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Zeebrugge

Officially known as the Port of Zeebrugge-Bruges, Zeebrugge is a large ferry port in Belgium, located in one of the busiest seas in the world, the North Sea.

Pretty side canals and an exquisite 18th century city

Officially known as the Port of Zeebrugge-Bruges, Zeebrugge is a large ferry port in Belgium, located in one of the busiest seas in the world, the North Sea.

Zeebrugge itself is an industrial port and is also home to a marina and one of the largest fish markets in Europe. The small holiday resort of Blankenburg is close by and is popular with locals, offering a wide sandy beach, cafés, a boardwalk and a few shops.

Your luxury MSC cruise liner will dock at Zeebrugge’s cruise terminal and from there passengers can join one of our excursion packages to explore the surrounding area. The main draw here is the exquisite 18th century city of Bruges, just 10 miles away. One can easily spend a whole day in Bruges as there is much to see and do.

Historically, the city has many interesting sights including the Belfry of the 13th century cathedral on the Market Square. As we offer the best deals on local attractions, why not take a guided city tour with us or a boat trip along Bruges’ pretty side canals.

Belgium is famous for its chips, moules frites (mussels with fries) and waffles, as well as the much-celebrated Belgian beer. During your day off the cruise ship in Bruges, be sure to shop for a souvenir of your vacation and local handicrafts are excellent here. Pick up fine Belgian lace, ceramics, and Belgian chocolate, which is typically shaped into seashells and filled with praline.

 		Cruise to Zeebrugge - Belgium - Grand Cruises - MSC Cruises

Directions


The ship docks in the Port of Bruges-Zeebrugge, an industrial port with some passenger ship facilities. The port is about 2 km from Blankeberg and 15 km from Brugge (Bruges). Brugge can be reached by train or bus from Blankenberg. The trip is about 15 minutes. The seafront promenade of Zeebrugge is withinwalking distance.

Port average temperature

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

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 ZEE01GC - MEDIEVAL GHENT (approx. 4.5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  Cultural  Ghent is home to one of the world’s greatest oil paintings, Van Eyck’s ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’. This dynamic modern city has a centre straight out of the Middle Ages; it was the weavers from Ghent, joined by others from Bruges, who took up arms to defeat the French in 1302. An hour coach drive will transfer you to Ghent where for a pleasant walking tour. Your exploration will begin at St. Michael’s Bridge with its view of Ghent’s three glorious medieval steeples, the closest one is that of the early Gothic St. Nicholas Church. Your guide will point out key monuments such as the Meat House and the City Hall. During your visit to St. Bavo’s Cathedral you will see the ornate wooden pulpit and the world famous oil painting of ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by the Van Eyck brothers. After the visit a little free time is scheduled to browse around the historic district or to look for souvenirs in the many lace and chocolate shops. Return to Zeebrugge. Please note: this tour includes periods of walking on cobblestones and uneven ground; it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. Limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. Taking photos or shooting videos at the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral is prohibited. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.

Price per person $82.00 Adults $57.00 Children

   


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 ZEE02GC - BRUGES & BELGIAN CHOCHOLATE (approx. 5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  Cultural  Combine a few hours out to marvel at the beauties of Bruges and to learn Belgium’s finest export product: chocolate. A 30-minute coach drive will take you to Bruges (Brugge in Flemish), an exquisitely preserved medieval town and a leading member of the Hanseatic League in the 13th century. Upon arrival in Bruges a guided walking tour through the historic district will introduce you to this beautiful, romantic city. Your guide will point out the major sites such as the Market Square with its Guild houses, the Belfry Tower and Burg Square. This square is the focal point of ancient Bruges, on the lift is the Provost House built in 1655 and across the square is a row of magnificent buildings. The Stadhuis, or Town Hall, dates back to the 14th century and has a wonderfully ornate façade covered with statues and the Oude Griffe, the former Recorder’s House from the 1530’s, is ornamented with impressive windows. Next stop will be at a Belgian chocolatier’s workshop to see how raw chocolate bars re made into the fine Belgian chocolates using only the freshest and best ingredients. At the end of the demonstration you will have time to purchase some Belgian chocolates and to pay a brief, independent visit to the Cholocate Museum. After some free time to search for the perfect souvenir in the many lace and chocolates shops, your guide will lead you past the romantic Lake of Love and back to your coach. Please note: this tour includes periods of walking on cobblestones and uneven ground; it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. Limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only.

Price per person $81.00 Adults $57.00 Children

   


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 ZEE03GC - AN INTRODUCTION TO BRUGES AND ITS CANALS (4.5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Panoramic Tour  Limited Availability  Cultural  Leave the port and enjoy a 30-minute drive to Bruges, an exquisitely preserved medieval town and a leading member of the Hanseatic League in the 13th century. Upon arrival in Bruges a guided walking tour through the historic district will introduce you to this beautiful, romantic city. Your guide will point out the major sites such as the Market Square with its Guild houses, the Belfry Tower and Burg Square. This square is the focal point of ancient Bruges, on the lift is the Provost House built in 1655 and across the square is a row of magnificent buildings. The Stadhuis, or Town Hall, dates back to the 14th century and has a wonderfully ornate façade covered with statues and the Oude Griffe, the former Recorder’s House from the 1530’s, is ornamented with impressive windows. Next you will enjoy a 30-minute guided canal boat cruise to see the beauty of medieval Bruges from a different perspective from the canals and the waterways of the city. Free time is scheduled around Walplein Square to to search for the perfect souvenir in the many lace and chocolates shops. Return to the port. Please note: this tour includes periods of walking on cobblestones and uneven ground; it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. Limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only.

Price per person $94.00 Adults $66.00 Children

   


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The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.