Ghent

We docked in Zeebrugge. Zeebrugge is an Industrial port, handling a large volume of containers and cars. Its location is perfect for boat shipping and trains.

Interesting, but not particularly an attractive port. Leaving the cruise ship, we were not permitted to walk into town, only to a bus or to an excursion coach. It was about an hour's drive to Ghent, our first ship excursion.  Ghent is what you imagine all of Europe looks like. After the bus, we took a riverboat down the  Lys, historically a very polluted river. The tour guide shared stories about the industrial and human waste in the river. Alcohol and chocolate became important. Alcohol is due to the dirty water.. Chocolate, because when isn't it important?   We were dropped off and left to tour Ghent on our own, and it was beautiful.