Curious about Vlissingen. Has anyone been there?

[Lair Bear]

I know the Prinsendam stopped at Vlissingen, in the Netherlands, this last summer. I am curious what you thought of that port. Would anyone comment, please?
What did you do and where did you go?
On a ship's tour or independent????

I am wondering if HAL will go there again?????

[zula]

Hi,
I live in the north of Belgium near the border with the Netherlands, we sometimes go to Vlissingen in the summer because it is closer for us to go to Vlissingen than to our own coast in Belgium. Vlissingen is a rather small town with a beach (not really the North sea). I think it would be much nicer to go to Zierikzee (which is not that far from Vlissingen), this is a very old town with nice old buildings and docks. I visited it for the first time this summer and am definitely going back it was so nice, the inner city seems like frozen in time, but than with nice cafés. I have travelled extensively and was so surprised to find such a nice town so near to where I live.
Hopes this helps,
Regards,
Sonja

[Lair Bear]

Hi,
I live in the north of Belgium near the border with the Netherlands, we sometimes go to Vlissingen in the summer because it is closer for us to go to Vlissingen than to our own coast in Belgium. Vlissingen is a rather small town with a beach (not really the North sea). I think it would be much nicer to go to Zierikzee (which is not that far from Vlissingen), this is a very old town with nice old buildings and docks. I visited it for the first time this summer and am definitely going back it was so nice, the inner city seems like frozen in time, but than with nice cafés. I have travelled extensively and was so surprised to find such a nice town so near to where I live.
Hopes this helps,
Regards,
Sonja

Thank you Sonja. Zierikzee is quite a distance north of Vlissingen and looking at the details of that town, I am not surprised you like that.
However, for a one day excursion it is perhaps a bit more difficult to reach than Middelburg, for example. If I am not mistaken, the train from Vlissingen to Middelburg is quick and easy and the train station is right near the dock. Middelburg does not have a beach but lots of interesting places to explore and see.
But perhaps others can help me with more details about their experience during their stop last summer.

[R K TECT]

We were on the Prinsendam this summer in Vlissingen. The ship had a shuttle from the local tourist group. The shuttle went to Middelburg (a wonderful town). We went on a horse and cart ride, canal boat ride, and small shop viewing. Nice church and sites. Back to ship with another shuttle to "shopping area in Vlissingen". A full but nice look at the area. We were going to take the train, but the shuttles were a surprise.

[Lair Bear]

We were on the Prinsendam this summer in Vlissingen. The ship had a shuttle from the local tourist group. The shuttle went to Middelburg (a wonderful town). We went on a horse and cart ride, canal boat ride, and small shop viewing. Nice church and sites. Back to ship with another shuttle to "shopping area in Vlissingen". A full but nice look at the area. We were going to take the train, but the shuttles were a surprise.

Thank you. That is exactly was I was curious about. Glad you had a good time in Middelburg.
I believe this was the first time HAL used Vlissingen as a port of call and I am wondering if they will do that again. I will have to look at next years itineraries to see if it is.

[GAJE]

That was the first time the Prinsendam, or any HAL ship, had docked in Vlissingen. It was a big deal for locals, many of whom were standing on the shore as we pulled in. Personally, I did not find Vlissingen very appealing. We took the shuttle to Middleburg and had a delightful day. It is a small, very old town with a nice central plaza and a number of outdoor cafes.