abc cruise terminal zeebrugge

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Cruise Terminal

Zeebrugge is the cruise hub of Flanders. Every year, Zeebrugge welcomes around 140 luxury liners or around 400,000 passengers. Reason enough to welcome them in style. The ABC tower (Artes-Bruges-Cruise) was operational in June 2018. Architect Olivier Salens wanted to create a gateway to the city with this symbolic building, a contemporary equivalent of the Belfry to underline the historical link between Bruges and the sea. The first two floors focus on the cruise passengers. A check-in, luggage handling, waiting areas, border control, shopping, etc. Here they go the extra mile to offer the passengers, especially Germans and British, a warm welcome. The next four floors are offices. At the very top there is Njord, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, named after the sea god of the Normans.

Rederskaai 60, 8380 Brugge

Nearest bus stop: 556457 Zeebrugge Kustlaan

Nearest station: Station Zeebrugge dorp

Often combined with

Palace Hotel - Residence Palace

't Werftje

P&V Bomboclat Festival

About the author:

After 4-1/2 years of covering European travel for About.com, Durant and Cheryl Imboden co-founded Europe for Visitors  (including Europe for Cruisers) in 2001. The site has earned "Best of the Web" honors from Forbes and The Washington Post .

For more information, see About Europe for Visitors , press clippings , and reader testimonials .

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Zeebrugge (Bruges, Belgium)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Baltic - Norwegian Fjords - Russia

Local Time 2024-04-29 15:47

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

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

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

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

Port Zeebrugge-Bruges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zeebrugge cruise port

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

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

Bruges City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zeebrugge cruise terminal

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

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

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

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

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

(NEW) Terminal Zeebrugge

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

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

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

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

Zeebrugge tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Zeebrugge - user reviews and comments

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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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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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.

For Holidays click here

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Zeebrugge ligt op de route van verschillende West-Europese cruises. Jaarlijks verwelkomt de haven duizenden cruisetoeristen die tijdens een daguitstap de toeristische troeven van Vlaanderen kunnen ontdekken.

Cruiseterminal Zeebrugge

Cruiseterminal antwerpen, aankomst en vertrek.

Zeebrugge is de ideale toeristische toegangspoort naar Vlaanderen . Het is daarom een populaire aanloophaven voor de cruiseschepen met een route in West-Europa of voor mini-cruises vanuit Groot-Brittannië of op doorreis naar de Noorse fjorden en de Baltische zee. Enkele rederijen bieden vanuit Zeebrugge ook vertrekcruises aan.

Zeebrugge verwelkomt elk jaar ongeveer 180 cruiseschepen en bijna 500.000 passagiers . Ruim driekwart van de passagiers zijn Duitsers of Britten.

Cruiseschepen meren in Zeebrugge af aan de  Zweedse Kaai  (kaai 702-705), langs de Kustlaan, net voor de Pierre Vandamme zeesluis.

Terminalgebouw ABC-Toren

Aan de Rederskaai staat de acht verdiepingen tellende ABC-Toren , een verwijzing naar ‘Artes-Brugge-Cruise’. De twee onderste verdiepingen dienen voor de ontvangst en inscheping van de cruisepassagiers . Bezoekers kunnen er afspreken met familie, vrienden of kennissen die als passagier meevaren met een cruiseschip dat in Zeebrugge aanloopt. Opvarenden van het cruiseschip nemen de gratis shuttlebus tot aan het cruisegebouw. Bezoekers parkeren hun wagen buiten de terminal. Reizigers die in Zeebrugge op cruise vertrekken, kunnen gratis parkeren op een beveiligde parking naast het ABC terminalgebouw.

Op de bovenste verdieping kunnen reizigers en bezoekers genieten van een prachtig uitzicht in het rooftoprestaurant Njord. Verder vind je in het gebouw ook nog een bezoekerscentrum, een kenniscentrum van de Provinciale Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij (POM) en het hoofdkantoor van het aannemersbedrijf Artes Depret.

Duurzaamheid

Port of Antwerp-Bruges streeft naar een groenere toekomst als cruisehaven via een reeks duurzaamheidsinitiatieven:

Vanaf 2026 is een eerste 16 MW walstroominstallatie beschikbaar. In plaats van dieselgeneratoren te gebruiken, kunnen cruiseschepen zich aansluiten op het elektriciteitsnet dat beschikbaar is aan de kade. Dat reduceert de uitstoot en draagt daardoor bij aan de klimaatdoelstellingen. Een tweede installatie is gepland in de loop van 2028.  

Milieuvriendelijke schepen krijgen op basis van de score van hun emissierapport korting op de haventarieven.  

Toerismedruk

Om de druk op het toerisme in de belangrijkste toeristische bestemming Brugge te beperken, mogen maximaal 2 cruiseschepen op dezelfde dag in Zeebrugge aanmeren. Met een nieuw boekingsbeleid probeert het havenbestuur de cruise-aanlopen zoveel mogelijk te spreiden.

Elektrische havenshuttle

Voor het vervoer van passagiers en bemanningsleden is de overstap naar elektrische bussen in volle gang. De eerste emissievrije shuttlebus werd ingezet in november 2023.  

Alternatieve brandstoffen

De haven blijft fors investeren in de overschakeling van fossiele brandstoffen naar milieuvriendelijkere alternatieven. Als onderdeel van een eerste overgangsfase bieden we nu al LNG-bunkering aan. In de toekomst zullen schepen ook kunnen nieuwe brandstoffen zoals methanol of waterstof kunnen bunkeren.  

Kaai-infrastructuur

Investeringen in nieuwe, brede fenders en bijkomende bolders bieden nog meer veiligheid voor de cruiseschepen van vandaag. De bredere fenders zullen ook diensten zoals bagageafhandeling en afvalontvangst makkelijker doen verlopen. 

Cruise ship spotting

Aan het begin van de Zweedse Kaai , net naast de ingang van de Vandammesluis, krijg je vanop het dak van een expocontainer het beste uitzicht op de grote cruiseschepen . Omwille van veiligheidsredenen en uit respect voor de passagiers aan boord is het niet mogelijk om een cruiseschip te bezoeken.

Op de parking van het cruisegebouw is een zone voor ‘short stay parking’ voorzien. Als bezoeker kan je je wagen gratis in de buurt van de jachthaven parkeren. Langs de Rederskaai en de Graaf Jansdijk vind je altijd wel een plaatsje.

Toeristische toegangspoort

Naast het prachtige Brugge , dat op slechts 20 minuten van Zeebrugge een hotspot is voor de cruisetoeristen, zijn er tal van mogelijkheden om Vlaanderen te ontdekken .

Denk maar aan historische steden zoals Gent , Brussel en Antwerpen , gezellige badplaatsen als Blankenberge , Oostende en Knokke , het rijke oorlogsverleden in Ieper of pittoreske plekken als Damme en Lissewege .

Een toeristische uitstap plannen

Om als cruisetoerist een uitstap te maken naar een toeristische bestemming kan je rechtstreeks een excursie boeken bij de rederij . Dan wacht de excursiebus je op bij het schip, word je tijdens de excursie begeleid door een gids en tijdig teruggebracht naar het schip.

Overzicht van alle transportmogelijkheden

Steeds meer cruiseschepen en toeristen bezoeken Antwerpen . De cruiseschepen meren aan in het centrum van de stad op 200 meter van de kathedraal, bij Het Steen. Deze historische burcht, met een geschiedenis van meer dan 800 jaar, dient nu als het officiële bezoekerscentrum van de stad Antwerpen.

De cruiseterminal aan het Steenplein ligt op vijf minuten wandelen van het  historisch stadscentrum , de belangrijkste winkelstraten en vele cafés en restaurants . Op het wandelterras heb je een uitstekend zicht op de aangemeerde schepen en het vertrek is zeker de moeite om eens mee te maken.

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Key Accountmanager Cruise & Dry Bulk

Chana van Cotthem

Manager cruise operations

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ABC-gebouw Zeebrugge

The brand-new ABC Tower was formally opened on 15 June 2018. The tower is a gateway for cruise passengers to discover Bruges, but also Flanders or other centres of culture located further away.  The ABC Tower is much more than just a cruise terminal or an office building, however. The building is a multi-purpose building that fulfils a variety of functions. On non-cruise days, the open space on the 1st floor is used as a venue for receptions, exhibitions, conferences or other events.Space for catering is available and the large lounge can be divided into two separate rooms by means of a mobile partition. The maximum capacity of the 1st floor is 499 persons.The ABC Tower also has another gem in store. The 7th floor houses the Port Authority's visitor centre. For the Port Authority, the visitors' centre fulfils a crucial function as its role is to present and communicate the port to the general public. On this floor, there is a projection room where the new port film is shown on 3 screens covering a total width of 12 metres, literally immersing visitors in the atmosphere of the port. This is a space that provides a wrap-around experience. There is also a terrace with a panoramic view of the sea, the port, the village of Zeebrugge, the Coast and the polders.

Getting there

Rederskaai 60, 8380 Brugge

Atmospheric images

Often combined with

Ibis Styles Zeebrugge

Terminals & Spotting

Cruise ships speak to the imagination. A lot of people visit Zeebrugge when there is a ship berthed in the port. On this page you can find some useful information to photograph the ships great in a good way! 

In Zeebrugge there are 3 berths were cruise ships can dock. The most used quay is berth the Zweedse Kaai (berth 702) where the biggest ships can dock. The other quays that are used is berth 103 (Maritime station) and berth 129 (Westerhoofd)

Swedish Quay

The largest cruise ships and therefore the most impressive ships are almost always moored at the Swedish Quay. Here 2 large cruise ships over 200 meters long can dock together. This terminal is also connected to the ABC Tower courtesy of shuttle buses that shuttle between the ship and the terminal.

Ships that are moored here can be perfectly photographed from the viewing platform that was built by the harbor authorities next to the P. Vandamme lock.

When the lock is closed (the blue bridges down) you can also walk to the other side of the bridges to get a better view of the side of the ship that is moored there.

This place is also highly recommended if you want to see the ship depart or sail, because you also have a view of the entrance to the Zeebrugse harbor!

Maritime Station

Smaller cruise ships (less than 200 meters) sometimes moor at the Sea Station. A ship moored there is a bit more difficult to photograph because of the port area.

The best way to spot these ships is from the Visserskruis at the end of the Paardenmarktstraat. From there you have a view of the side of the ship that is moored there.

Westerhoofd

When it's a busy day and there is no space enough at the Zweedse Kaai cruise ships often berth at the Westerhoofd. At the old containerterminal of Container Handling Zeebrugge there is the possibility to facilitate cruise ships.

Personally I'm fan of this location, as you have a perfect view on the vessels from the Fischermen's Cross!

Spot the ships from the water!

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

• Monday, April 29, 2024

CruiseToTravel

Abc-tower: a cruise terminal for belgium.

It may have taken quite some years but Bruges is finally getting a proper cruise terminal.

Some four years after the first plans for the Zeebrugge Cruise Terminal were first introduced, the City Council of Bruges has finally delivered the building permit and go-ahead to contruct the much needed facility.

While ten years ago on average some 20 cruise ships docked at the port of Zeebrugge , in 2016 this number has increased to 146, bringing over 500,000 visitors to the “ Venice of the North “.

A modern cruise terminal will not only allow the port to give the many visitors a proper welcome, but also to develop the port of Zeebrugge as a point of departure for many local cruise fans.

The almost 40 meter high  Artes Bruges Cruise Tower or ABC-tower ,  will be contructed in cooperation with Artes, a local building group who will use five of the proposed eight floors as office space.

The ground floor will house the passenger terminal, equipped with a waiting area for 500 people, a tourist office, shops, passenger and luggage security checkpoints and check-in facilities.

On the eighth floor a visitors center and panoramic restaurant will offer passengers and visitors a direct view of the port and the historic city of Bruges.

The Port Authority of Zeebrugge and Artes are each investing  €5 million in the new building which should be operational by the end of 2017.

Pictures © Port of Zeebrugge

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Europe , Port Guides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At A Glance: Things to do from Zeebrugge

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

Popular places to visit include

• Blankenberge

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

Zeebrugge Cruise Port

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doing your own thing in port

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

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

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

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

Places to visit from Zeebrugge

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

Blankenberg

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

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

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

Find out more about Blankenberge here .

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

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

Some of the top things to do in Bruges include

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the things to do in Brussels include

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

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

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

Popular things you can do in Ghent include

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stops on these tours usually include

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

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

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

The Last Word

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

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

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

More Norther Europe Port Guides

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

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

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

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Buy your 3 in 1 Tour ticket at our desk in the Zeebrugge ABC Cruise Terminal

A direct express service to bruges, the best shore excursion agency takes care of you, always at your disposal, cruise excursions offers a buffet of 3 destinations and you decide for yourself when you arrive and leave..

In the 13th century, Damme was the linchpin of the Zwin region. In the flourishing outer harbour, goods, such as spices, wine and fish, were transhipped on inland vessels to Bruges and Ghent. Seven hundred years later, little of this international hive of activity is left. Damme lives on a different rhythm now and gives you the time to discover, meet and develop. Both those who live there and those who visit take the given time to look for the things that really matter in life.

No wonder both birds and people love to visit the Zwin. The natural splendour and imposing vistas of the Belgo-Dutch borderlands inspire rest and carefree relaxation. The Zwin also nurtures a rich cultural legacy, which tells fascinating tales of the struggle with the sea. Its intriguing history invites you on a tour of medieval villages that are dotted across the landscape. Go and discover Zwin through its museums and visitor centres. Get to know and love a heartland of stunning beauty and variety. Today, tomorrow, 24/7, year-round

Blankenberge

The Belgium Pier unarguably gives this city its typical look. This unique construction, with its 350 meters long walkway straight into the sea, ends in a monumental ‘cake’: an impressive circular building with a wide promenade. The view is spectacular! Stroll along the quayside or comfortably settle down near the Paravang, the wonderfully beautiful belle époque wind screen at the marina. Shop till you drop, also on Sundays, or sip a cocktail in one of our many summer beach bars.

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Cruise Excursion Belgium ABC Terminal Rederskaai 60 Zeebrugge

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Zeebrugge opens new terminal

Friday, June 22, 2018 - 08:39 by ce-press

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TRAVEL TO THE Zeebrugge (Bruges) CRUISE TERMINAL

Cruise Terminal ABC Tower: Port of Zeebrugge - Zweedse Kaai Rederskaai 60/61, Bruges 8380 Belgium

Parking Zweedse Kaai, Kaai 702

Address: Kustlaan, C.Ro Terminal Zweedse Kaai, 8380 Zeebrugge

Service: Parking can be used for free. Shuttle bus to check-in in cruise terminal. Parking is uncovered and fenced off.

How to book : No need to make a booking in advance. The service can be used booked for free from 6 up to 9 days long cruises. The parking is located next to the ABC-Tower and guests can park the car for free on a fenced-off parking lot. As the parking area is located within the official port zone, guests must complete a mandatory registration on arrival providing email address, name of the person in charge of the vehicle, contact details (mobile phone), license plate.

Guests can park their car on the ‘Zweedse Kaai’, next to the cruise terminal. This is a secured parking, so the parking is only open on the day of embarkation and disembarkation and closed for the duration of the cruise. On other days, nobody is allowed on the parking. Guests can park their car here if their name is on the list of embarking passengers and if they can proof their identity by showing their International passport.

Please note : The port authority, MSC Cruises and MSC Belgium are not liable for any incidents that may occur. 

Guests can reach the port by plane if they fly to Brussels airport Zaventem. From there, they can take the train to Blankenberge and then the tram to Zeebrugge (see section ‘Reach the port by train’).

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With ParkinGO , MSC customers get 5% discount on parking near the main airports in Europe, listed in the following table. Book now to get the best deal!

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The easiest way to get to the the port of Zeebrugge by train is by taking the train to Blankenberge. From there, the guests can take the tram to Zeebrugge. The tram station is located in front of the railway station. Guests should take the tram with direction ‘Knokke’.

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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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Port of zeebrugge

By dawbee , September 1, 2019 in British Isles/Western Europe

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Transport from port of Zeebrugge  to Brugge Belgium. Bus at dock? Coming in on Princess September 23rd.

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You have mistakenly posted in the wrong forum. As it says at the top of this forum: “Note:  This area is intended only for questions and answers relating to technical assistance in using these message boards.”

You should post your question in the Western Europe Port of Call forum, and ask on your Roll Call (if any) as well. 

Enjoy your cruise.

kctwinmommy

Obviously your post got moved to the correct board now. As far as the easiest way, we bought R/T shuttle bus tickets when we got off the ship. There were a couple of charter buses lined up, tickets were 20 Euro/person and it dropped us off at the train station. From there, it was about a 15-20 minute walk until you were getting into town. Bruges is a city that is easy to walk around and see things, but it does get busy & crowded. So you may want to consider doing some things early in the day (like the canal boat tour if you're thinking of doing that).

I’ll try the port of call forum.

I’m leaving on the 20th for a transatlantic cruise on Princess. 

We just got off the Spirit Baltic cruise with a stop at Zeebruges. I had booked return shuttle to Bruges online with a company called Cruise Express for 20€ which was stationed just outside the terminal. When we got off the ship there was also a counter/company  offering the same for 20€. Don’t take the ships Zeebruges shuttle as it takes you to the train terminal in Zeebruges. 

For anyone who docks at Zeebrugge, but who has already been to Bruges, there are a couple of options I've enjoyed.  A tram parallels the road outside the dock area.  I've ridden it in both directions.  To the west is Blankenberge.  There is a large dike protecting the old town (dates back to early 1700s or earlier).  Atop the dike are a large casino and many hotels/apt bldgs.  The beach is beautiful and very deep out to the water line.  We've been there in the fall several times when the beach is pretty much deserted.  To the east is the very sophisticated town of Knokke.  High-end shopping, if that's your thing.  I just wandered around downtown and adjacent neighborhoods--lovely place.  There's also a very large church near the train station and when I was there someone was playing (practicing?) the organ so a lovely experience.  [Note:  we enjoyed a day in Bruges and Ghent when we did a river cruise through Holland and Belgium in 2007.]

Nebr.cruiser

On 9/1/2019 at 12:03 PM, kctwinmommy said: Obviously your post got moved to the correct board now. As far as the easiest way, we bought R/T shuttle bus tickets when we got off the ship. There were a couple of charter buses lined up, tickets were 20 Euro/person and it dropped us off at the train station. From there, it was about a 15-20 minute walk until you were getting into town. Bruges is a city that is easy to walk around and see things, but it does get busy & crowded. So you may want to consider doing some things early in the day (like the canal boat tour if you're thinking of doing that).

We did the same thing last May--it was a great day and easy  We did have to take a (free) shuttle bus from the port to the bus station where the 20 euro buses were.  I suppose it could be walked.  You do not need to buy ahead of time.  Just be sure you are aware of the time the last bus leaves Brugge.

4 hours ago, Nebr.cruiser said: We did the same thing last May--it was a great day and easy  We did have to take a (free) shuttle bus from the port to the bus station where the 20 euro buses were.  I suppose it could be walked.  You do not need to buy ahead of time.  Just be sure you are aware of the time the last bus leaves Brugge.

OK, so when we were there, the shuttle buses were literally at the end of the walkway. I know people have said in the past that you had to take a shuttle to get to the entrance to the port. But when we were there, we didn't have to do that. The Bruges shuttle buses were right by the ship.

11 hours ago, kctwinmommy said:   OK, so when we were there, the shuttle buses were literally at the end of the walkway. I know people have said in the past that you had to take a shuttle to get to the entrance to the port. But when we were there, we didn't have to do that. The Bruges shuttle buses were right by the ship.

All I know is that in May, 2019, we took the free shuttle to the area where the buses were.  It wasn't far, but would have been a fair walk.  Perhaps sometimes they have buses right at the dock?  

FWIW, passengers are generally not allowed to walk from the ship to the street as the port is an active container port with those those tractors hauling a container always moving around.  Every time we've stopped there the cruise line (Princess) or the port provided a free shuttle to the gate at the street.

We are planning to take the shuttle to Bruges next year.  Thanks for the great information on how to do that.  

3 hours ago, Wayfairers said: We are planning to take the shuttle to Bruges next year.  Thanks for the great information on how to do that.  

And just keep in mind, it may be different in the set up. As I said, when we were there in 2017, the buses were literally next to the ship, we paid and went straight to Bruges. But as Nebr.cruiser said, they had to take a shuttle to the gate of the port to catch the shuttle. So I'm sure it could be either way!

4 hours ago, kctwinmommy said:   And just keep in mind, it may be different in the set up. As I said, when we were there in 2017, the buses were literally next to the ship, we paid and went straight to Bruges. But as Nebr.cruiser said, they had to take a shuttle to the gate of the port to catch the shuttle. So I'm sure it could be either way!

Thanks. We always stay fairly flexible and know that things change from one year to the next....in some ports they seem to change from one week to the next!   

I'll also be on the Crown Princess. Here's a link to Tom's guide to Brugge. It was a treat to meet the author last year on our transatlantic on the Royal.  https://www.tomsportguides.com/uploads/5/8/5/4/58547429/brugge_zeebrugge-08-28-2012.pdf

meadowlander

On 9/11/2019 at 6:01 PM, Wayfairers said: Thanks. We always stay fairly flexible and know that things change from one year to the next....in some ports they seem to change from one week to the next!   

Was also at Zeebrugge in May of this year. Once off the ship, port workers directed those on excursions to the right where buses were waiting. For those not on excursion, we were directed to the left for the free shuttle bus to the terminal gates. Buses to Bruges for independent travelers were  located outside the terminal gates, a block or two away. On return the bus dropped us off directly outside the terminal entrance and after security, another free shuttle to the ship.

• 10 months later...

how far is Brugge from Zeebrugge?

55 minutes ago, deec said: how far is Brugge from Zeebrugge?

About 18 km (11 miles) - roughly 20 minutes via taxi or 22 minutes via train from Blankenberge station.

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Japanese town to block Mount Fuji view from troublesome tourists

A huge black barrier to block Mount Fuji from view will be installed in a popular photo spot by Japanese authorities who are exasperated by crowds of badly behaved foreign tourists.

Construction of the mesh net -- 2.5 metres high and the length of a cricket pitch at 20 metres -- will begin as early as next week, an official from the town of Fujikawaguchiko said on Friday.

"It's regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can't respect rules," he told AFP, claiming tourists were littering and ignoring traffic regulations.

It is the latest direct action in Japan against over-tourism after residents of Kyoto's geisha district banned visitors from small private alleys this year.

Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to the country, where monthly visitors exceeded three million in March for the first time ever.

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, can be photographed from many spots in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko.

But this viewpoint is particularly popular because the majestic volcano appears behind a Lawson convenience store, which are ubiquitous in Japan.

Due to this visual juxtaposition, "a reputation has spread on social media that this spot is very Japanese, making it a popular photo location," said the town official who declined to be named.

The mostly non-Japanese tourists are overcrowding a stretch of pavement next to the Lawson shop, he said.

After traffic signs and repeated warnings from security guards fell on deaf ears, the town in the Yamanashi region decided on the huge screen as a last resort.

The measure is also meant to protect a nearby dental clinic against the onslaught of tourists.

They sometimes park there without permission and have even been seen climbing on the roof of the clinic to get the perfect shot, the official said.

The town wishes it hadn't come down to this, he said, adding that the current plan is for the screen to be maintained until the situation improves.

Tourism to Japan has been booming since pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted, and the government has been working hard to boost visitor numbers.

But this has not been universally welcomed — including in Kyoto, where locals have complained of snap-happy tourists harassing the city's immaculately dressed geisha.

And this summer, hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will be charged ¥2,000 ($20) each, with numbers capped to ease congestion.

Other top destinations worldwide are also struggling with visitor numbers, and on Thursday Venice began charging day-trippers for entry to tackle mass tourism.

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