Blog 13 - Bruges, Bubbles & Besties: A Mini Cruise to Remember
We recently returned from a fabulous P&O mini cruise sailing from Southampton to Bruges and Le Havre, and I couldn’t wait to share the experience! It was our first time cruising with P&O, and our best friends first cruise ever so we were nervous that they enjoyed the experience…and let me tell you—we were impressed.
First Impressions of the Ship
From the moment we stepped onboard, the ship felt welcoming, well laid out, and beautifully maintained. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, it’s easy to find your way around and settle into holiday mode.
Dining Onboard
We dined in both the buffet and the main dining rooms, and the food was consistently excellent. A special mention must go to the staff—they were friendly, attentive, and clearly take pride in what they do.
On formal night, we decided to treat ourselves and booked a table at Epicurean, one of the ship’s speciality restaurants. We figured if we were already in our best glad rags, why not go all in? It turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip—exceptional food, beautiful presentation, and a truly memorable atmosphere.
Exploring Bruges
We were lucky with the weather in Bruges, and made the most of it with a relaxed boat tour along the scenic canals. The guide was knowledgeable, entertaining, and really brought the city’s history to life. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Belgium without sampling some local beer, and we definitely found a few new favourites!
Discovering Honfleur
In Le Havre, we quickly realised the port itself didn’t offer much in terms of sights, so we jumped in an Uber and headed to the nearby town of Honfleur—and wow, what a gem! Cobblestone streets, colourful harbourfront buildings, and that effortlessly French charm.
One of the absolute highlights of the cruise? A sun-drenched Friday afternoon in Honfleur with my husband and our best friends. Picture this: the four of us parked at a little harbourfront café, mussels steaming, champagne fizzing, and not a care in the world.
It was pure bliss—easily the best Friday afternoon we’ve ever had. Honestly, we’ve decided that every Friday should be spent just like that: sunshine, seafood, and a splash (or two) of bubbly. Cheers to that!
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to cruising or just looking for a short, relaxing break, this P&O mini cruise from Southampton to Bruges and Le Havre is a fantastic option. Great food, wonderful service, beautiful destinations, and the perfect mix of adventure and downtime.
Already dreaming about the next one…