Avalon Luminary River Cruise, Part 6: Antwerp & Brussels, Belgium

Our Avalon river ship docked almost in the heart of Antwerp, the second-largest city in Belgium and the second-argest seaport in Europe. The local guides in every city or town we visit deliver a wealth of local information and are extremely well-educated about their cities’ history.

Our walking tour included the fortress on the river Scheldt, Antwerp’s oldest preserved building. It was here that the local legend of Antwerp’s symbol, a hand, originated.  We found some chocolate hands in one of the many outstanding confectionary shops and could not resist buying a box.  From the fortress it was only a short walk to Grote Market, a large square surrounded by many splendid guild houses and the local city hall, considered a masterpiece.

This afternoon, there was an optional tour to Brussels, but we chose to enjoy a relaxing time on board.

Related
Norwegian Sun cruise ship sailing on the water

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled 38 cruises including South Pacific voyages

Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled around five months of cruises across three ships – equating to nearly 40 itineraries.
Woman on a cruise ship upset about her cruise

Laura’s cruise was swapped from the sunny South Pacific to Hobart – she got her money back and so can you

It's one of the biggest legal dilemmas in cruise: if the itinerary changes, are you entitled to compensation?
The Royal Princess.

Royal Princess’ ‘partial turnaround’ may bring $568,000 to Hobart – could this be the solution to our regional cruise woes?

In a first for Princess Cruises and Tasmania, a partial turnaround cruise on Royal Princess was operated to Hobart, meaning passengers could start and end their cruise in Tasmania, even though the larger itinerary starts and ends in different ports. ... Read more
The Pacific Explorer cruise ship.

Class Action alleges cruise lines use ‘predatory behaviour’ to lure passengers into racking up casino debts

Carter Capner Law is opening a class-action against Carnival Corporation due to alleged predatory gambling practices.