Cruises to Brugge (Bruges)

406 Reviews
Brugge (Bruges) (Photo:Kanuman/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Brugge (Bruges)

Brugge (in Flemish -- it's Bruges in French) is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is the number one destination for passengers on cruise ships calling at Zeebrugge. Cruisers to Belgium flock here, not for a specific museum or historical location, but to wander amidst the city's stunning examples of Flemish and Renaissance architecture and immerse themselves in the vitality of the two main squares -- Markt and Berg. There is always so much going on in Brugges -- from flower and produce markets to rides for children, bustling cafes and restaurants and old-fashioned people watching.



Never mind that Brugge's medieval appearance is largely a recent recreation. The city was rediscovered by 19th century tourists, mostly from England, heading to the site of the battle of Waterloo. Its growing popularity generated an interest to fix up the city following its downfall from one of the Hanseatic League's most important trading cities. Cloth had been the main commodity; the English wool came by ship directly to Brugge until the waterways silted up in the 15th century. The city fell into disrepair as much of the population drifted away, but in the 19th and early 20th century, Brugge was rebuilt in the traditional styles.



From the two squares, lanes fan out to wonderful commercial and residential streetscapes, and many of the canals have fringing walkways. Perhaps one of the best views of the city is from a canal boat looking up at the historic buildings and stone bridges. The further you go from the center -- and you don't have to venture more than a few blocks -- the more serene the city becomes. All you need is a walking tour map and alert senses to come away enchanted with Brugge as millions have before you.



  • More about Brugge (Bruges)

  • Why Cruise to Brugge (Bruges)?

  • Brugge (Bruges) Cruise Port Facilities?

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Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway

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3,266 Reviews
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Sirena
Sirena

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282 Reviews
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15 Night
Cultural Crossing With Brugge And Paris

112 Reviews
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Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex

12 Night
12 Nt Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Circle

204 Reviews
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14 Night
Britain Scotland & Ireland

112 Reviews
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15 Night
Atlantic Sojourn

112 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - British Isles

3,018 Reviews
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12 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

808 Reviews
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14 Night
Britain Scotland & Ireland

112 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Northern Capitals

3,018 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - British Isles

3,018 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Iceland

332 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - Other

2,156 Reviews
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15 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

332 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - Iceland

332 Reviews
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More about Brugge (Bruges)

Why Cruise to Brugge (Bruges)?

Pros:

Historic attractions, charming cafes plus Belgian beer and chocolate are just some of the highlights

Cons:

Most ships dock in Antwerp, Ghent or Zeebrugge, necessitating a bus ride to Brugge itself

Bottom Line:

Worth the trek to get a taste of Belgian food and culture

Brugge (Bruges) Cruise Port Facilities?

There are absolutely no services within walking distance of the Zeebrugge cruise terminal. At Antwerp, it's a few minutes' walk into the city center.

Getting Around?

Once you have arrived at Brugge's yellow brick station, it is an easy walk into the center of town and the main squares, Markt and Berg. Central Brugge is largely pedestrian-only, so walking is the way to go. Besides hoofing it, you can hop a canal boat for sightseeing tours. Both taxis and buses are available at the train station.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The euro is the official currency of Belgium. You'll find plenty of ATM's and exchange bureaus in Brugge. Even if you plan to mostly pay with credit cards, it's wise to have some local currency as small purchases will need to be made in cash.

Language?

Flemish and French are the principal languages; however, many people speak basic to good English as well.

Where You're Docked?

Ships dock at the commercial port of Zeebrugge, about a 20-minute ride from Brugge, or at Antwerp, a one hour 45 minutes' drive. From Zeebrugge, most lines provide a transfer to Brugge for independent touring or a drop-off at Blankenberg station where trains run hourly to Brugge (travel times is 10 minutes). The roundtrip fare is 5 euros. Trains then continue on to Ghent and Brussels. Trains run hourly from Antwerp Central Station to Brugge taking one hour 20 minutes.


Brugge (Bruges) Cruise Reviews
We took NCL's ship tour Bruges On Your Own, which gave us about 4-5 hours in Bruges. That was perfect. The streets are a little confusing but it's not too hard to find the main two squares, just look for the huge belRead More
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CanuckCruiser604
We booked Romantic Bruges it was beautiful Read More
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r&rtravel
One of our favorite spots - somewhat unexpectedly so. The small size of "the egg" of Bruges really lent itself to a 1/2 day stop. It was just SO beautiful everywhere you looked.Read More
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pchappell
Bruges is so pretty, classic Belgian. We did a walking tour and canal boat ... both very informative and so pretty. Read More
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LVHOKIE

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