Belgium Cruises

Discover the Beautiful Belgium

Set sail on a culturally-rich cruise to Belgium – a gateway to Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, sparkling Christmas markets and decadent gastronomy. Whether you’re looking for a festive seasonal experience on a winter cruise or seeking to explore more European destinations like Netherlands or Germany on a Northern Europe cruise, there’s plenty of ways to discover the beauty of Belgium on an unforgettable cruise adventure!

The main cruise port for several Belgium cruises is Zeebrugge, complete with cafes, a marina and a beach. It’s dubbed the ‘Bruges on the sea’ for its distinct seafront personality. Antwerp is a quaint port city on Belgium’s River Scheldt that shines for its thriving diamond industry. Lying on the Belgian coast, Oostende is a charming seaside town, famous for its long beach and promenade. Skip the skies with a no-fly cruise from Southampton or take a quick getaway mini cruise – the perfect Belgium cruise is completely up to you…

Best Cities to Visit in Belgium

Brussels

Belgium's picturesque capital, Belgium offers a rich tapestry of stunning architecture, delectable cuisine and vibrant cafe culture. The capital is the administrative seat of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, making it an important political hub on top of being a cultural hotspot. The Grand Place is a proud testament to Brussel's architectural grandeur, a cobblestoned square surrounded by ornate Baroque guildhalls, the medieval Town Hall and the neo-Gothic Maison du Roi. Contrasting the historic charm of the central square is the state-of-the-art Atomium – a futuristic silver structure featuring nine stainless steel clad spheres that form a gigantic atom replica.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture, known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity. Nicknamed the ‘Diamond Capital of the World,’ Antwerp plays an integral role in the diamond international trade and is home to the world's largest diamond centre. When you’re not taking a tour of the diamond district or browsing through jewelry shops for treasures, what about strolling along the Grote Markt, the main square that dazzles with opulent guildhalls and an iconic fountain-sculpture centrepiece? Drop by the most famous brown cafe in the central square, Café Den Engel – sit by the wooden table at the al fresco area and watch the world go by with a glass of beer or a cup of hot coffee at hand!

Bruges

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, characterised by quaint streets, vintage markets and tranquil canals! Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North,’ Bruges is an enchanting living museum that breathes a fairytale-like charm with its meandering canals, secret gardens, and romantic bridges. There’s plenty of ways to discover the enchanting wonders of the city, which are best explored at a leisurely pace – from wandering around the Old Town on foot, taking a canal boat ride, to cycling along the cobbled streets on two wheels. At the heart of the city centre stands the Belfort – a notable bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city after a 366-step climb to the top!

Food and Drinks

Belgium boasts an array of gastronomic delights, including sumptuous chocolates, classic fries, world-renowned waffles, plus a vibrant beer culture. Snacking and drinking are inherently part of Belgium’s gastronomic culture, with a little treat for every mood and taste! Sample the national dish mousse frites, which is a combination of steamed mussels and potato fries.

Got a sweet tooth? A Belgian culinary staple, waffles are a must-try breakfast or dessert topped with syrup, grated fruits and cream. Belgian chocolates are another mouth-watering treat dating to the 19th century. Complete your gastronomic adventure with a glass of Belgian beer, with endless choices ranging from the popular Trappist monastery brews, classic abbey beers, to fruity lambics!

Things to Do in Belgium

Marvel at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Ostend is a dreamy port city on the Belgian coast, offering a scenic harbour and a white-sand beach. The city’s beauty goes beyond its idyllic seafront location, with its wealth of historical landmarks and architectural masterpieces adding to its many charms. St. Peter and St. Paul Church is one of the most recognisable structures in the city centre, showcasing a grand Neo-Gothic architecture featuring soaring vaults, elegant stained-glass windows, and elaborate stonework. The tomb of the queen of Belgium who met her demise in Ostend can be found in the chapel of the main altar.

See the world’s most beautiful railway station

Be sure to visit one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations – Antwerp Central – designed with an eclectic-style architecture style and richly decorated interior. The gorgeous train station is Belgian architect Louis Delacenserie’s brainchild, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. This grandiose architectural marvel is adorned with marble tiles, stained glasses, and grand clocks. Nicknamed the ‘Railway Cathedral,’ it’s known for its cathedral-like design evidenced by the prominent domes and steel platform canopy. Today, the still-operational station serves as an important transportation hub, as well as a major tourist attraction in Antwerp.

Experience Bruges’s canals and Christmas markets

The best way to explore the gothic city of Bruges is by winding through its scenic waterways down the inner canals on a boat, where you’ll also learn about the city’s rich history from the knowledgeable tour guides. When the festive season comes, Bruges transform into a magical place – filled with twinkling lights, colourful Christmas markets and delightful gingerbread houses. Savour some sweet Belgian chocolate paired with mulled wine as you stroll along the festive markets under the white snow!

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Belgium Cruises FAQs

When is the best time to go on a Belgium cruise?

The best time to go on a Belgium cruise depends on the activity you want to do. For the Christmas markets, these usually run between November and January perfect for winter cruises. Meanwhile, the summer months of July to August are best for pleasant weather and festivals. The shoulder season of spring and autumn are ideal for cool weather and thin crowds.

What are the best things to do in Brussels?

The awe-inspiring capital is an important cultural and political hub, packed with a myriad of must-visit attractions like the futuristic Atomium, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, Belgian Comic Strip Central and more. Try the famous Belgian treats such as waffles, chocolate and beer, spend the day exploring the capital city’s quaint streets – and why not step back in time and wander around the Grand Place, complete with a huge Christmas tree!

Do cruise ships go to Belgium?

Yes, there are several cruise lines that offer cruises to Belgium, such Northern Europe cruises, winter cruises, and no-fly cruises! These cruise lines include MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and more.

Where do cruise ships stop in Belgium?

Cruise ships usually call at Zeebrugge, the main cruise port for the popular Belgian cities like Bruges and Brussels. Other gateway ports are the seaside towns of Ostend, and on river cruises, Antwerp lies on Belgium's River Scheldt.

Which currency does Belgium use?

The official currency in Belgium is the Euro. Generally, banks have the best conversion rates but airport bank tellers usually charge higher. Credit cards are widely accepted across the country, especially at major hotels, restaurants and shops.

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