Day 2 Aboard the NCL Cruise to Bruges: A Packed Day of Insights and Indulgence

Greetings from the high seas! Let me tell you about Day 2 of a fabulous 3-day cruise from Southampton to Bruges aboard an NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) ship. We’re en route to Zeebrugge, the port gateway to the charming Belgian city of Bruges, and today has been an exciting mix of professional enrichment, ship exploration, and pure relaxation. Let me take you through the highlights of this jam-packed day! Morning Bliss: Breakfast at Hudson’s The day kicked off with a delicious breakfast at Hudson’s, one of the ship’s inviting dining venues. I opted for the classic Eggs Benedict – perfectly poached eggs, creamy hollandaise sauce, and a toasted English muffin. It was the ideal fuel for a busy morning ahead, paired with a strong cup of coffee and a stunning view of the sea stretching endlessly before us. There’s something magical about starting the day on a cruise ship – the gentle sway of the ocean and the promise of adventure on the horizon. NCL Sales and Marketing Panel at Aqua Theater (10:00) At 10:00, I headed to the Aqua Theater for the NCL Sales and Marketing Panel – a must-attend event for anyone in the travel industry. The session featured Gary Anslow (VP and Head of UK & Ireland) and Jason Krimmel (VP & Chief International Sales and Marketing Officer), who were interviewed by Lucy Huxley from Travel Weekly. The discussion was a deep dive into all things NCL – from their innovative approach to cruising to upcoming initiatives that have us all buzzing with excitement. A diverse group of travel partners joined the panel, broadening the conversation to cover trends and insights in the cruise industry as a whole. It was inspiring to hear from the leaders shaping the future of cruising, and I walked away with plenty of ideas to share with my customers. NCL Guest Experience Panel (11:15) Just over an hour later, at 11:15, I was back in the Aqua Theater for the NCL Guest Experience Panel. This session offered a behind-the-scenes look at what makes NCL’s onboard experience so special. Senior members of the Guest Experience Team shared updates on dining innovations, entertainment highlights, and some tantalising hints about future developments. I won’t spill all the secrets just yet, but let’s just say there are some exciting things on the horizon that will elevate the NCL experience even further. For anyone passionate about creating memorable vacations, this was a goldmine of information. A Peek into Luxury: Tour of The Haven After the panels, I had the privilege of joining a tour of The Haven – NCL’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept for guests seeking a little extra luxury. We explored the Deluxe Owner’s Suite, a sprawling retreat with elegant furnishings, a spacious balcony, and all the amenities you could dream of. Then, we stepped into the jaw-dropping 3-Bedroom Duplex – a two-story haven (pun intended!) with sophisticated décor, ample space, and panoramic views. It’s the kind of accommodation that makes you want to book your next cruise immediately. The Haven is truly a sanctuary of comfort and exclusivity, perfect for those looking to elevate their cruise experience. Thrills and Chills: The Aqua Slide Roller Coaster Next up was a dose of adrenaline on the ship’s Aqua Slide Roller Coaster. This isn’t your average water slide – it’s a thrilling hybrid of twists, turns, and splashes that had my heart racing. The views from the top were incredible, with the open sea stretching out in every direction. It’s a fantastic way to break up the day and let loose, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a bit of fun on their cruise. Evening Delights: Dinner at Hasuki and the Rumours Show As the day wound down, I headed to Hasuki for dinner with my Travel Counsellor colleagues. This Japanese-inspired restaurant delivered a feast for the senses, with an emphasis on fun – think fresh food, sizzling teppanyaki, and vibrant flavours that left me completely satisfied, and extremely full. After dinner, we headed to the Aqua theatre to catch The Rumours Show, as a massive Fleetwood Mac fan I couldn’t miss this interpretation of the classic album, and they did not disappoint! an energetic performance that had the audience singing along to classic hits. It was the perfect blend of nostalgia and entertainment, and the talented cast brought the house down. Finishing off at the Syd Norman’s Pour House To cap off the night, I stopped by the ship’s rock-and-roll themed venue for a nightcap. located on Deck 7, and it’s a hot spot, often packed due to its popularity (seating’s limited, so standing room is common). The band plays classics six nights a week, and on this ship, they’ve even expanded the Rumours Fleetwood Mac tribute to the main theater for bigger crowds, but the Pour House itself keeps that intimate, pub-like energy with live music at its core. Looking Ahead to Day 3 Tomorrow, we’ll dock in Zeebrugge, and I can’t wait to explore Bruges – its cobblestone streets, medieval charm, and, of course, the famous chocolate and waffles. Day 2 has been a whirlwind of professional insights, luxurious discoveries, and onboard fun, and I’m already excited to see what the final day of this cruise has in store. Stay tuned for more updates from the road (or rather, the sea)! If you’re considering a cruise with NCL or a trip to Bruges, feel free to reach out – I’d love to help you plan your own unforgettable journey. Happy travels, Johno [Your Travel Counsellor]