Oct
2019
P&O Cruises Britannia Bruges Mini Cruise – 23rd October 2019
Is another school half term holiday looming and you're panicking over what to do with the kids? How about a quick jolly to Belgium?
Sail on P&O Cruises' flagship, Britannia, on a short mid-week break to Zeebrugge, where you can opt to tour the popular Belgian cities of Bruges or Ostend.
Oh no, the ship has sailed on this cruise
Sorry, the ship has sailed on this mini cruise and I'm sure it was a blast! Never mind though, there are plenty more mini cruises to choose from.
About this cruise
Britannia on Wednesday 23rd October 2019. This modern cruise ship caters to British tastes and really is like a floating four-star hotel. There's more to see and do on the ship than this brief two-night escape allows time for, so you'll leave wanting more. But as an introduction to British style cruising, or as a sampler to experience P&O Cruises or cruise ships in general, you can't go wrong with this one.
The ship boasts an extensive art collection, a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes, bars, a theatre, and excellent kids clubs, all set within a contemporary ship designed specifically for its British clientele.
If you are unsure about whether you'll like sailing on a cruise ship, the best part of a two-night mini cruise is that you sail while you sleep. Plus, Belgium is a relatively short distance the ship needn't move as fast, so it should be a leisurely trip along the English Channel.
On Thursday morning you'll arrive in Zeebrugge, which is the cruise gateway to Belgium. P&O Cruises offers a variety of optional shore excursions to explore Bruges, or you can choose to explore Belgium on your own. Just make sure you are back in time before the ship sails back to Southampton.
Bruges is a lovely little city and boasts plenty of delicious Belgian chocolate, cosy restaurants and bars, lots of intricate Medieval architecture, and it simply oozes fascinating history. Canal boat rides and horse drawn carriage rides are popular with tourists.
Should you wish to find something different, Ostend is a tram ride away from the port. The late October weather means the beach won't be much use, but there's still lots to see and do in this pretty coastal city. Getting to Brussels isn't outside the realms of possibility although you'll need to be very organised or seek a shore excursion.
Tried and tested
Read my Britannia mini cruise review to get an idea of what to expect. My cabin was comfortable (although on a two night cruise the balcony saw little use), and the experience dining in The Epicurean restaurant is not one to miss.
Again, you'll sail overnight and you'll have the evening to enjoy a meal, perhaps a drink, and even a live show. You'll arrive back in Britain early on Friday morning where you will disembark back in Southampton.
The Route
The itinerary for this mini cruise is:
| Day | Date | Port | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wednesday 23rd October 2019 | Southampton | Afternoon |
| 2 | Thursday 24th October 2019 | Zeebrugge | Morning to late afternoon |
| 3 | Friday 25th October 2019 | Southampton | Early morning |
Why choose this taster cruise?
- 2 nights on P&O Cruises' family-friendly ship, Britannia
- Voyage B929 departs on Wednesday 23rd October 2019
- Sail round-trip from Southampton
- Spend a day in Belgium
So you know, the map above shows point-to-point lines which may cross land. Don't worry, your cruise ship will not sprout legs and run across dry land. Instead it's water all the way! Mapping is approximate, and the scheduled times are estimates. Your trip is subject to change as, occasionally, operators have to alter itineraries due to bad weather or unforeseen events.
The Price
Oh no, the ship has sailed on this cruise
Sorry, the ship has sailed on this mini cruise and I'm sure it was a blast! Never mind though, there are plenty more mini cruises to choose from.
More choices
Not quite right? Here are some other suggestions that may suit better.