used for a variety of things, including a year-round swimming pool!

Vendors' Market and Ski Jump at Sparrow Hills in Moscow

The panoramic view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills is a stopover for most tour groups, so we were not surprised to see a large number of vendors. The ski jump was a surprise, but Moscow gets very cold in winter, so winter sports are very popular. This ski jump is near Moscow State University and has a great view of the city. Seeing this ski jump reminded me of the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, which also has a great view of that northern capital city.

Russian Soldiers' Memorial in Victory Park in Moscow

Matryoshka dolls for sale in moscow.

I thought this display of dolls was beautiful! The Matryoshka nesting dolls range in price from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

This small band greeted us at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow. They played a variety of band music and made us all feel very welcome.

Grand Triumphal Arch Celebrates the Victory Over Napoleon in the War of 1812

This arch looks a little like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is located near the Victory Park Metro Station in Moscow.

This Grand Triumphal Arch is decorated with the coats of arms from the 48 Russian provinces. To celebrate the victory over France in the war of 1812, it also includes bas-reliefs of the "Expulsion of the French." The arch was originally built in 1834, but has only been on this site since 1968.

It is a little ironic that this arch resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe , which Napoleon built between 1806 and 1836 to celebrate his French victories.

Moscow Metro Station at the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square)

This station near Red Square has many statues honoring the workers of Russia.

Moscow Metro Station near Victory Park

The Metro in Moscow is one of its shining industrial achievements. Construction on the Metro was begun in 1931 and continues today. The system has over 165 stations and 155 miles of track. Over 9300 trains, traveling sometimes as fast as 56 mph, navigate the huge system each day. Almost 10 million people ride the Moscow Metro every day, which is more than the New York and London systems combined. We found the Metro to be very efficient, with trains arriving every few minutes.

Navigating the Metro system can be somewhat of a problem for non-Russian speaking riders. Most of the signage is in Cyrillic only, and the stations are quite large. Trying to find the correct exit while walking long distances underground can be challenging.

On our cruise tour, we rode the Metro as a group with our program director from near Victory Park under the Mockba River to Red Square. Several of the group ventured out on their own during our time in Moscow, and many rode the Metro. They all returned with stories of getting lost underground, but none seemed the worse for the experience, and they all loved telling the tales.

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow is a must-see for visitors to the capital city of Russia.

The Kremlin in Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin is a favorite of Moscow tourists. Inside these walls are buildings for the government of Russia, cathedrals, and the wonderful State Armory museum.

Taras Bulba Restaurant in Moscow

We enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian lunch at this cute restaurant in Moscow before checking in at our hotel.

Buses Wait for Passengers Outside Museum

River cruise tour groups are usually divided into groups for the duration of the tour. Each group had their own bus when touring.

Military Airplanes at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

Although much of the military museum was indoors, there was quite a collection of planes, helicopters, missile launchers, and tanks outside.

Foreign Ministry Building, One of Moscow's Seven Stalinist-Gothic Skyscrapers

Seven skyscrapers with layers giving them a "wedding cake" appearance dot the Moscow skyline. The style is considered Stalinist-Gothic.

Russian and American War Veterans at the Central Museum of Armed Forces

Meeting with some World War II Russian War veterans was a highlight of our day at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow.

Rocket Launchers and Missiles at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow

The inside of this museum is particularly impressive, but you will need a guide since all of the signage is only in Russian.

Old Arbat Pedestrian Shopping Area in Moscow

We all enjoyed exploring the shops on this mile-long pedestrian shopping area.

Food prices were high in the tourist attraction, with two small pizzas, two small beers, and a bottle of water at an outdoor cafe costing $40. Many of our group ate at the large McDonalds, where prices were more reasonable.

Female Cosmonaut Model at Star City Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow

Female cosmonauts play an important role in the Russian space program. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova from Yaroslavl was the first woman in space.

Souvenir Shop in Old Arbat Shopping Area in Moscow

The area of Old Arbat had many English signs to attract the tourist trade.

Centrifuge at Star City Outside Moscow, Russia

This 18 meter centrifuge is the world's largest. The centrifuge weighs over 30000 tons, and the maximum load is 30 G, but most tests are run at 3 or 4 G.

A centrifuge ride is the first test for a cosmonaut, whose entire training school takes from five to eight years. The centrifuge can simulate the extreme force of gravity that cosmonauts (and astronauts) face when going into space. A centrifuge training session lasts about 30 minutes, and the trainee experiences both the centrifugal force as well as the spin of the pod he/she is riding in. Just typing this makes me a little queasy!

Cosmonaut's Bathroom Facilities on First Space Flights at Star City

Just like in the USA, everyone who visits the Star City cosmonaut training center near Moscow wants to know how cosmonauts "go to the bathroom". They have more sophisticated equipment today, but this contraption from the early space flights is fairly self explanatory.

Star City Tank Used for Cosmonaut Weightlessness Training near Moscow

This 12-meter deep pool is used to simulate weightlessness training. The pool is flooded and the cosmonauts perform repair tasks on the model of the International Space Station. SCUBA diving underwater is very similar to the weightless experience the cosmonauts experience when working in outer space.

Mir Space Station Replica at Star City near Moscow

The original Mir disintegrated when it fell to earth in 2001. Mir, which means peace in Russian, was launched in 1986.

Marvel Paull with Statue of Yuri Gagarin at Star City near Moscow

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, and the Star City Cosmonaut training center was named after him in 1968.

River Cruise Passengers with Yuri Onufrienko, Russian Cosmonaut at Star City

In case you can't tell, Yuri is the one in the middle. My famous traveling mother, Marvel Paull, is on the left and Dick, a cruise friend is on the right.

A highlight of our day in Star City was a visit with Yuri Onufrienko , a Russian cosmonaut who spent extended time in space at the Mir space station in 1996 and the International Space Station in 2001-2002. Yuri patiently took many questions from our small inquisitive group.

Cosmonaut Space Suit at Star City near Moscow

Cosmonauts sit in this position on take off. Thanks to Jerry G. for the tip about the sign. It says, "Don't touch!"

Stained Glass Window at Star City near Moscow

Program directors at farewell dinner in moscow.

After 16 days of discovery, learning, and fun, we had a farewell dinner with the six Program Directors - Evgeny, Olga, Vladimir, Svetlana, Violetta, and Marina - in Moscow.

The Kremlin is a triangular, walled citadel in the center of Moscow. The Kremlin is considered by most to be the heart of the city. First conceived in the 12th century, the Kremlin (which means fortress) was expanded by Tsar Ivan III (Ivan the Great) during the 15th century. His architects designed the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption and the Faceted Palace, and the Kremlin was an interesting mix of both Russian and Renaissance styles. During the Soviet time of the 1930s, many of the Kremlin buildings were destroyed or vandalized, and the complex remained closed to the public until 1955.

Today the Kremlin is home to the Russian President and his administration. Many buildings are open to the public, but you may need to be with a guide (check in advance).

I visited the Kremlin when in Moscow on a Russian Waterways cruise tour from St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin was also one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Red Square's name has nothing to do with Communism or Soviet Russia. The old Russian word for "beautiful" and "red" was the same; the square was supposed to be called "Beautiful Square". Red Square has been the center of Moscow activity since the 16th century when the Tsar cleared the area and allowed vendors, shoppers, and businesses to fill the square. Today this square is surrounded by the Moscow Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, GUM Shopping Mall , and St. Basil's Cathedral .

Many of the important events of the last three hundred years in Russia have been marked by parades or demonstrations in Red Square. Anyone who enters Red Square will have memories from TV or movie reels of this magnificent public square. Those of us who grew up during the Cold War era can remember the parades of soldiers, tanks, and other armaments past Lenin's Tomb just outside the Kremlin Wall. The World War II generation remembers Red Square as the site of a huge victory celebration at the end of the war.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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