We had heard really positive things about P&O, and so chose them to be our first cruise. We selected a mini cruise of four nights to give us a chance to explore the ship.
Before sailing we read some reviews and forums here and were expecting things to perhaps look a little worn, and that a cruise during half term plus it being short that it might be a little rowdier than normal.
We were thrilled with embarkation- we arrived early due to travel arrangements, and were prepared to wait until our time slot - the free magazines were a bonus. We were called to check in before our time slot and were on the boat 90minutes earlier than expected.
The ship docks in the centre, even on an overcast February day this was a great stop. Can highly recommend the Apple pie from Winkel43
Brugge is beautiful- there was a free shuttle to Blankenburge, which drops off outside the church where it's a short walk to the station. Return train to Brugge was €5, this seems to be a cruise special - and appears to be cheaper than buying direct from the internet where the cheapest I could find was €6.20
You can take a 30 minute boat trip for €8 each, fast and fun way to see the canals.
We really loved Brugge, and were very glad not to have paid for an official excursion.