Northern European City Escape

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

The city of Rotterdam is located on the banks of the North Sea by the Nieuwe Waterweg. Recognised as one of the world’s leading ports, this ever-evolving city has a wealth of attractions. Rotterdam offers something for everyone – those who love the hustle and bustle of city life and those searching for peace tranquillity. One of Rotterdams main attractions is Diergaarde Blijdorp, a zoo featuring the impressive Oceanium where visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks.

The city of Rotterdam is located on the banks of the North Sea by the Nieuwe Waterweg. Recognised as one of the world’s leading ports, this ever-evolving city has a wealth of attractions. Rotterdam offers something for everyone – those who love the hustle and bustle of city life and those searching for peace tranquillity. One of Rotterdams main attractions is Diergaarde Blijdorp, a zoo featuring the impressive Oceanium where visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks.

On the banks of the Elbe River, 70 miles inland from Travemünde, lies the city of Hamburg. This cruise destination was once a one-time Hanseatic League port, which was founded over 1,000 years ago. Cruises to Hamburg have plenty to offer. The city’s two Alster lakes, hundreds of canals and spacious parks, the grandeur of its church steeples and great City Hall belfry, its sense of energy and confidence – all contribute to the subtle appeal of the imposing city.

Understand that Zeebrugge literally means Bruges-on-Sea and you immediately appreciate why this ferry port is also Belgium’s major cruise port. A medieval jewel on the North Sea, the charming city of Bruges is just 10 miles away. Sometimes called the Venice of the North because of the picturesque criss-crossing canals on which you can enjoy fascinating and romantic boat rides, Bruges actually has a character all its own. Although it has all the facilities of a modern city – smart shops, restaurants, bars and hotels – these are all found behind the centuries-old facades and weathered gables of the historic buildings at the city’s heart. Bruges is rightly famous for its exquisite lacework, tasty chocolate and huge range of local beers while, from Zeebrugge, you can also visit another historic city, Ghent, the capital Brussels, and historic battlefield sites such as Waterloo and Ypres.

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.