The Belgian coastal port of Zeebrugge, literally Bruges-on-Sea, provides the easiest access to the many historical cities and places in Belgium. Zeebrugge has developed into Belgium’s only coastal deep water port where nearly 10,000 vessels call each year: cruise ships, ferries, container ships as well as car and fruit carriers.
Passenger traffic has always been very important; approximately 400,000 passengers per year embark or disembark from the passenger services between continental Europe and Great Britain. Some 130,000 visit Zeebrugge aboard one the many luxurious cruise liners calling every year.
The are two main factors why Zeebrugge is a destination port for cruise vessels. For the shipping company the port’s location right on the coast shortens access time to a minimum as the vessel does not have to deviate from its itinerary on the North Sea.
For the passenger, a call in Zeebrugge provides the quickest access to the many historical cities in Belgium: Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Belgium’s capital Brussels, the former battlefields of Waterloo, Ypres and Bastogne.
Zeebrugge offers the advantage of being situated within a short distance from some of the major historical and tourist cities in Western Europe: 15km from Bruges, 50km from Ghent and only 100km from both Brussels and Antwerp. For every cruise vessel in Zeebrugge, one or two of these cities are the subject of the interesting onshore half-day or full-day excursions.
The architecture and medieval setting make Bruges a unique place in Europe. Only 10 miles away from Zeebrugge you will discover a world of medieval beauty.
Come and admire the many museums, Share romantic moments on the banks of the Lake of Love, Cruise along the quiet and picturesque canals or amble past weathered gables in a horsedrawn carriage. Centuries-old facades hide luxurious shops with a select display of quality goods. Lace and diamond jewellery is a traditional handicraft for which Bruges enjoys a worldwide reputation. Bruges is special, its traditions are alive and it radiates charm.
For cruise passengers, a Zeebrugge call offers the easiest way to make an acquaintance with Belgium’s treasures and traditional hospitality. Why not come and discover it for yourself?
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Zeebrugge.
