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About Casablanca

The sprawling, Moroccan city of Casablanca, sits on the north-west coast of Africa. Modern, vibrant and boasting a fascinating history and heritage, it offers some incredible contrasts. Racing traffic whizzes by a backdrop of wide boulevards, parks and streets lined with a unique blend of French-Colonian and Moroccan style architecture, all of which can be explored on our Casablanca cruises.

Part of Casablanca lies within the walls of the Ancienne Medina - built in the 19th century - which contains narrow lanes crammed with piled-high stalls as well as the last remains of the city's 18th century fortifications. 

On our cruises to Casablanca you can also see rising above the ocean on a rocky outcrop the Hassan ll Mosque - the landmark of the city. Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built to commemorate the former King's birthday, it is the world's largest mosque, boasting a soaring 700ft high minaret. In addition, Casablanca cruise itineraries include a short drive up the coast to visit Rabat, Morocco's capital and home of the country's royal family.

 

Shore excursions in Casablanca

Please note: The shore excursions listed are typical for this port. The full programme of shore excursions available for your cruise will be displayed on Cruise Personaliser at least 12 weeks prior to departure.

Casablanca and Rabat

Activity highMeal included

Duration: 10 hours

This tale of 2 cities will give you a perfect introduction to Casablanca and Rabat.

Your tale begins with a panoramic drive along the Corniche Boulevard of Casablanca and its wonderful hotels and luxury restaurants for a photo stop at the Hassan II Mosque, an awe-inspiring modern marvel decorated by artisans over the centuries.

Continue through the boulevard d’Anfa and the residential district of Anfa. Crossing the Arab League and Place des Nations, visit the famous Cathedral Notre Dame de Casablanca.

Sit back and relax for the drive to Rabat, some 60 miles north of Casablanca. Upon arrival, you’ll see the 18th century Medina of Rabat, with its narrow streets.

Lunch will be served in a typical Moroccan restaurant within the Medina. After lunch, you will visit the Andalusian Gardens of the Kasbah of Oudayas, dating back to the 17th century, the prestigious Mohamed V Mausoleum (considered as the 8th wonder of the world), and the Royal Palace Esplanade to admire the majestic palace, built in the second half of the 18th century by the Sultan Mohamed Ben Abdullah. As you journey back to Casablanca, you will have time to reflect on your Moroccan experience.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. To derive full enjoyment from this excursion a total of 2 hours of walking is necessary. Steps must be negotiated at the Kasbah of Oudayas and Mausoleum. The order of the visits may vary.

Casablanca Art Deco and Rick's Cafe-Small Group To

Activity highRefreshments included

Duration: 3½ hours

Explore the city of Casablanca old and new, and enjoy a drink at Rick’s Cafe.

Your walk begins at the Hassan II Mosque. Completed in 1993 the mosque is the most stunning monument in the City. Constructed looking over the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque has an impressive minaret (tower), which reaches over 650 feet in height.

A stop will be made at Place Mohamed V to admire the splendid government buildings, such as the prefecture, with its tall bell tower, and see the Palais de Justice.

Continue to the Place des Nations Unies, a square surrounded by elegant residential buildings. Discover the city's rich architectural heritage, which is a blend of French-colonial design and traditional Moroccan style, known as Mauresque architecture. Developed in the 1930s and heavily influenced by the Art Deco movement, it embraced decorative details such as intricately carved friezes, beautiful tile work and ornate wrought-iron balconies.

Before returning to the ship, relax whilst sipping a soft drink at the famous Rick’s Café. Thanks to the immortal film Casablanca, this café has been designed with details and mementoes reminiscent of the film and gives you a great opportunity to relive the magic of Casablanca and relive those famous scenes between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

Essential information

This operates by coach and on foot. There is a total of 2 hours’ walking and steps to be negotiated at the mosque and Rick’s Café.

Casablanca Highlights

Activity mediumShopping

Duration: 4½ hours

Casablanca, experience the highlights, mystery and romance of Morocco’s largest city.

Casablanca, founded in 1515 by the Portuguese, is now an expanding dynamic metropolis, with wide avenues lined by modern buildings of European style.

Your tour will begin with an enjoyable drive along the coastal road known as the Corniche, bordered by an uninterrupted sweep of beaches and a tourist area hidden among the rocks. Spend approximately an hour at the imposing Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and the third largest mosque in the Islamic world. This magnificent building has a 689-foot-high minaret and a capacity for 25,000 worshippers.

Afterwards, you'll take a panoramic drive through the residential quarter of Anfa with its mansion houses, crossing of the Boulevard Zerktouni and the beautiful Arab league and Nations Square. Stop for a picture of the Palace of Justice, then visit the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes and discover the Royal Palace Esplanade and the typical Moorish-style buildings of the Habous Quarter. Before returning to the ship you’ll make a brief stop, for the opportunity to purchase spices, leather goods and souvenirs at the United Nations Square.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Shoes must be removed in the Mosque and shoulders and knees should be covered. To derive full enjoyment from this excursion a total of 2 hours of walking is necessary. Steps must be negotiated at the Mosque, church and Habous quarter. Only an exterior visit will be made to the Notre Dame Church on a Sunday.The order of sights may vary.

Cosmopolitan Casablanca and Belly Dance

Activity lowMeal included

Duration: 3½ hours

Experience the history and culture of Casablanca and be mesmerised by a mystical belly dancer, whilst enjoying a traditional Moroccan lunch.

Your tour of Casablanca will begin with an exterior visit of the Hassan II Mosque. This will give an opportunity to photograph one of the largest religious monuments in the world after Mecca. The mosque boasts the world’s largest minaret, stretching 650 feet in height. Marvel at the impressive Moroccan architecture of this vast mosque built on the edge of the sea.

Drive along the coastal area of Casablanca called the ‘Corniche Boulevard’ with its wonderful hotels, restaurants and private swimming pools.

Your tour continues through the residential district of Anfa, with its stunning mansion houses and expensive private properties. You’ll then drive through the city centre to the Mohamed V Square to admire the true beauty of the Palace of Justice.

The tour will conclude with a Moroccan lunch, accompanied by belly dancing and the Folkloric group "Dakka Marrakchia" or Gnawa Music.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach. Passengers must be able to negotiate the steps onto and off the coach.

El Jadida Portuguese Connections

Activity mediumRefreshments included

Duration: 6 hours

Journey back in time and visit one of the best preserved Portuguese fortress towns in Morocco.

Once known as Mazagan, the fortified city of El Jadida was built on the shores of the Atlantic and founded in 1513 by the Portuguese. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a small, delightful coastal town with several 12 feet-thick bastions – L’Ange, Saint Sebastian, Saint Antoine and Saint Esprit.

Within its city walls are the former Portuguese residences, with pilasters and wrought iron balconies, and the minaret and mosque standing next to the deconsecrated Church of Our Lady of Assumption, built in the pentagonal watchtower.

During a stroll around the ramparts and from each of the 5 bastions, you’ll have magnificent views across the town and sea gate, the moat and the clustered houses.

You will be amazed by an interior visit of the cistern, an underground reservoir. This immense square hall is supported by 25 columns and lit only by a circular opening in the roof.

Built originally as an arsenal, in the 16th century the Portuguese transformed it into a cistern. There is a mark on the wall that records the water level at that time; a setting often used by film-makers, in particular Orson Wells for his ‘Othello’.

You’ll make a short visit of the Medina on foot and stop for a refreshment before returning to Casablanca.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 45 minutes of total walking included on this tour with steps and uneven ground to negotiate at the cistern and the ramparts. The order of the sights may vary.

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