STEVE HOWARTH
Lets someone else take the strain and sleeps his way across the North Sea to Belgium
‘WE’RE going on a cruise,” I said to my wife... and she got quite excited.
Now we were lucky enough to enjoy a superb week on board P&O’s flagship Britannia in the Mediterranean last year, so expectations were high. “Where to this time?” she said, “Caribbean, Bahamas?”
“No,” I said. “We’re off on a North Sea minicruise from Hull.”
Now, I will say there was a little initial disappointment, but this quickly disappeared as I told her our final destination was to be Bruges - the Venice of the North.
After making our way to the terminal at Hull (under two hours and very easy to find with lots of parking) we were quickly on board with quite a number of other foot passengers - P&O are now marketing these routes as ideal weekend mini-break cruises.
Our transport was the venerable ferry Pride of York, which turned out to be easily big enough to take the North Sea in its stride and double up as a cruise liner, with two restaurants, and a choice of bars and entertainment.
And, first and foremost, I need to praise the food on board - which was every bit as good as we had enjoyed on Britannia a year before.
There is a busy, all-you-can-eat buffet service in the ship’s Kitchen restaurant or a more relaxed Bistro to enjoy. Both served up delicious and plentiful meals, even winning praise from my wife, who is not a woman to be easily impressed.
Despite her having been at sea for three decades, the Pride of York was spotless inside, having obviously been refitted not too long ago and, while our two-bunk standard cabin was cosy and functional, the rest of the ship was spacious, comfortable and well-appointed.
After a great meal in the Bistro we enjoyed live music in the piano bar before retiring... and I volunteered to take the top bunk, which in itself was an adventure.
The last time I had slept in a bunk bed the world was still in black and white.
Nevertheless, the gentle motion of the ship as we crossed a millpond flat North Sea - as well as a few glasses of good wine - ensured a good night’s sleep, and when we awoke we were docking at the giant port of Zeebrugge.
It really is the best way to travel - someone else takes the strain while you enjoy a comfy bed.
After a superb full English breakfast, the coach was waiting dockside to take us on the 25 minute drive to historic Bruges where we would have all day to explore.
And what a lot there is to explore.
If you are into any of the following - history, culture, museums, galleries, canals, beer or chocolate - then this is the place for you.
Located in northwest Belgium, it is a must-see city. Walking through the streets you discover an abundance of medieval culture to appreciate and a warm, friendly atmosphere to soak up.
Along with the sightseeing that Bruges has to offer, the city also boasts a number of restaurants, coffee bars and countless confectioners, making endless supplies of their famed chocolate ‘Brugsch Swaentje’ (Bruges Swan).
The wealth of museums is a striking image of Bruges’s stirring history. The city is also home to contemporary culture such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders.
With only one day we had to prioritise, so we started with the central Historium, which is billed as ‘virtual time travel.’
Guests are taken back to a day in 1435 and can explore what Bruges was like in its Medieval heyday through modern technology including a VR experience.
Choosing to bypass the torture attraction, we then headed to the chocolate museum and a few free samples, plus a chocolate making demonstration, before enjoying a delicious lunch at the central Restaurant Le Chef at Moi, which faces the regular weekend bric-abrac market.
It was just the spot to then hop onto one of the many water buses which ply the canals of Bruges for a 40-minute cruise with historical, and occasionally hysterical, commentary.
Sadly, we ran out of time before visiting the brewery museum and all too soon were on the coach heading back to the Pride of York - but there was another great meal to look forward to and a night of drinks and entertainment. This time we ate at the more budget Kitchen restaurant which was busy and buzzing.
Again the food was excellent and the staff efficient, helpful and pleasant.
A visit to the theatre for some on-board entertainment, and it was time to tackle those bunk bed ladders again before a good night’s sleep.
We awoke the next morning sailing down the Humber estuary with just time to get yet another filling breakfast before disembarking and heading back down the M62.