Queen Anne had stayed in Zeebrugge overnight and after our visit to Bruges we decided to just go to Blankenberge for the day.
Day 3: 16th of December: Blankenberge, Belgium
Upstairs again for breakfast caught the shuttle bus to Blankenberge walked through and stopped at the Christmas shop.
Off Kerkstraat we turned left to see if the market was op. This morning it was just a full car park.
Coffee time
Further up Kerkstraat we went into Coin des Copians our favourite brasserie for coffee. On the table next to us were a couple off the ship and we had a long chat swapping stories!
The promenade at Blankenberke
We walked along the promenade towards the pier. Passing the closed restaurants and beach bars.
On the pier we walked to the restaurant but it was closed. Repairs were being carried out around the end of the pier. Very windswept and deserted.
The pier must have had its own charms as we passed small groups of people walking up to the buildings.
Rather than walk along the promenade we went down to Graf Jansdijk away from the wind and walked towards the Casino. And then back onto Kerkstraat.
Our objective was Terminus where we had eaten lunches on lots of previous visits.
Once seated we tried to order food and (literally) had the menu thrown at us. After 10 minutes or so we gave up and left. Perhaps all the friendly servers have left since our last visits. Anyway, we will not be gracing their doors again and have not recommending as a place to eat and drink in Blankenberge.
Blankenberge Christmas Market
Terminus is next to the small Christmas market and after walking around, checking out the huge tented bar by the ice rink we stopped at one of the small bars and ordered a drink.
While enjoying my beer I tried shooting through the bars glass panels.
Selphie time …
Back to Queen Anne
The coach pickup was in a familiar place next to the Sint-Antonius Kerk van Blankenberge.
Passing the polar bear on the outskirts of Zeebruggee.
P&O Aurora was now in the port but looked very rusty on her superstructure. Not a great omen as we were planning to be on her in April 026 on an extended cruise to the Mediterranean and the Adriatic.
We were pleasantly surprised to be able to walk straight into the terminal building. Especially after other years having had to queue in the car park!
After lunch we went to our cabin to catch up on more films.
Deck the Halls
We went to the late show – again no photography allowed! The sound was not great and it was a relief (for me) to leave the theatre and head to the Chert Room (bar). R=Everyone else must have had the same idea and the bar was packed …
Tomorrow we would be in Rotterdam.