Making the most of Zeebrugge
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The vessel berths at the industrial Port of Bruges-Zeebrugge, which has some passenger-ship facilities. It is about 2 kilometres from Blankenberg and 15 km from Brugge (Bruges). Port Authorities operate a free shuttle from the cruise ship to the port exit. Passengers must use this service because walking inside the port is prohibited.
Rederskaai is home to the eight-storey ABC Tower, whose name refers to "Artes-Brugge-Cruise". Its two lowest floors provide cruise-passenger reception and embarkation space. Visitors can meet relatives, friends or acquaintances travelling on a cruise vessel calling at Zeebrugge, and everybody aboard can ride the free shuttle to the cruise building. Visitor car parking is outside the terminal. On the uppermost floor, the Njord rooftop restaurant offers travellers and visitors impressive views. The building also contains a visitors' centre and a Provincial Development Corporation (POM) knowledge centre and…
Gangways can be quite steep depending on the tide, so take additional care. The onboard Assistance team will help guests who have mobility difficulties.
Brugge has plenty to experience, so catch an early train!
For Brugge, take the train from Blankenberg. A one-way ticket to Bruges is 3 €, and costs even less at weekends. Trains run hourly, increasing to every half hour in the morning and evening. Check return departures before entering Brugge, as weekend times may differ. The journey takes only 15 minutes. A tram connects the dock with the railway. It costs 3 euro per person when bought from the driver, or €7 for a day pass from the Spar shop near the tram stop opposite the church. Validate the ticket at the machine when boarding and press button 1. Trams run every 15 minutes. At the port-shuttle drop-off, turn right and walk…
An all day ticket also covers bus #40 to Brugge and back, removing any need for the train. The complete journey from the vessel takes 1 hour. Consult the Schedule.
As of 2016, a two way shuttle between Zeebrugge and Brugge is operating for Cruise Passengers. A return ticket is Euro 25. From its drop-off, the centre of Brugge is still a 15 minute but pleasant walk.
Cruise lines often sell a shuttle to Blankenberg station at an inflated 10 euro, although Holland America provides a free service that drops passengers across the road from the railway station. A one way train ticket from there costs 6 Euro.
For a larger party, a taxi is another possibility at a fixed one-way price of 62 Euro.
Zeebrugge itself offers little.
Zeebrugge and Blankenberg are small seaside tourist towns; for Blankenberg, leave the tram at Blankenberg Pier Station. If the weather is inclement, both will be boring places to visit.
Getting around
For a leisurely coastal day, ride the Coastal Tram, a public service linking communities along the whole Belgian (West Flanders) shoreline. A day pass from the Spar shop near the tram stop is 7 Euro; buying it from the driver costs 2 Euro more.
Explore the available Bruges tours.
Nearby places
Bruges' exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture makes the city one of Europe's most exciting visitor attractions. Beyond its buildings, several museums deserve attention. The Groeninge Museum covers six centuries and multiple painting styles, including work by Flemish Primitive painter Jan van Eyck. The Memling Museum should not be missed, particularly its wooden Shrine of St. Ursula. The Church of Our Lady contains the only Michelangelo artwork to leave Italy during his lifetime, while the Chapel of the Holy Blood displays an ampoule said to hold Christ's blood. Of course a visit to Bruges…
The railway station is about 800 metres from the city centre, reached by an enjoyable walk over cobbled streets.
A public bus travels between the railway station and central Bruges every 5 minutes, providing a relaxed journey in either direction. City-centre services stop within walking distance of the principal shopping streets, historic structures and museums.
Food and shopping
Chocolate and Lace shops appear throughout town!
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
Dutch is the main language in Brugge, though English is well mastered.
Free WiFi service is available throughout the town of Blankenberg.
Opening Hours and
Stores generally open 9am - 18pm Mon-Sat, with some larger shops trading later. Almost every store closes on Sundays, except in tourist areas such as Brugge and the principal coastal towns.