Adventure of the Seas, Day 2

One of the advantages of an inside cabin is that you are guaranteed a pitch black room for a good nights sleep, perfect for me and I was nicely set up for a day trip to Bruges.

My morning started with a trip to the Windjammer cafe for breakfast and after a few drinks the night before a nice fry up was on the cards. I was not disappointed, Fried eggs, scrambled eggs, various types of sausages, Bacon, fried bread, toast, baked beans, tomatoes and black pudding, fantastic.

Also available was fruits, yogurts, cereals, brioches and other types of cakes, pancakes and some amazing whipped creams, syrups, jams etc. I was certainly looking forward to visiting again the next day.

My trip to Bruges was booked through the ships excursion desk, it was a non-guided trip that included a coach transfer and a guide that took us into Bruges where we then went off to do our own thing and then meet the guide 4 hours later at the same point ready for our coach back.

First thing was to go to the theatre on-board the ship where I was given a sticker indicating what coach I was on, once everyone had got their tickets it was off to the coach and the 30 minute journey into Bruges. I have been into Bruges 3 times before but always by train so the walk from the coach to Bruges centre was different and very scenic, a better walk than from the train station.

Walk into Bruges

Bruges, a World Heritage City is very historic with many Churches, Museums, Public and semi-public buildings, Theatres and Chapels. In fact on the street guide there is no fewer than 88 places of Interest. Below all this are the beautiful canals and plentiful boats to take you around the city giving loads of photo opportunities.

My favourite photo is the Bell Tower, known locally as The Belfort. You can climb the tower for a small fee, steps all the way and 366 of them, I wanted to do this but with limited time in Bruges I found I had left it too late. As well as the climb up and down there is also a long queue which 70 people at a time are allowed to enter to make the climb.

My tip- head straight for the tower nice and early.   If you do hit the tower then you’re surely going to need a drink when you get down. In the main cobbled street square/ Oval / circle (Whatever it is) and in all the back and side streets are pubs cafes galore. Belgium is famous for its beers, there are some 200 different beers in Bruges alone. Whilst my colleagues went on the canal trip I popped into a café (Picture below) for a coffee, only cost 2.70 Euros and it came with a complimentary chocolate and Brandy snap and a beautiful view of the canal.

The Cafe, top right is where are I got my coffee from.

Getting around Bruges is easy and there are options.

1. Canal boat
2. Horse and carriage
3. Walking
4. Those 1 wheeled balance bikes!! (please tell me the correct name)

Back on the ship I popped to the Royal Promenade for a snack and drink, I had a fresh Ploughmans roll, Chocolate brownie and Coffee, all free, unlimited and part of the cruise experience. I could have had pizza, burgers, fries, fruit etc.

The evening was the Formal night and a chance to get dressed up, optional but almost everyone on the ship chose to do this. If a formal evening is not your thing then there are other restaurants to use for the night, these are buffet and the speciality dining options.

There was a great atmosphere in the restaurant which was highlighted when all the waiters broke into a song around the tables with the finae on the stairwell leading to all 3 levels of the restaurant.

After the meal and for me it was a quick rush to the Sports Bar to watch Liverpool keep the pressure on Man City, all looking good at 3-0, you may know the rest!!

From there I re-joined my colleagues in the Theatre for a spectacular night of dance performed by some very talented and flexible professional dancers. The show took us on a journey through the history of dance and was complimented by some great music, singing, costumes and drama.

For those looking for a quieter night there is a nightly quiz in the Schooner bar, a movie in the cinema, this night was showing Despicable Me 2, The Nut Job was showing on the outdoor movie screen, a Motown hour plus more. Also on this evening was an adult Karaoke in the Blue Moon Lounge and a slot tournament in the very large casino. DANCE and CASINO PHOTOS My night finished in Jesters Nightclub, again, not too late tonight though.