Ostend Cruise Port

History

Ostend’s history is a narrative of resilience, defined by its strategic position on the North Sea. Originally founded as a small fishing village on the eastern end of the island of Testerep, it rose to international prominence during the 17th century. The most defining event in the city’s timeline was the Siege of Ostend (1601–1604), one of the longest and bloodiest sieges in world history, which pitted Dutch and English forces against the Spanish Empire. By the time the city surrendered, it was essentially a pile of rubble. The 19th century brought a dramatic transformation under King Leopold I and especially Leopold II, who envisioned Ostend as the 'Queen of the Seaside Resorts.' They commissioned the grand Royal Galleries and the Kursaal (Casino), completed between 1875 and 1878, to attract Europe’s elite. During World War I and II, the city’s coastline was heavily fortified by German forces. You can still see the physical scars of the 20th century at Raversyde, where the Atlantic Wall—a network of over 60 bunkers and two kilometers of trenches—remains perfectly preserved. Today, when you walk past the neo-Gothic spires of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church (completed in 1908), you are viewing the results of this late-imperial wealth that attempted to turn a humble port into a royal residence.

The Verdict

Travelers who benefit most from Ostend are the ones who arrive with a plan and the flexibility to adapt it. While the allure of Bruges is strong, staying local allows for a stress-free day of art and history. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. Excursions that guarantee a return to the ship can be tailored to your mobility, interests, and pace, so missing departure is never a concern. No two travelers want the same day ashore.

The culinary soul of Ostend is the North Sea grey shrimp (garnaal). Unlike the larger prawns you may be used to, these are tiny, intensely flavored, and peeled by hand. You must try them in a 'Tomate-Crevette' (a cold stuffed tomato) or as 'Garnaalkroketten'. For a drink, Ostend has its own brewery, 'Brouwerij 't Verzet', but you will also find the local 'Keyte' beer, which commemorates the 1604 siege. Most tourists expect to find 'Belgian Waffles' on every corner, but locals actually prefer 'Pannenkoeken' (thin pancakes) for their afternoon snack. For the most authentic experience, stand at a 'viskraam' (seafood stall) on the Visserskaai and eat a paper cone of 'wulken' (sea snails) in a peppery broth. It is exactly how the sailors have eaten for centuries.

Getting back to the ship

To guarantee a safe return to your ship, you should aim to be back in the Ostend city center no later than 90 minutes before your all-aboard time. If you are in Bruges, take a train that departs no later than 2 hours before all-aboard; the 15-minute journey is reliable, but Belgian rail can have occasional signaling delays. A taxi from the train station back to the quay will cost roughly €12 (~$14.00 USD) and take 5 minutes. If you are running late, contact the port agent (number provided on your daily ship program). If you miss the ship, you will likely have to take a train or taxi to the next port (often Zeebrugge or Antwerp), which can cost over €150 (~$173.00 USD). Most premium ships in Ostend will not hold for independent passengers, so keep a strict eye on the time.

Cultural etiquette

In Flanders, a polite 'Goeiedag' (Good day) when entering a shop is the standard greeting. Locals are generally reserved but very helpful if approached. When dining, tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is included by law, but rounding up the bill or leaving an extra 5% for good service is appreciated. Belgians typically signal they are finished by placing their knife and fork parallel on the right side of the plate. Photography in churches is generally allowed, but never during a mass. A common mistake cruise passengers make is assuming everyone speaks French; while many do, Ostend is a Flemish-speaking city, and starting a conversation in English is often better received than assuming French is the first language. Queueing is generally orderly, especially at the tram stops. One cultural misunderstanding is the 'Directness' of the Flemish; they are honest and efficient, which can sometimes be mistaken for rudeness by Americans, but it is simply a focus on clarity.

Practical tips

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Ostend, including for small purchases at cafes. However, the seafood stalls (viskramen) on the Visserskaai are often cash-only, so carry at least €20 (~$23.00 USD) in small bills. Tipping is inclusive, but rounding up to the nearest €5 is common practice for a nice meal. Learn these five phrases: 'Hallo' (Hello), 'Dank u' (Thank you), 'Alstublieft' (Please/Here you go), 'Spreekt u Engels?' (Do you speak English?), and 'De rekening, aub' (The bill, please). The most common scam is the 'overpriced taxi' from the station; always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price of €10–€15 (~$11.50–$17.50 USD) for the short ride to the quay. Dress code for the church is modest, but not overly strict; just ensure shoulders are covered. To avoid the crowds, visit the Mercator ship right at 10:00 AM or wait until after 3:30 PM when the day-trippers from other towns begin to depart.