friscotex

The night before we arrived in port the cruise daily sheet that is left in our cabin mentioned the complimentary shuttle to Blankenberge train station. Yes, you can buy roundtrip tickets from the train station at the kiosk. We got to the tower when it opened (which I recommend) and there was not a long line to buy tickets, but you could see that there were bigger crowds when we were finished with the tower. I did not buy any tickets before we left home. **If your cruise does not offer a shuttle to the Blankenberge train station, you can walk from the port station to the tram stop and ride the tram to the bus station. Tickets are needed to ride the tram. Another option is to look at https://cruise-express.be/en/ and buy a ticket with them and they take you directly to Bruges. For this option you could buy a ticket in advance or buy the day you arrive off the ship. Here is another link you may find helpful: https://belgium-travel.com/how-to-go-from-zeebrugge-to-bruges-city-center/ I hope that helps!

Here is what we did on our Zeebrugge to Bruges port day (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Took cruise shuttle (free/provided by cruise) to Blankenberge, which stopped across the street from the train station. Bought tickets from machine to Bruges, there will be someone on the train checking your tickets. Once in Bruges, a 20 minute walk to Markt Square. Bought tickets to climb Belfort Tower (recommend). Try to get there at opening as it is very narrow to climb the tower. Did a free walking tour with Legends (about 2 hours). The group was too big and we had problems understanding the guide. Would probably do a canal tour instead next time.. Walked to Burg Square and entered the Basilica of the Holy Blood and was able to see the relic. (recommend, check times of when it is displayed). Belgian waffle at Chez Albert (recommend). Souvenir shopping at Dumon Chocolatier and The Chocolate Line. Belgian beer stop @ Cambrinus. Looked like they had a good food menu as well. Train back to Blankenberge, then shuttle back to ship. This was very easy to do on your own, no excursion needed, and we used google maps to get walking directions from place to place. One of our favorite cities on our trip and would love to go back again.