Zeebrugge Mini Cruise Review on P&O Ferries' Pride of Bruges

There's more to Bruges than chocolate and this mini cruise is perfect for easily touring the small city.

Bruges architecture

My love for Belgium can be traced back to my trip with DFDS to see the Brussels Christmas Markets in 2010.

Since then, I try to visit the country as much as I can.

It is impossible not to fall in love with the city of Bruges. It is small enough to make it easy to get around but large enough to keep you busy during a short break.

As corny as it sounds, Bruges is a very magical city steeped in history. It is perfect for tourists of all ages and once there, you will be swept up in the romanticism that shrouds the city.

The beautiful city is full of magnificent and varied architecture, passionately curated museums, shopping opportunities (including essential supplies of delicious Belgian chocolate) together with wondrous central squares and luscious green open spaces and parks. It is a city I have returned to many times.

The Bruges mini cruise from P&O Ferries allows a generous amount of free time in the city. Unlike its Amsterdam mini cruise where you need to plan your day to make the most of it, the trip to Bruges is far more relaxed.

My first mini cruise break to the city was spent exploring the architecture, sights, and culture. My most recent trip was dominated by my search for the best chocolate shop in Bruges. With over 50 to visit it is impossible to fit them all in, but it is worth a try anyway!

The ferry is a little tired and offers less public space onboard compared to the ships used on the Rotterdam route.

Passengers on the Bruges mini cruise tend to be slightly older than those travelling to Amsterdam. Even so, the cruise still attracts families. My two year old was more than happy spotting the ducks and boats on the canals, the horses traipsing the cobbled streets, and shopping for chocolate (with the occasional free sample too).

I have visited the city in March, October, and December and would also highly recommend a Bruges mini cruise as a great way to explore the Bruges Christmas Markets. Book a mini cruise in December to visit the Christmas Market that occupy Grote Markt.

  • Ferry comfort
  • Ferry entertainment
  • Ferry food and drink
  • Transfers
  • Bruges
3.8

Summary

A two-night sailing to Bruges is a convenient short break, and the small scale of the medieval city means it is very easy to get around. This is a leisurely getaway. Pride of Bruges felt dated but it was still a comfortable journey nevertheless.

Read more in this series

  1. Getting to the Port of Hull
  2. Pride of Bruges Review
  3. Pride of Bruges Cabins
  4. Food & Drink on Pride of Bruges
  5. Entertainment on Pride of Bruges
  6. Guide to Zeebrugge Port
  7. What can you do in Bruges in just one day?
  8. Zeebrugge Mini Cruise Review on P&O Ferries' Pride of Bruges (you are here)
(Photo credit(s) to David Fiske)
Disclosure: I paid for my trip entirely. The opinions in this article are my own.

Written by David Fiske

David first found his sea legs on a cruise around the Caribbean in 2009. Since then he's looked for any excuse to get back on the water which led him onto creating Mini Cruise Reviews as a way to showcase short min breaks that sail from the UK (on ferries or cruise ships).

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