Marseille Cruise Ship Port Travel and Tourism in Provence

Table Of Content

• Local Currency & Tipping Customs
• Rhodes, Greece – Cruise Port Guide
• Solo Cabin Booking Options on European Cruises: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation
• Marseille Cruise Ship Port
• Culinary-Focused Cruises for Foodies in Asia: Satisfy Your Taste Buds on the High Seas
• Park National des Calanques

Occasionally, the port also provides a free shuttle bus line to the city. Marseille Provence Cruise Center (Mole Leon Gourret piers) serve the majority of cruise ships docking in Marseille. This terminal has a large-capacity building and is the embarkation point for all round-trip ship departures. To Porte 4 drive on Motorway A55, then take Exit 5 (“Les Ports”) and just follow the traffic signs "Gares Maritimes" and "Croisière". Marseille, the largest city in southern France, nestles majestically along the Mediterranean coast.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Whether you have a few hours in the Marseille cruise port, an overnight, or extend your trip before or after your cruise, you’ll find this Mediterranean Sea city is a fun seasonal destination. Marseille’s tourist attractions make it interesting, and those attractions are interesting because they’re ingrained in the city’s story. You can get there by car, shuttle, or public transportation (bus and trains).

Rhodes, Greece – Cruise Port Guide

The MuCEM, Marseille's newest museum - Provence - France.fr

The MuCEM, Marseille's newest museum - Provence.

Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Marseille Cruise Port offers many shopping opportunities to satisfy every traveler’s retail cravings. The Old Port is a must-visit area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and numerous shops. So, embrace your inner foodie and ensure that exploring local cuisine and seeking out the best places to eat are on your agenda when visiting Marseille cruise port.

Solo Cabin Booking Options on European Cruises: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation

It offers options for avid shoppers looking for the latest fashion trends or simply wanting to browse through different stores. Excursion experiences also offer visits to local restaurants where you can savor some of the best dishes Marseille offers. Immerse yourself in the culture at the MuCEM Museum of Civilizations of Europe, showcasing exhibits that highlight European heritage.

He large-capacity cruise terminals welcome cruise passengers at the head of the line and in transit in the Mediterranean aboard the latest generation of cruise ships. Designed in consultation with the world's leading cruise operators, they offer a range of services that meet the expectations of shipowners and cruise passengers. The Marseille cruise port, with its modern cruise terminals and wide range of amenities, has earned its place as a favourite among cruise passengers.

Marseille Cruise Ship Port

It's not just the city centre that’s fascinating; the outskirts of Marseille also offer a host of attractions for cruise guests. If you want to travel to the city center with public transportation, it will be a big help to utilize the free cruise shuttle provided by the Port of Marseille. It operates between the cruise port (Port 4) and La Joliette, traveling southeast along the waterfront to get to the city center. On the reverse journey, it heads northwest from the city center to cruise Port 4. Marseille, the oldest city in France, is a great cruise ship port stop in the Mediterranean.

Culinary-Focused Cruises for Foodies in Asia: Satisfy Your Taste Buds on the High Seas

The city centre hums with life, flaunting the authentic charm of French culture and tradition. But perhaps the most impressive part of Marseille is its cruise port. The Marseille Cruise Port is the city's gateway to the Mediterranean and beyond, welcoming both large and small cruise ships throughout the year. This port, being the largest port in France, serves as an important hub for cruise passengers and marine travellers, offering a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and captivating views. As your voyage comes to an end and you prepare to disembark from your cruise ship, take a moment to reflect on your journey. Marseille, the largest city of Southern France, with its bustling city centre, scenic Mediterranean coast, historical landmarks, and modern cruise terminals, has offered you a bouquet of experiences.

In the city center, travelers can find restaurants serving mouthwatering cuisine worldwide. It will take you to Joliette, from where you can catch a tram (line T2 or T3), bus or metro (line 2) to all points within the city centre. A ticket on Marseille's public transport system entitles you to one free transfer per hour between the bus, tram and metro networks. If you are flying into Marseille-Provence airport at Marignane, a cruise ship shuttle (navette croisières) may be provided by your cruise company. Marseille's port sprawls a long way along the city's northern coastline. It includes the ferry terminals serving Corsica, Sardinia, Algeria and Tunisia, freight terminals and dry docks as well as the cruise line terminals.

Port Marseille cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Marseille, France Riviera. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

From Vitrolles-Aerport Marseilles Provence train station, you ride a regional train to get to Marseille St-Charles, Marseille’s main train station. Once you walk to the exit of the port area where a car can load passengers, it takes between 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Vieux Port area by Taxi or Uber. On May 28, 2018, European Investment Bank (EIB) provided Marseille-Fos Port with EUR 50 million (USD 58,5 million) loan to support 5 port infrastructure development projects. The funding was for reorganizing the ferry terminals (serving Corsica and North Africa passenger traffic) and enlarging the Passe Nord (to allow access for larger cruise liners). Among the projects were also developments and enhancements of existing containership-handling facilities.

Solo travelers looking to book European cruises have a range of options when it comes to cabin accommodations. The Marseille Cruise Port is dedicated to sustainable practices, ensuring that the beauty of Southern France is preserved for future generations. The port adheres to strict environmental regulations, utilising energy-efficient systems and prioritising waste management.

Le Panier sits on a hillock in the centre of Marseille and takes on the feel of an authentic, lively Provencal village. The facades are colourful, the alleyways full of flowers and the walls popular with street artists. Taking a 20-minute ferry ride to Château d’If is a popular choice for many visitors. This intriguing island was uninhabited until the 16th century when a fort was built under the instruction of François I. It then went on to become a prison and holds fascinating stories of the prisoners held there. Additionally, various tours and tickets allow you to fully experience all that Marseille Cruise Port offers.

Marseille cruise port has terminals located at two different areas of the harbor. The small and middle size ships use the Joliette (J4) Terminal berths. The network will be expanded in 2 phases to cover the ferry docks for North Africa and the ship repair hub (by 2022) and the cruise terminal (by 2025).

Marseille Cruise Port Guide Info

Table Of Content

• How to Get from Marseille Airport to the Cruise Port with a Private Transfer
• From Marseille Provence Airport
• Marseille Cruise Port Info: Complete Visitors Guide
• Cruise passengers
• Culinary-Focused Cruises for Foodies in Asia: Satisfy Your Taste Buds on the High Seas

Château d’If is located about 1.5 km/1 mile offshore from Marseille and 5.5 km/3.5 miles from the Vieux-Port. It is the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago known for being entirely fortified and centered around the “château”, a square, three-story building flanked by three towers with large gun embrasures. The palace is surrounded by a wonderful park filled with animal sculptures and an imposing fountain with cascades (known as château d’eau or “water castle”). Palais Longchamp area is open to the public and is a true green oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

How to Get from Marseille Airport to the Cruise Port with a Private Transfer

Joliette cruise port also serves ferries to Corsica, Sardinia and North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco). Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT), also known as Môle Léon Gourret, is around 5-6 miles from the Old Port (Le Vieux Port), the main centre of Marseille. Walking there is not advised, so free shuttle buses, running approximately every 30 minutes, offer transport to Joliette Station. From here, you can get a tram (line T2 and T3) or the metro (line 2) to the centre. Cruise ships also often provide their own shuttles, and plenty of taxis are available, costing upwards of €17. Several cruise shuttle options are available to get to the terminal in Marseille.

From Marseille Provence Airport

8 Best Things to Do in Marseille - Cruiseline.com

8 Best Things to Do in Marseille.

Posted: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 01:06:18 GMT [source]

We’re happy to answer the most common questions we have seen about Marseille cruise port. If you have questions that are not answered here, please add a comment at the end of the post to ask! When you see French road signs that say “Quai du Port,” you will know you’re close to one of the largest ports in France. If you don’t want to deal with figuring out how to get around Marseille, but you still want to see the sights in town, you have great tour options you can book on your own. They will save you a ton of time and energy figuring things out on your own. If the shuttle’s end point by La Joliette isn’t where you want to go, you can walk or take trains, trams, or buses from there to get to your destination.

Marseille Cruise Port Info: Complete Visitors Guide

This cruise ship terminal is also known as MPCC (Marseille Provence Cruise Center) or Môle Léon Gourret piers. MPCT is located in the industrial zone northwest of the Vieux-Port de Marseille, approximately 8 km/5 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the city center. From the port of Marseille, it takes passengers just an hour to reach the city of Arles, so why deprive yourself if you've got a bit of time on your hands? He moved here in 1888, and it was here that he found the inspiration for his most famous paintings.

With several terminal docking points (A-F), it is designed to cater for embarkation, disembarkation and transit passengers and offers parking, luggage drop-off points (but not left luggage storage) and lounges. You’ll also find ATMs, a café, toilets, tourist information and shore excursion pick-up and drop-off locations. The port of Marseille has modern cruise terminals located near the city, including the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT).

How do you get from Marseille cruise port to the city center? Can you walk from the cruise terminal to the city center?

From high-end fashion stores to quirky boutiques and bustling local markets, the city has something for everyone. Visit the city centre and the Old Port area, where local markets sell everything from Provencal fabrics and soaps to local produce and seafood. Most of Marseille's hotels are not near the cruise port because it’s partially a working, industrial area. The best thing to do is to look for hotels that are between the cruise port and the Joliette area.

Cruise passengers

Street art in Le Panier in Marseilles with a graffiti artist - France.fr

Street art in Le Panier in Marseilles with a graffiti artist.

Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The islands are home to endemic flora and fauna and boast a rich historic heritage with fortresses, ramparts, beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and a variety of restaurants and shops for tourists. L’île de Pomègues is connected to l’île de Ratonneau via a causeway and both islands can be visited on foot within a couple of hours. The château was built in the 16th century for military and defensive purposes, however, it was mainly used as a dumping ground for political and religious detainees throughout the centuries. Today, Château d’If is a historic monument and a tourist attraction that can be visited by ferry from the Vieux-Port. Vieux Port is one of the clear highlights of Marseille and the entire region of Provence itself.

Culinary-Focused Cruises for Foodies in Asia: Satisfy Your Taste Buds on the High Seas

You’ve ventured through bustling markets, explored historical landmarks, savoured culinary delights, and admired the azure expanse of the Mediterranean sea. This cruise port is located near Place de la Joliette and within walking distance of the Vieux-Port de Marseille (Old Port), the main tourist district where the city’s main landmarks and attractions are located. La Joliette cruise terminal has several berths and is dedicated to small and medium-sized vessels including cruise ships, tender boats, cargo ships, mega yachts and ferries with lengths less than 200 m/565 ft.

Access to Marseille Cruise Port

There are six cruise terminals (Terminals A, B, C, D, F, E) with modern cruise terminal buildings offering embarkation/disembarkation facilities, luggage drop-off, check-in areas, and large car parks. You will also find a cafeteria, a tourist information office point, and several ATMs. Big cruise ships dock at the “Gares du Môle Léon Gourret” or the “Stations of Mole Leon Gourret.” Most major cruise lines arrive here, usually at Gate 4.

Explore the neighborhoods of Cours Julien and Le Panier to experience their own unique vibes. As you pass by the Old Port, walk your way through the labyrinth of alleys in the Panier (Old Town) adapted for strolls and enjoy the amazing craft shops, bars and vibrant street art. You might want to take a short one hour petit train ride since the area is particularly steep. A must see on your tour is the amazing baroque Vieille Charité, an arts centre, which originally was a charity house. Aix-en-Provence is a university city and the birthplace of the post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. For art enthusiasts, you can walk a trail that links all the sites he frequented.

Marseille cruise port is part of Marseille Fos Port - France's largest port. Along with its cruise terminals, the port also has ferry terminals that serve the Ro-Ro shipping traffic (cars and passengers) to and from Algeria, Corsica, Sardinia, also Tunisia. Among the port's facilities are also dry docks and shipbuilding yards. Things to do in Marseille abound, and you don’t have to travel far from where cruise ships dock or where you reach the city center to see them. Though Marseille is the largest city in southern France, the main attractions are in a fairly compact and centrally located area.

Several cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Aida, and Oceania Cruises, choose to dock their ships at the Marseille cruise terminal (External link) . Additionally, Ponant, a French company, offers an alternative to the larger cruise ships with its maxi yachts. The numerous cruise lines based in Marseille, whether as the head of a line or as a stopover, offer a wide range of options to choose from. You can select the cruise that suits your preferences, whether you prefer a lively or tranquil atmosphere, a large liner or a smaller ship, or a sober or opulent setting. Most cruise ships will arrive at Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT). Built in 2009, it is one of the world’s 15 largest cruise terminals, seeing 500 cruising calls in 2018.

If you need to deposit your baggage before or after your trip, do so at Marseille Saint Charles station or Marseille-Provence airport. Cruise passengers disembarking at the Joliette (J4) Terminal are in luck as they will be close to several bus routes and a short walk from the Joliette metro and tram stops. This station is on the Blue Coast Line, pictured, between Marseille and Miramas and you will need to change trains at Saint Charles if you want to travel on to Aix, Arles or Avignon.

Vieux Port is a natural harbor waterway and is currently the city's most popular (mainly pedestrian) area. This neighborhood was once falling into disarray, but today it’s been revitalized as a center for arts and culture. Close to the Cathédrale La Major and the Musée des Civilisations, the neighborhood makes for a pleasant afternoon of gallery and museum hopping. Cruise guests looking to explore further afield often opt to visit the artistic and beautiful locations of Arles and Aix-en-Provence. Shore excursions are available and usually cover both these locations, or you can opt to travel independently.