Cruises from Casablanca, Morocco

Historically and currently referred to as the liveliest city in Morocco, Casablanca offers the most thrilling cruise opportunities. Situated just a little away, Port Casablanca happens to be the best place to start a cruise to investigate local and international sites.

Soak in the culture of the city while on your cruise ! Wander around medinas plastered with bright colors, gaze at the majestic Hassan II Mosque, or just eat Moroccan fare including couscous and tagine. In Casablanca, though, so much awaits you to be a fan of history, good food, or simply basking.

Here I shall guide you about the best cruises from Casablanca and activities every cruiser must do once departing this exciting port city.

• Overview of Casablanca, Morocco, Departure Port
• Best of Discovery in Casablanca, Morocco
• Best Time to Plan a Cruise from Casablanca, Morocco
• Top Casablanca, Morocco Cruise Lines and Ships
• Top Casablanca, Morocco Cruise Deals
• Top Cruises from Casablanca, Morocco Destinations
• Onboard Experiences Cruise Ships from Casablanca, Morocco
• What to Know in Advance Before Setting Sail for a Casablanca, Morocco Cruise?
• FAQs About Casablanca, Morocco Cruise Departure Port

Overview of Casablanca, Morocco, Departure Port

Set on Morocco's west shore and facing the ocean, Casablanca Port is one of the largest and busiest ports in Africa. The port guardian stands to the cultural treasures of North Africa and farther beyond and serves as the home dock to several cruising lines in the world. It is very convenient for tourists as from here one has good connections to Mohammed V International Airport and downtown. Thus, the cruise port at Casablanca fuses modern facilities and vintage charm to form a picturesque spot to set foot into ocean adventures.

Hassan II Mosque

With the soaring minaret almost overgrowing the skyline of Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque is considered to be one of the greatest mosques in the world. Some parts of the erection of the mosque actually took place over the Atlantic Ocean, and the whole structure is oriented so that it has views of the coastline. Considered a must-see landmark to glance either before or after your cruise, this mosque has views of mosaics, carved marble, and intricate artistic detail carved entirely by hand. One can take a guided tour where the architecture and history of the mosque can be learned.

The Corniche

Unwind on calm, sunny Corniche mornings. It basically has everything anyone would need to enjoy the city life: cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs. CEnjoy a day with seafood, Moroccan mint tea, or simply watching the glorious sunset on Corniche!

Old Medina of Casablanca

Old Medina connotes the idea of a thriving labyrinth of small lanes where shops sell anything from handicrafts and spices to traditional stuff. Casablanca's medina feels real and ungroomed compared to those in Fez or Marrakech, which put an almost raw image of Moroccan everyday life to the tourists. Walking down the busy streets of the neighborhood will bring in sights of local life, some interesting souvenirs perhaps to be had, and really good street food.

Rick's Café

Many tourists consider it a must-stop attraction, perhaps by default, since Casablanca has inspired the famous movie. Small and romantic, the eatery offers a mixture of Moroccan and international cuisine that goes very well with the ambience of the film.

Local Delicacies

Casablanca does not have anything less to offer on its culinary side. Moroccan cuisine is fully satisfying. If you want to go local, you must have couscous, purportedly considered the nation-eat; an occasional serving could go with lamb or chicken. Tagine: meaning to slowly cook meat, veggies, and spices in a tagine. Dessert would be filled with almonds briouats, sweet and perfect with regular mint tea.

Best of Discovery in Casablanca, Morocco

In a day or two, cruise visitors may perhaps get a feel of Morocco's cultural pulse in Casablanca, blending very much of the old with the new. There is much to see and explore for the architect, the historian, or the gourmand.

Casablanca's Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, along with the imposing gates and spacious surroundings, are excluded from the public share. A further journey to the Habous Quarter will allow one to see the elaborate motifs that pay homage to Morocco's royal past.

Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes

Virtually a purely cultural trip shall never be discounted to the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes. This Catholic church was provided with stained glass, unlike the rest of Casablanca's largely Islamic architecture. A place that would rather have been set aside for prayers and meditation, it also presents interesting facets of the deep history and culture of the city.

Mohammed V. Square and Art Deco Architecture

Another prestigious attribute of Casablanca lies in its Art Deco style birthed during French colonization. Striding around the city center about Mohammed V Square, one can behold splendid façades, magnificent fountains, and governmental edifices that blend French styles congenially with Moroccan.

Day Trips

If you feel like you have extra time, go ahead and spend that day visiting the surrounding cities.

• Rabat is a capital city of Morocco and about an hour and a half in distance by car or electric trains. Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Udayas are some of the very important sights.
• El Jadida, a small coastal town, is famous for its somewhat sleepy medina and Portuguese fortifications, which have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• Azemmour: Smaller tranquility town affording peaceful outings by the river, with a strongly Moroccan feel.

Best Time to Plan a Cruise from Casablanca Morocco

The schedule of departure, be it a giveaway to passengers or a more tourist-like quality, is set computationally from Casablanca grab port.

Spring (March to May)

The time remembered by sailors and tourist type visits for mild climate, blossoming sceneries, and atmospheres absent of excess visitors.

Summer (June to August)

Too hot for comfort and, again, too lively; the temperature rises to about 30 degrees Celsius and, therefore, a season for beach visits with tourists imbibing their joy.

Autumn (September to November)

Slightly laid-back, that is, calm streets with agreeable weather on the cosmic scale.

Winter (December to February)

Mild weather with almost few tourists, and cheap cruise offers hanging around; though, with probable incidences of rain.

Top Casablanca Morocco Cruise Lines and Ships

Casablanca port is the place to choose from some of the finest cruise liners in the world, some of these cruise liners carry onboard entertainment and interesting itineraries. So whether you've chosen luxury, family, or culture, it caters to the whole traveler spectrum. A few favorites are:

MSC Cruises

Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises

When it comes to the luxurious Mediterranean and friendly setting, this fellow-standing family orientated. Onboard, the family-friendly activities offered are theaters; sports courts; an array of restaurants to dine fine; and many activities and entertainment for the visitors to keep themselves occupied between brief periods of chilling.

Royal Caribbean

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

For the action seekers, Royal Caribbean ships allow thrills-at-climbing walls, flow boarding, Broadway-style theaters, and more. At shore, enjoy the adrenaline-pumping shore excursions in Casablanca.

Norwegian

Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL Freestyle is "Dining anytime you want!" These modern vessels with daily shows, water parks, and fine-style restaurants would fit the bill for any traveler looking for a bit of a casual yet luxury experience.

Costa Cruises

Photo Courtesy: Costa Cruises

Costa offers a complete European cruise style—an onboard culture and Italian treatment. Travelers wanting to see glimpses of European and North African cultures would owe a big thanks to the Costa Cruises line for its genuine Mediterranean food, classical interior, and great entertainment.

Cunard Line

Photo Courtesy: Cunard Line

Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 have raised the whole concept of top-notch cruise ship service associated with Cunard—above super fine dining, formal elegance, and unctuous appropriateness; I would think—modernistic elegance would be the best way to travel when Casablanca is sometimes called an international port of call.

Top Casablanca Morocco Cruise Deals

An all-eccentric offer for travellers, these cruise deals offer everything relevant to every style of travel and every budget. So here is where all kinds of offers can be availed to get a cheaper and better holiday. Whether it be a luxury traveler looking to go all out, a family seeking discounts, or someone still trying to set up their first cruise: there is always something on offer- be it a promotion or a package.

Early-Bird Discounts

At times, there are periods where one may be afforded onboard credit, free upgrades, or reduced prices for bookings made several months ahead.

Last-minute Deals

There are some cruises that give last-minute discounts if Casablanca is one of the ports of call, so if your dates are flexible, you may save a lot.

All-Inclusive Packages

For some who want to be totally stress-free, certain lines at the luxury and premium level may have all-inclusive packages that generally include Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities.

Family Specials

Kids sail free, making MSC an ideal family cruiser.

Repositioning Cruise Offers

Occasionally, transatlantic and repositioning cruises which are generally longer in itinerary and cheaper per night, include a stop in Casablanca.

Seasonal Promotions

Spring and fall are often considered the best seasons in Morocco for cruising, with the most agreeable weather and the grace of fewer tourists. Discounts can be anticipated for such seasons.

Top Cruises from Casablanca, Morocco Destinations

The North African charm combined with Atlantic and Mediterranean experiences makes a desirable cruise itinerary with Casablanca as an embarkation port. Being seduced by ancient cities, beaches, or cultural centers, cruises from Casablanca offer the widest variety of ports of call. Some of the most popular cruise ports of call from or to Casablanca are:

Canary Islands

While the Canary Islands were considered one of the preferred destinations by cruise lines out of Casablanca, and are well known for their pleasant weather throughout the year. The main ports include Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria, alike with their different culture, volcanic landscape, and black sand beaches.

Madeira (Portugal)

Referred to as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," the island of Madeira looks marvelous from the ocean, with a landscape of cliffs near the sea, one of the many formal gardens, and an array of hiking trails. Any outdoor activities include the possibility of really unwinding while cruising from Casablanca to Madeira.

Lisbon, Portugal

Known as a city of yore and of culture, it is seldom absent from a travel itinerary. The Belem Tower is a reminder of Lisbon's dual Western and Eastern heritage. On one side is Alfama with strangely rare crooked and narrow streets.

Mediterranean ports of France and Spain

It is surely true that these charming Mediterranean cities of Marseille, Barcelona, and Malaga represent a splendid jewel in culture, cuisine, and beaches.

Onboard Experiences Cruise Ships from Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca is perhaps a confluence of culture, splendid luxuries, and transition. It is, however, a moment living in synergy of a new generation liner cruise creating a new atmosphere-the glamour, chilling, sightseeing, and foodies combined into one.

Dining

From a plethora of foods to a la carte restaurants featuring Moroccan-style food, the choices seem infinite. Besides Mediterranean cuisine and Asian delights, they also offer traditional European cuisine-whether your tastes will gravour it!!

Entertainment

So, evening glitter shows, death-glam-gala Broadway productions, themed parties, live band performances, and dance shows-the fun never ends! The casino, the couple of theatres-in some ships you also get to see culture night with Moroccan vibes, indulging their senses, and food with music.

Have Your Relaxing Time In

The most abundant spa treatments available, with the scented ocean breezes drifting through the souls of the palm trees, a blissful soak in that pool with the prismatic ocean views beyond your doorstep: these are just some of the majestic settings that will especially charm one who seeks tranquility in life.

Adventure Awaits

For this cruise are surf simulators and climbing walls, giant water slides into the sea, and sports courts where adrenaline rides high. The shore excursions will light up Casablanca for Rabat, Marrakech, or the Old Medina.

What to Know in Advance Before Setting Sail for Casablanca, Morocco?

Everything should be done smoothly before the day of your flight from Casablanca.

Accessing the Port

The port is located roughly six kilometers outside the town area. Other than that, Mohammed V International Airport is about thirty kilometers (approximately 19 miles) far away. Drop services could suffice, like those offered by taxis, ride-hailing, and private shuttles. Arrive at least 2 hours before departure of the cruise, and if you are capable of wasting more time, try and make it 3 hours.

Embarkation Process

Various cruise companies have different embarking procedures and timings. Carry all that is necessary, such as passport, cruise tickets, and any required visa. One should consider check-in online to save some time at the port.

How to Pack

Light and flowing clothes should be packed, given the mild weather. In addition, the dress code is modest for the worship centers, e.g., the Hassan II Mosque, in which you will require a good pair of walking shoes. For nights, however, prepare by wearing light jackets, possibly hats, and sunscreen.

Currency

Morocco's currency trades as the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Carry some cash in case of tiny expenses or open-market shopping, although card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Currency exchange offices exist at the port and all over the city.

FAQs About Casablanca, Morocco Cruise Departure Port

1. What is the Distance from the Cruise Port to the Airport Mohammed VI?

It takes from 40 to 50 minutes by taxi with a distance of approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles). Trains and shuttles can also be taken to the centre of the city.

2. Is There a Weight Limit for Luggage on Cruise Ships?

Which all does not regulate a weight limit, but generally, luggage should be kept light due to limited spaces for storage in the cabin. Thus, I would recommend checking with the policies of the cruise line you are dealing with.

3. Are Shore Excursions Included in the Trip Price?

Usually, shore excursions are not included and must therefore be booked separately.

4. Should One Stay in Casablanca Prior to the Cruise?

We would definitely say so! Explore the Old Medina, Corniche, Hassan II Mosque, and sample Moroccan food.