adres cruise terminal zeebrugge

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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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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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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Zeebrugge cruise port

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• Coordinates 51.344, 3.199
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Welcome to the website with all information about cruise ships that visit the port of Zeebrugge. On this website you can find some information about the terminals, why Zeebrugge is a popular cruise port and where you can spot the ships. On the  cruisecalls   page you can find a overview when we expect the cruise ships in the port of Zeebrugge. 

Changes in arrival- or departure time will be communicated as soon as possible on social media.

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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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I hope you enjoyed reading about Zeebrugge and Bruges. Id love to know your thoughts or any recommendations that you think we should add to the Blog – pop your comments below! There are also some small affiliate links there that help towards the running of the website – if you click through and buy anything it gives us a few pence but doesn’t cost you any extra! It’s a great help and thanks to all those who do!

Thank you for reading!

Cathy – Cruise Addicted

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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

You May Also Like:

What to Pack for a Cruise – Top 55 Cruise Essentials

Western Europe Cruise Port Guides

Baltic & Scandinavia Cruises

Mediterranean Cruise Port Guides

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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
• Hamburg Cruise Port Guide
• Le Havre Cruise Port Guide

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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Zeebrugge, Belgium

Zeebrugge sits on the coast of the North Sea, providing the starting point for trips to Bruges, Ghent and Brussels. It is a 30-minute drive by car or a 10-minute ride by train to Bruges.

Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium

Port schedule.

Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 20 Apr 2024 - 10:00
• MSC Euribia 6.334 passengers 24 Apr 2024 - 10:00
• MSC Euribia 6.334 passengers 24 Apr 2024 - 12:00
• Britannia 4.406 passengers 25 Apr 2024 - 00:00
• Mein Schiff 3 2.700 passengers 26 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• AIDAnova 6.600 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 11:00
• AIDAnova 6.600 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• AIDAnova 6.600 passengers 01 May 2024 - 09:00
• Queen Victoria 2.489 passengers 03 May 2024 - 00:00
• Mein Schiff 4 2.700 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Arcadia 1.904 passengers 06 May 2024 - 00:00
• Costa Diadema 4.526 passengers 06 May 2024 - 09:00
• MSC Virtuosa 5.772 passengers 07 May 2024 - 09:00
• MSC Preziosa 4.378 passengers 10 May 2024 - 09:00
• Norwegian Prima 3.950 passengers 10 May 2024 - 10:15
• Norwegian Getaway 4.819 passengers 11 May 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Prima 3.950 passengers 13 May 2024 - 09:00
• Celebrity Apex 3.373 passengers 14 May 2024 - 09:00
• Norwegian Getaway 4.819 passengers 15 May 2024 - 09:00
• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 20 Apr 2024 - 18:00
• MSC Euribia 6.334 passengers 24 Apr 2024 - 19:00
• MSC Euribia 6.334 passengers 24 Apr 2024 - 21:00
• Mein Schiff 3 2.700 passengers 26 Apr 2024 - 18:00
• AIDAnova 6.600 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 20:00
• AIDAnova 6.600 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 17:00
• AIDAprima 3.400 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 17:00
• AIDAnova 6.600 passengers 01 May 2024 - 20:00
• Queen Victoria 2.489 passengers 04 May 2024 - 00:00
• Mein Schiff 4 2.700 passengers 04 May 2024 - 18:00
• Costa Diadema 4.526 passengers 06 May 2024 - 19:00
• MSC Virtuosa 5.772 passengers 07 May 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Prima 3.950 passengers 10 May 2024 - 16:30
• MSC Preziosa 4.378 passengers 10 May 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Getaway 4.819 passengers 11 May 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Prima 3.950 passengers 13 May 2024 - 18:00
• Celebrity Apex 3.373 passengers 14 May 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Getaway 4.819 passengers 15 May 2024 - 19:00

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 18 | Sun 10 - 16

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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’).

Driving to the airport of departure?

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!

Parking rates

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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Zeebrugge opens new terminal

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

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ABC-gebouw Zeebrugge

Het ABC-gebouw aan de Rederskaai is een veelzijdig gebouw van acht verdiepingen in het hart van Zeebrugge. Dit gezamenlijke project van Artes Depret NV en Port of Antwerp-Bruges herbergt zowel een cruiseterminal, een bezoekerscentrum, een shop en enkele polyvalente zalen. 

Naast de verwelkoming van cruisepassagiers biedt het ABC-gebouw verschillende lounges aan voor evenementen.

Op de benedenverdieping kunnen passagiers zich in-en uitchecken en even op adem komen in de wachtruimte.

Elk jaar komen meer dan 500 000 aanmerende toeristen langs voor informatie of leuke aanraders voor hun verblijf. De nabijheid van de betoverende stad Brugge en andere leuke badplaatsen maakt Zeebrugge de perfecte locatie voor toeristen van over de hele wereld. Toeristen hebben ook de mogelijk om voor de deur een taxi te nemen.

Huur een zaal

Wil je een unieke locatie met zicht op zee voor je evenement, receptie of persmoment? Het ABC-gebouw heeft verschillende lounges voor evenementen . Tegen betaling boek je één van de drie beschikbare zalen voor je evenement of vergadering. 

Op de bovenste verdiepingen van het ABC-gebouw dineer je in stijl met panoramisch uitzicht over de haven in het rooftoprestaurant ‘NJORD’  van de familie Dendooven.

Bezoekerscentrum

In het bezoekerscentrum op de bovenste verdieping ontdek je de haven  in de belevingsruimte .

Bereikbaarheid

Kom je met de kusttram? De tramhalte 'Zeebrugge Kerk' ligt op vijf minuten wandelen van het ABC-gebouw. Het station Zeebrugge-dorp ligt op 20 minuten wandelen. Kom je met de wagen? Geef dan het onderstaande adres in. 

Contacteer ons

Cruiseterminal en Bezoekerscentrum

Rederskaai 60/61 8380 Brugge

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Geschiedenis van Zeebrugge

Onze locaties

The official tour operator located at the Zeebrugge ABC Cruise Terminal

In just 25 minutes we will take you by deluxe coach to the cosiest town in Western Europe: Bruges.

Do you want to discover 3 destinations on the coast and the polders in complete freedom? Shuttle along!

Discover the destination that you cannot book on board; the best kept secret. Check it out!

The best shore excursion agency takes care of you!

A direct express service to bruges, always at your disposal, where can you find us.

Cruise Excursions Belgium is located in the Port of Zeebrugge ABC Terminal.

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Cruise Excursion Belgium ABC Terminal Rederskaai 60 Zeebrugge

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Europe: zeebrugge cruise terminal to receive shore power from 2026.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has today (10 April) been awarded a €3.2 million European grant for a shore power installation for cruise ships in Zeebrugge.

From 2026, cruise ships will be able to purchase green electricity when docked. It will be four years before this becomes mandatory across Europe.

The cruise terminal at the Zweedse Kaai in Zeebrugge is operated (as the only terminal) by the Port Authority itself.

The plans to build a shore power facility here fit within the project call from the EU's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) programme as part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

Announcing the award of the subsidy, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges said that discussions in relation to appointing a partner to build, maintain and operate the shore power system ‘are in the final stages.’

Dirk De Fauw, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, commented: ‘With the Port of Antwerp-Bruges shore power installation at our cruise terminal, the impact of cruise ships on our environment will be very much reduced. We are ahead of the European regulations with this.

‘This subsidy recognises Port of Antwerp-Bruges' efforts to accelerate the energy transition in the maritime sector. We are taking the lead here with a shore power installation at the only terminal we operate ourselves.’

Rob Smeets, Chief Operations Officer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, added: ‘Port of Antwerp-Bruges makes significant efforts to accelerate the energy transition in the maritime sector. This shore power installation is certainly not our first step in this field. Similarly, more sustainable fuels such as methanol and LNG are available at our port for ships that can run on them.’