About the Port
Ghent, capital of East Flanders, sits where the Scheldt and Lys rivers meet, its skyline marked by soaring Gothic towers and the turreted Castle of the Counts. Cobbled lanes wind past guildhalls and canalside facades in a compact old town built on centuries of trade wealth, easily explored on foot or by bicycle from the pier.
Beyond the historic center, the city serves as a convenient base for reaching Bruges, prized for its lace-making heritage and ornate churches, a short journey away by road. Chocolate ateliers, quiet stone bridges, and riverside cafés round out a visit that rewards unhurried wandering as much as sightseeing.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Ghent.
Explore the Castle of the Counts
Climb the ramparts of this medieval fortress rising over the old town for sweeping rooftop views and a look at its dungeon and armory; a short walk from the pier, roughly an hour to explore.
Day Trip to Bruges
Wander the canals and lace shops of this storied West Flanders city, reached by a short road journey; ideal for travelers craving another dose of Gothic architecture beyond Ghent.
Sample Belgian Chocolate
Duck into a family-run atelier near the guildhalls to watch pralines hand-crafted and taste local specialties, a sweet, low-effort way to round out a walk through the old quarter.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Ghent
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 9 | $5,549 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Avalon Expression | 7 | $6,629 | |
| Sep 5, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 7 | $4,599 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 9 | $5,549 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 20 | $11,559 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 14 | $8,449 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 7 | $4,599 | |
| Sep 21, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaPrima | 9 | $5,299 | |
| Sep 23, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaPrima | 7 | $4,349 | |
| Oct 6, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 18 | $10,409 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 14 | $8,249 | |
| Oct 15, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 9 | $5,349 | |
| Oct 17, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 7 | $4,399 | |
| Oct 22, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 9 | $5,149 | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 14 | $10,698 | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 7 | $4,199 | |
| Nov 3, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 18 | $11,708 | |
| Nov 7, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 14 | $9,548 | |
| Nov 12, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 9 | $4,249 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaStella | 7 | $3,299 |
Showing the next 20 of 245 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.