TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO BRUGES ON P&O FERRIES

John's 28th birthday celebrations at the end of last year came as a welcomed change to our usual plans as we booked a little break away in Bruges for a couple of days. 

Neither of us had been to Bruges before and always wanted to visit the Christmas market. It was a fantastic city break, one that we would love to enjoy again. Therefore, as well as the great shots we took and the YouTube videos i've created, I wanted to share a couple of tips about booking a two day break in Bruges including; how to book, where to visit etc for anyone that is planning a short trip and would like some further information.

PART ONE

PART TWO

We travelled with P&0 Ferries - we've been with them before on a trip to Amsterdam eight years ago - and we find that going this way is fantastic value for money and also adds to the adventure. You can probably travel much quicker via aeroplane, but because of the entertainment on board - you don't have to wait until you've got off the ferry to start your break, instead it starts as soon as you board and it's a nice change from the madness of airports.

Booking with P&0 Ferries is hassle free, very straight forward and all done online. Simply visit: www.poferries.com/en/hull-zeebrugge and on the left hand side you will see a form to complete. Once you've selected the 'mini cruise' option, simply answer each section to your preference. For example, we chose a mini cruise with no vehicle, from Hull to ZeBrugge, during the first week of December for two adults aged 16+ (you can also take children if you're planning a family break) and then select how many cabins you require. 

The next step is to choose your extras. One of the options is to upgrade your cabin for more comfort and luxury - this is of course based on a shared cabin birth. Meaning if you are a couple, you could upgrade your cabin to a four birth, which typically sleeps four people but enables you to both sleep on the bottom bunk and have more floor space to maneuver around. Or you could even go as far as booking a premium cabin or club double cabin complete with a flatscreen TV, double bed, tea and coffee making facilities and toiletries. You can always upgrade your room by speaking to the reception team once you are on the ferry also. Other extras include booking your onboard meals in advance (pre-booking saves you 10%) or adding 90 minutes of wifi (per device) too. 

Checking in at Hull Ferry port is as seamless as booking. You must check in 90 minutes before departure at 6.30pm so make sure to get there early. We caught a taxi straight from the train station and it took us right to the door of Terminal 2. If you're making your own way there then follow the signs to the terminal. Have your passport ready when checking in and when you walk through security also. We kept our eye on the P&O sailing updates which can be found on the website here or on Twitter.

The staff direct you through to the boat and as soon as you board (via the bar) you can make your way to the other end of the vessel. There you are greeted with a crew member near the key box, who will give you your room keys and point you in the right direction to your room. From that moment you're left to explore. 

A couple of things to note about your cabin: 

1. You can upgrade if you're not satisfied with the size or wish to travel with extra luxury.
2. Don't forget to pack a European plug - there's one plug socket located near the en-suite door.
3. Towels are included and no need to bring your own.
4. There isn't a hair dryer in your room.
5. Rooms are cleaned whilst you're in Bruges - which is lovely to come back to.

We initially got wrapped up and headed straight outside to watch the ferry set off from Hull Ferry Port and it was freezing at that time of the year but there's a great view to take in. After exploring around the boat for a little while we couldn't wait to get back inside and warm up in the restaurant.

The restaurants were conveniently located on the same deck as our cabin. There are two to choose from; the Brasserie and the buffet restaurant. If you have already paid for an evening meal when booking then make sure you take your tickets with you as you enter the restaurant. These display "meal icons" and therefore confirm that they've already pre-paid. If you decide on the night that you would quite like to eat in the restaurant and haven't previously booked, then simply let the team know and they'll accommodate you also.

The food was amazing and catered for every dietary requirement and preference. We chose to eat in the buffet restaurant as we liked the option of having 'a bit of everything' on our plates. It's great value for money at £20 per person, especially as we enjoyed a three course meal with soft drinks too. For those who like to eat more, you can go back to the buffet tables and carry on eating until your heart is content.

Good to note - the evening service is extremely busy on the way back to Hull from Bruges because you board the boat across tea time and so everyone wants to eat on board that night, as apposed to the night before when there weren't many people in the restaurant. We would suggest on the night from Bruges back to Hull either eating as soon as the restaurant opens (at 6.30pm) or waiting until it has quietened down slightly. Just so that you can enjoy your meal without being packed in like sardines. - Unless you're lucky enough to get a table near the windows, as those are spacious and not as close to the guests on the tables at either side of you. 

The boat also has a cafe area to buy sandwiches, coffee and nibble bits. We didn't buy anything from the cafe, but it's good to note if you wanted to eat here instead of in the restaurant. 

Entertainment on this particular journey consisted of a house band performance in the main bar, followed by a game of bingo and then a further set from the house band. There's also a lounge bar complete with pianist, which is much more relaxing and great for those who want a quiet drink or to enjoy each others company without the buzzing entertainment of the main bar. Those who like to shop can even enjoy 40% off RRP in the Duty Free shops on board! 

Arrival into ZeBrugge the next day is at 8.45am (local time). You do receive a wake up call in your room to prompt you to wake up and don't forget that there is a one hour time difference and if you haven't changed your watch/phone time then you will arrive at 7.45am UK time. Make sure you wake up with enough time to get breakfast before you board. 

Leaving the boat is at the opposite side to where you entered. Just behind the duty free shops you will find the main reception and this is where you leave deck. Again, make sure you have your passports ready (and remember to take them with you!) so that you don't hold up the queue. Head towards the entrance to the ferry port and into the car park where a collection of coaches will be waiting to transport you to Bruges City Centre. 

The coach ride has lovely views on the way and it is probably about a 20-30 minute journey at the most. You then have a short walk into the City Centre from here, which is a perfect way to start the day because you're greeted by canals, cobbled streets and lots of medieval buildings.  

There's plenty to see and do in Bruges and especially at that time of the year, as it was Christmas. Here's a little guide with a few recommendations:

Walk through the Benguinage: A lovely, quiet place to take a stroll before heading into the hustle and bustle of Bruges. 

Enjoy Belgium Chocolate: There are plenty of gift shops and chocolatiers around to get your fix. 

Visit the market: Surrounded by colourful buildings occupied by restaurants and coffee shops, it's the perfect place to rest your feet and people watch. We enjoyed a coffee whilst sat in the window of a coffee shop and it was a cosy way to plan what we were we going to do for the rest of the day. 

See the sights in a horse drawn carriage: Definitely a romantic option and we were snug as a bug, in a rug sat in the carriage with a blanket on our laps. This was probably a highlight of the day and there's something magical about riding down a cobbled streets and listening to the sounds of horse shoes on the cobbles. (Watch the video and you'll see what I mean). 

Take a canal boat tour: This is a 30 minute journey and although can be quite cold in December, is such a great way to see the beautiful buildings and appreciate the culture of the city.

Pop to the top of The Belfry: After climbing 366 steps to the top, you will see the breath taking view of Bruges and its surroundings. 

The drop off point is also where you will need to back to in order to be picked up from at 5pm. The coaches actually arrive earlier than 5pm but that is when the last coach departs, so don't be late! 

Checking in is similar to when you left Hull and you're given new boarding passes at the check-in desk. Don't forget to keep your passport to hand as you walk through security. Departure from ZeBrugge on the ferry is at 7pm and you arrive back into Hull the next morning at 8.30am (local time). 

On the ferry, everything that was on offer the first night (entertainment, shops, restaurants) is available again. Just remember the pointers about eating in the restaurant and you're good to go. When you arrive in Hull, drop your keys in the appropriate key box and make your way out (via the bar) to security (make sure your passport is to hand too) and then that completes your mini cruise from Hull to Bruges. 

As you can tell we thoroughly enjoyed the break and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to go on a romantic break or even a stag do / hen do. It's completely affordable and you can splash our if you're wanting to make it super special too. 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below. 

Krissie x