Brussels, Belgium

Full Transcript

Intro

Hello and welcome back to the TSJ CruisePod - your journey beyond the waves.

I’m Thomas Sebastian Jensen, and today we’re continuing our Metropolis Tour 2026 with a stop in Belgium.

Our ship, the MSC Poesia, docked in Zeebrugge, a port that serves as the gateway to some of Belgium’s most fascinating cities. From here, travelers can easily reach medieval towns, cultural highlights, and even the political center of Europe.

General Information About Zeebrugge

Zeebrugge is one of Belgium’s most important seaports and plays a key role in international trade and passenger traffic.

While the town itself is relatively small, its location makes it an ideal starting point for excursions into the historic region of Flanders.

Zeebrugge is closely connected to nearby cities such as Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels by road and rail, which is why cruise itineraries often focus less on the port town itself and more on the destinations beyond it.

We had already visited Zeebrugge in 2024 during our winter cruise aboard the MSC Euribia, when we chose an excursion to Bruges.

This time, however, we decided to experience something different and head straight to Belgium’s capital.

From Zeebrugge to Brussels

On this January 2026 cruise aboard the MSC Poesia, our choice was an excursion to Brussels.

Brussels is a city where many layers come together.

It is the capital of Belgium and, at the same time, the de facto capital of the European Union. Political institutions, historic neighborhoods, and everyday city life exist side by side, creating a unique and very international atmosphere.

With its grand squares, impressive architecture, lively cafés, and world-famous culinary traditions, Brussels offers a rich and varied urban experience right at the heart of Europe.

Our Day in Detail

Our day started early, with the bus departing from the port at 8:15 a.m.

During the drive, our guide shared a lot of interesting background information about Belgium, its history, its multilingual culture, and its political importance within Europe.

It was a great way to ease into the day and already feel connected to the country before even reaching the city.

Shortly before arriving in Brussels, we encountered a bit of traffic, but the delay was minimal and didn’t affect the overall schedule.

Our first stop was one of Belgium’s most iconic landmarks: the Atomium.

Built for the World Expo in 1958, the structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Even today, it stands as a symbol of scientific progress, optimism, and post-war innovation.

After that, we continued by bus into the city center, where our guided walking tour began.

One of the first major landmarks we passed was the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, one of the most important churches in Belgium.

With its Gothic architecture, twin towers, and impressive stained-glass windows, the cathedral immediately conveys a sense of history and importance.

From there, we moved on to the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

This covered shopping arcade from the 19th century is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. Its glass roof, historic façades, cafés, and boutiques create a very special atmosphere that feels both grand and relaxed at the same time.

The guided walk eventually led us to the Grand Place, often described as one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

Surrounded by richly decorated guild houses and the magnificent town hall, the square is rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly lives up to its reputation.

After the guided tour, we had about 90 minutes of free time to explore on our own.

We headed straight for one of Brussels’ most famous - and perhaps most surprising - landmarks: Manneken Pis.

To be honest, I was a bit taken aback by how small the statue actually is.

Just around the corner, however, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the statue’s wardrobe. Today, Manneken Pis owns more than 1,000 different costumes, worn on special occasions throughout the year.

Of course, no visit to Belgium would be complete without enjoying the local food.

So we treated ourselves to classic Belgian fries and a traditional Belgian waffle before heading back to the bus.

In the late afternoon, we traveled the roughly 120 kilometers back to Zeebrugge and returned to the MSC Poesia - bringing a varied and memorable day in Belgium’s vibrant capital to a close.

Other Excursion Options

For guests choosing different experiences, Zeebrugge offers a wide range of alternative excursions.

One very popular option is a visit to Bruges, a beautifully preserved medieval city often referred to as an open-air museum. Guided tours usually include historic squares, canals, and landmarks such as the Belfry and Burg Square, often combined with time to explore independently or visit a chocolate museum.

Another option is an unguided transfer to Bruges, which allows guests to discover the city at their own pace, sample Belgian chocolate and waffles, or simply wander through the picturesque streets.

For travelers interested in medieval architecture and a lively local atmosphere, Ghent is also offered as a destination. Known for its canals, historic buildings, and vibrant city life, Ghent provides a wonderful alternative to both Bruges and Brussels.

There are also excursions focusing on the wider Flanders region, combining scenic countryside drives with visits to castles, historic towns, and traditional chocolate boutiques.

These options highlight just how diverse Belgium is and how much variety a single port like Zeebrugge can offer.

Outro

In the next episode of the TSJ CruisePod, we’ll continue our Metropolis Tour with a stop in France, as we arrive in Le Havre and explore what lies beyond the harbor.

Until then, thank you for listening, enjoy the journey, and I’ll see you beyond the waves.