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Bruges: when your ship stops here

A medieval belfry on the market square, a tall brick church spire, and canals and a beguinage.

Facts checked Nov 5, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in Belgium, and its historic center is a World Heritage Site. Ships tie up at Zeebrugge, the modern port of Bruges on the North Sea coast. A cruise port guide puts Bruges about 17 km (10 miles) from the cruise port, with a direct bus from the port's ferry terminal, taxis, and a free shuttle to public buses and trains. It gives no travel time.

Sources: Wikipedia: Bruges; Wikipedia: Zeebrugge; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Zeebrugge (Bruges)

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. The Belfry on the Markt

    The best known landmark of Bruges, a medieval bell tower added to the market square (the Markt) around 1240. It is 83 metres high and leans 87 centimetres to the east. It holds a carillon of 47 bells, and a narrow staircase of 366 steps leads to the top.

    Tip: The climb is steep. Our sources give no opening hours.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Belfry of Bruges; Wikipedia: Bruges

  2. 2. The Church of Our Lady

    A church whose brick spire reaches 115.6 metres (379 feet), the world's second highest brick tower or building according to Wikipedia. In the transept is the Madonna and Child, believed to be the only Michelangelo sculpture to have left Italy in his lifetime.

    Tip: A cruise port guide lists the church and its Michelangelo sculpture among the highlights of its city walk. Our sources give no opening hours.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Bruges; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Zeebrugge (Bruges)

  3. 3. The canals and the Beguinage

    Bruges is sometimes called the Venice of the North for its canals. The Ten Wijngaerde Beguinage, built in the 13th century, is part of a separate World Heritage Site. A cruise port guide says its courtyard is inhabited by nuns.

    Tip: Our sources give no boat trip details or opening hours.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Bruges; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Zeebrugge (Bruges)

What to skip

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Bruges

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Bruges, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 5, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Bruges

Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Bruges on the way.

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