Hull -> Bruges mini cruise, anyone done one?

[zAndy1]

Thinking of doing a minicruise from Hull to Bruges, anyone done one and if so what was it like? Do you feel the ferry swaying much or is it pretty smooth (obviously this depends on the weather but do you only feel it moving in a gale or all the time?). Much to keep the kids occupied? Bruges worth a day trip? Duty free any good?

Cheers
Andy

[Drd]

I can't comment on the ferry Andy,but it must be a while since you last travelled,or geography is not your strong point.There is no longer any duty free within the EU,and when I last looked Bruges (and Hull) was in the EU

[zAndy1]

Oh sure I know there's no 'Duty Free' as such but they still suggest there are significant savings to be made:-

http://www.poferries.com/tourist/con...-_shopping.htm

[LV426]

Ship swaying: depends wholly on the weather. I'm highly susceptible to motion sickness so I always take "Stugeron" which solves this problem totally, for me. Cabins are small, functional and comfortable enough. Most of the time, if you are returning the same day, you will be allocated the same cabin for the return trip and, if so, you can leave your belongings in your cabin. If not, then you can still pack and leave your bags in a room set aside for the purpose.

On-board entertainment: Cinema (chargeable), video games (chargeable), live entertainment in the "bar" with singers, quizzes and so on (free).

Shopping: a bit limited, but they do sell tobacco and liquor at Belgian tax-paid prices, which are higher than true duty-free, for tobacco, higher than, say, Spain, but lower than here. All priced in GBP. Your personal limit* for importing to the UK is 3200 cigarettes or an equivalent in other tobaccos and unlimited (for all it matters) on anything else - this is as for anywhere else in the EU tax area.

Bruges is very, very picturesque. It really is a good idea to take a horse-drawn trap trip from the main square and back, which will show you some nice sights and give you a bit of background. Pretty well everybody will willingly speak English for you. You can then re-trace some or all of the route on foot to get a closer look at anything that interests you. Save spending money for chocolates.

* The personal limit for tobacco isn't actually a legal limit; it's a guideline that UK Customs work to, below which, they will assume it is for your own use and beyond which, they may assume you intend to sell (which is illegal) and they may confiscate and/or require proof (although, how you go about that, is a mystery to me).

[DJT75]

Bruges is great, lovely city. Highly recommend it in December with the Christmas markets & the outdoor ice rink in the main square.

[zAndy1]

Is everything still open on a Sunday in Bruges, thinking of going this Saturday so would have Sunday in Bruges but didn't want to do that if a lot of places aren't open!

[DJT75]

Originally Posted by zAndy1

Is everything still open on a Sunday in Bruges, thinking of going this Saturday so would have Sunday in Bruges but didn't want to do that if a lot of places aren't open!

Yep - probably the busiest day there for shopping/sightseeing

[zAndy1]

Is it worth going for an outside cabin? Are they more spacious/comfortable or the same but just with an outside view?

[Mac Man]

Originally Posted by zAndy1

Is it worth going for an outside cabin? Are they more spacious/comfortable or the same but just with an outside view?

Hi andy

I've done both the Bruges and Amsterdam (twice) mini cruises in the past. Both are great.

I preferred Amsterdam purely because there is more to do.

I also booked a 1 night stopover in Amsterdam to make more of it. A single day isn't really enough time - especially in Amsterdam. Once you get off the ferry it's damn near lunchtime by the time you get to Amsterdam or Bruges, so you only get 5 or 6 hours max in the city.

The ferry itself is pretty comfy and doesn't roll unless the weather is very severe.

Are you booking one of the 2 for 1 cruises? They come out in spring and autumn and are superb value.

I don't think the outdoor cabins are worth the extra - unless you're highly claustrophobic . The qualty is the same in both.

EDIT: how old are the kids? Leave 'em with the grandparents and sneak away for a romantic weekend. There's not much in Bruges for kids to do - apart from the chocolate museum perhaps.

[zAndy1]

Kids are 5 and 10 and wanna take them along as they haven't been anywhere for ages, chocolate museum sounds right up their street!

Haven't booked an extra night, purely because it would have been £200 more (the ferry was £100 dearer with an extra night and a hotel worked out about £100 as well). Booked for Saturday night with an outside cabin and dinner on the return leg for £260. Didn't think that was too bad, we'll probably take sarnies and stuff with us for the first night cos we only live 5 mins away from the departure point so can make a pack up just before we set off. Didn't bother booking breakfast either, think it was £26 on way which to me just doesn't seem worth it as the kids will hardly touch it, we'll just get brunch in Bruges when we arrive (belgian waffles!). Just hope the weather isn't too bad now!

[Mac Man]

Originally Posted by zAndy1

Kids are 5 and 10 and wanna take them along as they haven't been anywhere for ages, chocolate museum sounds right up their street!

choc museum : http://www.choco-story.be/map/en_map.htm

Belgian waffles sounds great but don't forget... you won't be in Bruges till after 10.00 am.

The breakfast is pretty good on the ferry and it's an 'all you can eat' so I'd just get 2 for you 'n the Mrs and then let the kids scoff some bacon sarnies. Or if you're quick enough bung a few croissants into a bag before you leave

[zAndy1]

Just thought, gonna need some Euros! How many do you think we'd need for the time in Bruges? Also considering we won't be there long what should be make time to see/do?

[mugsy]

Another for Bruges from me - been a few times now.

If you want a proper meal in the evening the restaurant in the Sofitel hotel does an excellent value set menu - about 30 euros for 2 courses, half a bottle of wine and coffee. For dessert they have a buffet you can up to as many times as you like and all the cakes/pastries etc are to die for!

Also, for chocs my favourite place is this one... http://www.pralinette.com/ - have fun trying to find it!

[zAndy1]

Thanks for that but we aren't actually staying in Bruges overnight, if we ever do in the future I'll be sure to look the Sofitel up though!
Thanks for the link. Saying we're gonna be in Bruges for 5 or 6 hours then how many Euros would you suggest we take?

[mugsy]

For 5/6 hours I guess a couple of hundred euros? Not sure how much it costs to keep kids occupied That should get you all into the chocolate museum, lunch/dinner somewhere (omlettes/baguettes and chips are always a good choice) and some chocs for the journey home and gifts.

They have cash machines out there so if your bank don't charge for withdrawals (min don't - Nationwide) you can always withdraw euros out there.