Cruises from Casablanca
Casablanca - the largest city in Morocco and the country's main maritime gateway on the Atlantic. It is the economic heart of the Kingdom, attracting an ever-growing number of cruise travellers every year. The largest metropolis of the Maghreb stretches along the Atlantic Ocean coast, west of the capital, Rabat. Here, French colonial Art Deco intertwines with the snow-white façades of Arab architecture, the colossal Hassan II Mosque rises directly above the ocean, and a morning coffee in the historic Old Medina can easily turn into dinner with a view of the Atlantic waves.
For a cruise traveller, Casablanca is not just a point on the route map. It is a new yet rapidly rising star of the cruise Atlantic: from here opens the road to the heart of Morocco — Rabat, Marrakesh and Fez. In 2024, around 150,000 cruise passengers passed through the port of Casablanca, and on 18 September 2025 a new modern cruise terminal was ceremonially inaugurated here, completely transforming the city's capacity to welcome liners. In just the first four months of operation, the terminal received 53 ships and nearly 94,000 passengers. Casablanca is confidently turning into a key port of call at the crossroads of Atlantic and Mediterranean routes. 🚢
📋 Before setting off on a cruise from Casablanca or stepping ashore for a few hours of port call, it is worth knowing the essentials:
🇲🇦 Country: Morocco
📍 Region: Casablanca-Settat (region)
👥 Population: about 3.36 million residents (metropolitan area — over 4.3 million)
📐 Area: about 220 km²
🗣️ Languages: Arabic and Berber (Tamazight) — official; French is widely used in business and tourism
💶 Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)
🕐 Time zone: GMT+1 — one hour behind Kyiv
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean with oceanic influence, with mild winters (+12…+18 °C) and warm but not scorching summers (+22…+28 °C)
✈️ Nearest airport: Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) — approximately 30 km from the cruise port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Casablanca Cruise Port (Port de Casablanca)
🗺️ Port highlight: one of the largest ports in Africa, with a new cruise terminal designed to welcome the world's biggest liners
🏛️ The history of Casablanca — from Berber Anfa to the cruise Atlantic
⏳ From a pirate harbour to an economic capital
The history of Casablanca is, above all, the history of its harbour. Back in the Middle Ages, a prosperous Berber town called Anfa stood on this spot, renowned along the entire Atlantic coast. It was home to a base of pirates who attacked and seized the ships of European powers, which is why in 1468 the Portuguese razed the town to the ground. Later, the Portuguese returned and founded a new settlement here, naming it Casa Branca — «the White House». When the city came under the control of Moroccan sultans in the 18th century, the name was translated into Spanish — Casablanca, and it has survived to this day.
The city's true rise began in the early 20th century. In 1907 the French landed in Casablanca, and from 1912, during the French protectorate, General Hubert Lyautey transformed the modest port town into the country's main economic centre. It was then that the wide boulevards, Mohammed V Square and the inimitable Casablanca Art Deco appeared — a fusion of French elegance with Moroccan ornamentation.
⚔️ From a cinema legend to a modern metropolis
For the whole world, the city's name is forever linked to the iconic 1942 film «Casablanca» with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman — although, oddly enough, not a single frame of the film was shot in the city itself. This romantic aura still draws travellers from around the world.
After Morocco gained independence in 1956, Casablanca firmly established itself as the financial and industrial heart of the country — more than half of all banking operations in Morocco take place here. The crown of the city's modern history became the Hassan II Mosque, built in 1986–1993 directly above the waters of the Atlantic. And in 2025, the opening of the new cruise terminal gave the city yet another role — that of a leading cruise gateway to West Africa. 🥇
⚓ The port of Casablanca — the heart of Atlantic Morocco
📊 Scale and structure of the port
The modern Port de Casablanca is one of the largest port complexes on the entire African continent. It is a multifunctional harbour combining container and cargo terminals (including those for Morocco's main export goods — phosphates and citrus fruits), a fishing port and the new cruise terminal. A significant share of the country's entire foreign trade passes through the port.
For a cruise traveller, the key facility is the new Casablanca Cruise Port — a modern terminal ceremonially inaugurated by King Mohammed VI on 18 September 2025. The terminal's infrastructure includes a 650-metre quay, three boarding bridges (jet bridges), parking for 44 buses and a maritime station designed to international standards. The terminal is capable of accommodating the world's largest cruise liners of up to 350 metres in length, while its projected annual capacity exceeds 450,000 passengers. ✨ The terminal is managed under a 15-year concession by the international operator Global Ports Holding through its subsidiary Casablanca Cruise Port; the investment in the terminal's infrastructure amounted to about 67 million EUR.
🚢 How many liners the port can accommodate
Casablanca receives liners both as transit calls (when a ship stops for a single-day visit) and in turnaround mode (when cruises begin or end here with a full change of passengers). The depth at the quay reaches 11 metres, allowing even the largest Oasis-class vessels — the flagships of the world's cruise fleet — to berth here. Thanks to direct access to Mohammed V International Airport, the terminal is perfectly suited for turnaround operations, when thousands of passengers disembark and head home while new travellers come aboard to take their place.
The terminal itself is located on the Jetée Moulay Youssef pier and features a modern maritime station that brings all services together under one roof: customs, border control, port police, the royal gendarmerie, as well as waiting areas, parking and retail outlets. The terminal lies just about 1 kilometre from the city centre, and the Old Medina can be reached on foot in around half an hour. Free shuttle buses to the city centre are provided for passengers. 🚌
🏢 Which cruise lines operate from Casablanca
Casablanca features on the itineraries of many of the world's leading cruise brands as a port of call on transatlantic crossings and cruises along the Atlantic coast of Morocco and the Canary Islands. Liners from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Viking and other companies put in here. Casablanca has become part of a single Atlantic corridor of operators connecting the Canary Islands, West Africa and the Western Mediterranean. 🌍
💡 Interesting facts about Casablanca and its port
Getting to know the city will be more complete if you know a few less-than-obvious details:
🕌 The Hassan II Mosque has the tallest minaret in the world — 210 metres. It is one of the largest mosques on the planet, able to hold 105,000 worshippers: 25,000 inside the prayer hall and another 80,000 on the outer square.
🌊 Part of the Hassan II Mosque stands directly above the ocean. The structure was built on a platform overhanging the Atlantic, and part of the glass floor allows worshippers to see the water beneath their feet.
🎬 The famous film «Casablanca» was not filmed in Casablanca. The entire iconic 1942 picture was shot on Hollywood sound stages, so you won't find the romantic «Rick's Café» in the real city — although several establishments do recreate its atmosphere for tourists.
🏦 More than half of all banking operations in Morocco take place here. Casablanca is the undisputed financial heart of the country, and its business district — Casablanca Finance City — aspires to the role of the main financial hub of all Africa.
🏛️ The city's name means «the White House». The word comes from the Spanish casa (house) and blanca (white), a reference to the snow-white façades of the old Moorish settlement.
🚋 Casablanca boasts a modern tram network. While the cruise port is conveniently reached on foot or by tram, the city itself takes pride in one of the most developed public transport systems in Africa.
🍊 The port of Casablanca is one of the main exporters of citrus fruits and phosphates. A large share of Moroccan exports passes through this harbour, making it strategically vital for the country's entire economy.
⚓ It is one of the largest artificial ports in Africa. Unlike many natural harbours, the port of Casablanca was significantly expanded and modernised in the 20th century, becoming one of the continent's key maritime arteries.
📍 Main attractions of Casablanca — must-see for the cruise traveller
A cruise liner's stop in Casablanca usually lasts from 8 to 12 hours, so it is important to choose your priorities in advance. A detailed list with photos, addresses and opening hours can be found in the «Sights and Places of Interest» section, and below is a brief overview of the landmark locations that shape the city's face.
🕌 The Hassan II Mosque — the main masterpiece and symbol of Casablanca. Built directly above the ocean, it has the world's tallest minaret (210 m) and astounds with its interior of cedar wood, marble and zellij. It is the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors — entry by guided tour only.
🏘️ The Old Medina — the historic heart of the city, a labyrinth of narrow lanes surrounded by fragments of old 18th-century fortifications with four gates. Local goods, spices, olives and souvenirs are sold here in an authentic atmosphere.
🏛️ Mohammed V Square — the ceremonial administrative heart of the city with fountains and majestic Art Deco buildings: courts, banks, the main post office. A superb example of the fusion of French and Moroccan architecture.
🏰 The Habous Quarter (New Medina) — a modern district built by the French in the 1920s–30s in the traditional Moroccan style, with arches, artisan shops and a royal palace nearby.
🌊 The Corniche promenade (Ain Diab) — a fashionable seafront promenade with restaurants, cafés and beaches stretching along the ocean from the Hassan II Mosque. The perfect spot for a stroll with a view of the Atlantic.
🏛️ The Museum of Moroccan Judaism — the only Jewish museum in the Arab world, telling the centuries-old story of Morocco's Jewish community.
🏙️ Rabat — the capital of Morocco, 90 km to the north (about 1 hr 15 min away). A UNESCO site with the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. A popular day-trip destination for passengers with a longer stay.
🐪 Marrakesh — the legendary «red city» 250 km to the south. Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace and the labyrinths of the souks. This is a full-day excursion, but the experience is well worth it.
✨ Why choose a cruise from Casablanca
Casablanca is a genuine discovery for the cruise traveller seeking something new beyond the usual Mediterranean routes.
Firstly, it is the gateway to the real Morocco: within a few hours of port call you can reach the imperial cities — Rabat or even Marrakesh — and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of oriental bazaars, palaces and the desert. 🐪
Secondly, it offers brand-new modern infrastructure: the cruise terminal opened in 2025 ensures comfortable reception of the largest liners and convenient logistics right in the city centre. 🌊
Thirdly, the very contrast of the city is already an experience in itself: the grandiose Hassan II Mosque above the ocean, elegant Art Deco, the bustling lanes of the Old Medina and modern financial districts create a unique flavour at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Arab world. 🍷
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you select the optimal liner, route and cabin, take care of the details of airport transfers and the necessary documentation, and offer exclusive fares from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and other leading brands with whom we cooperate as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference purposes only and is accurate as of the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please verify the current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Casablanca
Casablanca — Morocco's largest city and the country's main maritime gateway on the Atlantic coast. Until September 2025 the port had no dedicated cruise terminal, but with the opening of the new modern maritime station (Gare Maritime), the journey from ship to city has become simple and predictable. The cruise berth sits just 1–1.5 kilometres from the historic centre, yet the route runs through an industrial port zone, so walking is not always convenient. Below is a verified step-by-step guide with all transfer options, current prices, and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯
📍 Exactly where the Casablanca cruise port is located
The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in Africa, combining cargo, fishing, and passenger berths. Cruise ships are handled by a separate new complex:
⚓ The new maritime station (Gare Maritime de Casablanca) — a modern cruise terminal that opened on 18 September 2025:
• A quay 650 metres long, accommodating ships up to 350 metres in length
• Three boarding bridges (one fixed and two telescopic) for convenient disembarkation
• A parking area for 44 coaches right beside the terminal
• The terminal is operated by Global Ports Holding — the world's largest private cruise terminal operator
• Estimated capacity — up to 450,000 passengers per year
📌 GPS address: Gare maritime de Casablanca, jetée Mly Youssef, 20000 Casablanca, Maroc
🚶 Distance to the city centre: about 1–1.5 km to the United Nations Square (Place des Nations Unies) and the old Medina
❗ Important: the exact berth and mooring time of your ship are always stated in your cruise voucher. Check the information 48–72 hours before boarding — details may change if the port schedule is adjusted.
✈️ From Mohammed V Airport (CMN) to the cruise terminal
Mohammed V International Airport is Morocco's main airport, located 30–36 km southeast of central Casablanca. All international flights arrive here, including those from Ukraine (via Istanbul, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, and other hubs). The journey to the cruise port takes from 40 minutes (taxi) to 1 hour (train with a transfer).
🚕 Taxi — the fastest and most convenient option
Official taxis wait around the clock right outside the arrivals hall. The airport is served by large white taxis (grands taxis) that handle long-distance routes.
• Travel time: 40–60 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Approximate fare to the port: about 250–350 MAD (roughly 25–35 EUR)
• Payment: mostly cash in dirhams; not all drivers accept cards
• Important: always agree on the price before getting in — large taxis work on a fixed tariff rather than a meter
💡 Tip from Four Gates: tell the driver specifically «Gare Maritime» or «cruise terminal», since the port is large and has several entrances.
🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
If you are travelling with family, as a group, or with a lot of luggage — this is the optimal choice. A driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign, help with your suitcases, and take you straight to the cruise terminal at a fixed price.
• Cost: from 400 MAD for a sedan (1–3 people), from 700 MAD for a minivan (4–7 people)
• Travel time: 40–50 minutes
• Advantages: fixed price, English-speaking driver, flight monitoring, no haggling or waiting in queues
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking the cruise.
🚆 ONCF train — an economical and reliable option
Right beneath the airport terminal (level -1) is the railway station Aéroport Mohammed V. Trains of the Moroccan railway ONCF are the fastest way to bypass road traffic jams.
Route:
1️⃣ Take the escalator down from the arrivals hall to the station (level -1), following the burgundy «Train / ONCF» signs
2️⃣ Board a train to Casa-Port station — the closest to the cruise port (sometimes with a transfer at Casa-Voyageurs or Aïn Sebaâ)
3️⃣ From Casa-Port station to the cruise terminal — about 10–15 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride
Cost:
• 2nd class: about 43–50 MAD
• 1st class: about 60–70 MAD
Travel time: 30–45 minutes to Casa-Port (plus transfer time if needed)
⚠️ Important: trains run hourly from roughly 06:00 to 22:50. Buy tickets at the ticket offices («billetterie») or at machines in the station; payment by cash or card. There is no night rail service to the airport — if your flight arrives late in the evening, the only way to reach the port is by taxi.
🚂 From Casa-Voyageurs railway station to the cruise terminal
If you arrive in Casablanca on the Al Boraq high-speed train (from Tangier, Rabat, or Kenitra) or on intercity trains from Marrakech and Fez, you will arrive at the city's main station — Casa-Voyageurs. It is located 4–5 km from the cruise port.
🚕 Taxi: 15–20 minutes, about 30–50 MAD (agree on the price in advance)
🚆 Suburban train: from Casa-Voyageurs to Casa-Port station — a few minutes' ride, about 10 MAD. Then a 10–15-minute walk to the cruise terminal
🚊 Tram: the modern Casa Tramway network connects Casa-Voyageurs with the centre; from the terminal stops, the port is easily reached on foot or by taxi
💡 Tip: if you have a lot of luggage, a taxi from Casa-Voyageurs is the fastest and most convenient choice.
🏙️ From central Casablanca to the cruise terminal
If you spent a night or several days at a hotel in the centre, you have several ways to reach the ship:
🚕 Red taxi (petit taxi) — about 20–40 MAD depending on the district. Fast (10–15 min), convenient with luggage. Important: small red taxis have a meter (compteur) — insist that it be switched on or agree on the price before the ride. They seat a maximum of 3 passengers.
🚌 Free port shuttle — the most convenient option for cruise tourists:
• Route: from the terminal to the port exit or to the city centre
• Cost: usually free (provided by the cruise line) or for a nominal fee
• Travel time: a few minutes
• Notes: the shuttle runs on cruise call days; check the exact schedule at the ship's reception desk
⚠️ Please note: pushy tour and taxi sellers often hang around the shuttle stop. If you don't need their services, decline politely but firmly.
🚶 On foot from the terminal — technically possible, but impractical with suitcases:
• Distance: about 1–1.5 km to the port exit and the start of the centre
• Time: 20–30 minutes
• The route runs through an industrial port zone with no shade
• Not recommended in hot weather or with heavy luggage
🚊 Casa Tramway: a modern network with air-conditioned cars and signage. The nearest stops are in the centre, from where the port is easily reached on foot or by taxi.
🚗 By your own car — parking near the port
If you arrive at the port in your own or a rented car, a parking area is set up beside the new cruise terminal:
🅿️ Parking by Gare Maritime — the closest to the terminal:
• Address: Gare maritime de Casablanca, jetée Mly Youssef
• Notes: a guarded area within the port zone, with designated spots for dropping off passengers and parking coaches
• Tip: for long-term parking, check the conditions and availability in advance with the port administration or your cruise line
🅿️ Parking in the city centre — an alternative for short calls:
• There are paid car parks around the United Nations Square and along Almohades Boulevard
• Cost: approximately from 20–30 MAD per day
💡 Tip: renting a car makes sense only if you plan independent trips to Rabat or Marrakech; for the port itself, a taxi or transfer is more convenient.
🛣️ GPS route: the most convenient way to the port is via the main city roads along the coast; the landmark on approach is the Hassan II Mosque, visible from almost any point on the waterfront.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The new Casablanca cruise terminal is fully adapted for people with reduced mobility:
✅ The terminal is equipped with ramps, lifts, and accessible entrances
✅ Accessible restrooms directly within the maritime station
✅ Three boarding bridges (including telescopic ones) ensure convenient disembarkation from ships
✅ Specially trained staff assist with embarkation, disembarkation, and transfers
✅ The airport railway station is equipped with escalators and lifts for easy movement with luggage
✅ Inform your cruise line in advance of any need for special assistance
⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Most cruise lines open their check-in desks 3–4 hours before the ship's departure. The optimal arrival time:
🕐 MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises: 3–3.5 hours before departure
🕐 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity: at your assigned check-in time (usually 30-minute windows)
🕐 Explora Journeys, Silversea, Seabourn (luxury segment): any time after the terminal opens
❗ Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure — being late means you'll see the ship only from the shore. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Morocco, our cruise specialists have gathered a set of tips that will save you time, money, and nerves:
🌅 Fly in the day before the cruise. A flight delay of even 2 hours can cost you the entire cruise — the ship won't wait. Casablanca is worth spending at least one night in before departure.
💼 Book your transfer in advance. The drive from the airport takes up to an hour, and at rush hour Casablanca traffic is unpredictable. A pre-booked transfer means a guaranteed price and zero waiting.
💶 Keep cash in dirhams on you. Most taxis, small shops, and markets accept cash only. Withdraw local currency at an ATM in the airport or terminal right after arrival.
🤝 Always agree on the taxi price in advance. Large white taxis run on a fixed tariff, while in small red ones you should insist on the meter. This will spare you needless arguments.
🚫 Be ready for pushy sellers near the port. Tours and taxis are often offered at the terminal exit. A polite but firm refusal is the best tactic.
📱 Download apps in advance: Careem (local taxi), ONCF or 12Go (train tickets), Google Maps with an offline map of Casablanca, Google Translate with the Arabic and French packs — not everything in the port is duplicated in English.
🕌 Use the Hassan II Mosque as a landmark. It is the tallest reference point on the waterfront, visible from almost everywhere — handy for navigating both to the port and back.
🏨 Choose a hotel in the centre or near the waterfront. From there it's 10–15 minutes to the port by taxi, making it easy to plan your itinerary both before and after the cruise.
📞 Casablanca cruise terminal contacts
Casablanca Cruise Port (general information): info@casablancacruiseport.com
Agence Nationale des Ports / ANP (Morocco's port authority): official website anp.org.ma
ONCF (Moroccan railway, train information): oncf.ma
Emergency services (police): 19
Emergency services (ambulance): 15
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
The logistics of a cruise from Casablanca have become much simpler since the new terminal opened in 2025. The city has a convenient rail link with the airport, affordable taxis, and free shuttles from the port to the centre — you just need to know the right options for your case. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients with every step: from choosing the best flight to Casablanca to arranging a private transfer with a name sign in the arrivals hall. Get in touch with our manager — and your cruise from Casablanca will begin without any stress. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference only and is accurate as of the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Casablanca Attractions and Sights: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travellers
Casablanca — Morocco's largest city and the country's main maritime gateway on the Atlantic. Here one of the world's largest mosques sits alongside whole districts of 1920s–1930s Art Deco, bustling oriental bazaars and a modern seafront promenade by the ocean. For a cruise passenger with an 8–12 hour port call, the key is choosing the right route. Below is a tried-and-tested guide to the main attractions, with current 2026 prices, opening hours and precise directions on how to reach each site from the new Casablanca Cruise Port terminal. 🎯
🕌 1. Hassan II Mosque (Mosquée Hassan II)
💡 Interesting facts and useful information:
The Hassan II Mosque is not merely Casablanca's main symbol but one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the few in Morocco that admits non-Muslims. It is built partly over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, so at high tide the temple seems to float on the waves. ✨
🔹 The mosque's minaret, standing 210 metres tall, is one of the highest in the world. At night a laser beam shines from its top towards Mecca.
🔹 The mosque holds 105,000 worshippers: 25,000 inside the prayer hall and another 80,000 on the esplanade (square) around it.
🔹 The prayer hall has a retractable roof that opens in just a few minutes, turning the space into an open courtyard. 🌅
🔹 Inside are 57 crystal chandeliers of Murano glass and a section of glass floor through which the ocean is visible.
🔹 Around 6,000 Moroccan craftsmen worked on the decoration, hand-carving wood, dressing marble and laying zellige mosaic.
📜 History:
Construction of the mosque began in 1986 by order of King Hassan II, after whom it is named. The building was ceremonially opened on 30 August 1993, on the eve of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The project was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau.
Construction cost roughly 800 million EUR. According to the official account, about a third of the sum was contributed personally by the king, while the rest was raised through a nationwide public subscription in which millions of Moroccans took part. The mosque was built in a record 7 years, despite the colossal amount of handwork involved. Today it remains an active place of worship and at the same time the country's leading tourist attraction.
🚢 How to get there from Casablanca Cruise Port:
• Fastest (taxi): 10–15 minutes, 100–150 MAD (a red «petit taxi»). Agree on the fare before the ride or ask the driver to use the meter. Address: Boulevard de la Corniche
• Free port shuttle + walking: the official bus takes you to Place Maréchal in the centre → then a taxi or a 25–30 min walk along the seafront
• On foot from the centre: from the Old Medina to the mosque ~20–25 min along the ocean
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Foreigners (adults): 140 MAD
• Moroccans, residents, foreign students: 70 MAD
• Children aged 6+ and Moroccan pupils: 30 MAD
• Children under 6: free
• Tour times (16 September – 14 March): Sat–Thu 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00; Fri 9:00, 10:00, 15:00
• Tour times (15 March – 15 September): Sat–Thu an additional session at 16:00; Fri — at 16:00
⚠️ IMPORTANT: non-Muslims may enter only on a guided tour and only outside prayer times. Tours last about an hour and are conducted in several languages (English, French, Arabic, German, Spanish). Tickets are bought at the ticket office on the south side of the mosque.
👕 Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes are removed at the entrance (bags for them are provided). Shorts and sleeveless tops are forbidden.
🏘️ 2. The Old Medina (Ancienne Médina)
💡 Interesting facts and useful information:
The Old Medina is Casablanca's oldest district and the closest attraction to the cruise port. It is a maze of narrow lanes where everything is sold: from spices and leather goods to watches and traditional babouches (Moroccan slippers).
🔹 The Medina is enclosed by old fortress walls with several gates, some of which survive from the 18th century.
🔹 It is the only district of the city that survived the modernisation of the French protectorate era almost unchanged.
🔹 The clock tower (Tour de l'Horloge) still stands here — a symbolic boundary between the old and new city.
🔹 Unlike the medinas of Fez or Marrakesh, this one is far more compact and easier to explore on your own. 🧭
🔹 Along the seaward side of the Medina runs the Sqala bastion — an old defensive terrace with cannon, now home to an atmospheric restaurant. 🍴
📜 History:
A settlement on the site of present-day Casablanca existed in Berber times under the name Anfa. In the 15th century the city was destroyed by the Portuguese, then rebuilt and named Casa Branca («white house») — hence the current name.
Most of the Old Medina buildings we see today appeared after the devastating earthquake of 1755, when the city was effectively rebuilt from scratch. In the 19th century, even before the arrival of the French, trade in grain, wool and tea flourished here. When the French protectorate began in 1912, the new city was built outside the Medina walls — so the old and new worlds of Casablanca separated geographically, but both were preserved.
🚢 How to get there from Casablanca Cruise Port:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes from the port gate along Boulevard des Almohades — this is the closest site to the port
• Free shuttle: to Place Maréchal, from where the Medina is a 5–10 min walk
• Taxi: 5–8 minutes, ~50–70 MAD
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the Medina: free (it is a residential and commercial quarter)
• Shop hours: roughly 9:00–19:00, with some closed on Friday afternoons
⚠️ Tip: haggling is the norm in the Medina — the first price quoted is usually inflated 2–3 times. Keep valuables in an anti-theft bag and beware of pushy «guides» who offer to show you the way for money.
⛪ 3. Sacré-Cœur Cathedral (Cathédrale Sacré-Cœur)
💡 Interesting facts and useful information:
Sacré-Cœur Cathedral is a former Catholic church that has long ceased to function as a place of worship, yet it impresses with unusual architecture on the border of neo-Gothic and Art Deco with Moroccan motifs. The snow-white structure with its two tall towers looks almost sculptural. ⚪
🔹 The cathedral was designed by French architect Paul Tournon in the late 1920s.
🔹 After Morocco gained independence in 1956, the church ceased its religious functions.
🔹 Despite the name «cathedral», it was never formally a cathedral in the ecclesiastical sense — it never housed a bishop's seat.
🔹 Today the building serves as a cultural space: exhibitions and fairs are held here.
🔹 For a separate fee you can climb the tower, which offers a panorama of the city centre. 🔭
📜 History:
The cathedral was built during the French protectorate, when Casablanca was growing rapidly and turning into Morocco's leading economic centre. The church was meant to serve the city's large European community.
Paul Tournon designed the building in the same period when whole Art Deco districts were rising in Casablanca. Its reinforced-concrete construction made possible the tall pointed forms that resemble Gothic from the outside but feature the geometric decoration characteristic of the 1930s. After 1956, when most of the French left the country, the church lost its parish. For a time the building stood abandoned, until it was adapted into a cultural centre. Today it is one of the most recognisable landmarks of the colonial era in the city.
🚢 How to get there from Casablanca Cruise Port:
• Taxi: 8–12 minutes, ~50–70 MAD. Location: near the Arab League Park
• Free shuttle + walking: to Place Maréchal → 15–20 min walk through the centre
• Tram: line T1 through the city centre (ticket 7 MAD)
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Viewing from outside: free
• Entry inside / tower climb: roughly 20–30 MAD (depending on whether it is open at the time of your visit)
⚠️ Note: the cathedral is not open every day and depends on whether exhibitions are being held. Check the schedule on site — sometimes only the exterior is accessible, which is itself worth a stop for photos.
🏛️ 4. Mohammed V Square (Place Mohammed V)
💡 Interesting facts and useful information:
Mohammed V Square is the grand administrative heart of Casablanca, surrounded by monumental buildings in the Art Deco and neo-Moorish styles of the protectorate period. It is the best place to sense the colonial grandeur of the city. 🏛️
🔹 At the centre of the square is a large musical fountain, around which locals gather in the evenings.
🔹 Because of its countless pigeons, the square has earned the nickname «Pigeon Square» (Place des Pigeons). 🕊️
🔹 The square is framed by the Wilaya (governor's residence) with its clock tower, the main post office, the courthouse and the Bank of Morocco — all in a single 1920s–1930s ensemble.
🔹 In the evenings the buildings are strikingly illuminated, and there are plenty of cosy cafes around the square. ☕
🔹 The square is often confused with the neighbouring Place des Nations Unies — historically the names of these two squares have swapped places several times.
📜 History:
The square was laid out in the early 20th century, when the first French resident-general, Hubert Lyautey, decided to make Casablanca the administrative capital of the protectorate. It was he who gave the city its broad boulevards, parks, fountains and imposing public buildings.
The architects of the time combined European Art Deco with traditional Moroccan elements — horseshoe arches, mosaic and carved decoration. This gave rise to a unique style sometimes called Moorish Art Deco. The square was named after Sultan (later King) Mohammed V, who became a symbol of the struggle for Moroccan independence. Today the square's ensemble is considered one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in all of North Africa.
🚢 How to get there from Casablanca Cruise Port:
• Free shuttle: takes you almost to the square (Place Maréchal is nearby) — the most convenient option
• On foot: 15–20 minutes from the port gate through the centre
• Taxi: 7–10 minutes, ~50–60 MAD
💶 Cost:
• Strolling the square: free (it is a public urban space)
• Surrounding cafes: coffee from 15–25 MAD, local sweets from 10 MAD
⚠️ Tip: the square looks its finest at sunset, when the fountain and the floodlit facades come on. A wonderful spot for an unhurried coffee while waiting for the shuttle back to the ship.
🎬 5. Rick's Café
💡 Interesting facts and useful information:
Rick's Café is a legendary restaurant-bar recreated after the cult 1942 film «Casablanca» with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The paradox is that no such bar ever existed in the film itself — all the scenes were shot on a Hollywood soundstage. 🎥
🔹 The venue was opened in 2004 by American Kathy Kriger — a former diplomat at the US Embassy in Morocco.
🔹 The cafe is housed in a traditional Moroccan mansion-riad from 1930 with an inner courtyard, arcades and a carved bar.
🔹 The interior was recreated by American designer Bill Willis: curved arches, brass lighting, balustrades — all in the spirit of the 1940s.
🔹 The hall features a piano on which classic tunes are played every evening, including the famous «As Time Goes By». 🎹
🔹 The menu includes cocktails from the film: French 75 and Negroni, as well as a «champagne cocktail».
📜 History:
For more than 60 years after the film's release, fans searched in vain in Casablanca for the famous Rick's bar. Kathy Kriger, who moved to Morocco in 1998 and worked as a commercial attaché at the US Embassy, decided to leave diplomacy after the events of 11 September 2001.
She set out to bring the cinematic legend to life — not as a stage set but as a living establishment combining Moroccan hospitality with Hollywood nostalgia. The project took years: she had to overcome bureaucracy and find craftsmen capable of recreating the visual language of the era. Rick's Café opened its doors on 1 March 2004 and immediately became one of the city's main tourist spots. Kathy Kriger ran the venue herself almost until her death in 2018.
🚢 How to get there from Casablanca Cruise Port:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes — the cafe is by the Old Medina, close to the port. Address: 248, Boulevard Sour Jdid
• Taxi: 5–8 minutes, ~50 MAD
• Free shuttle + walking: to Place Maréchal → 10 min walk
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Starters: 140–190 MAD
• Main courses: 190–290 MAD
• Coffee / drink at the bar: from 40–60 MAD
• Opening hours: usually lunch 12:00–15:00 and dinner from 18:30; live music in the evening
⚠️ IMPORTANT: for lunch it is best to book a table in advance via the official website rickscafe.ma — queues occur even with a reservation. A dress code applies: shorts, T-shirts and backpacks are not allowed in the dining room.
🌊 6. The Corniche and Ain Diab (La Corniche / Ain Diab)
💡 Interesting facts and useful information:
The Corniche is a lively seaside promenade along the Atlantic Ocean, stretching west from the Hassan II Mosque. It is the favourite leisure spot of Casablancans: cafes, restaurants, beach clubs and an endless ocean view. 🌊
🔹 Along the promenade lies the Ain Diab district with private beach clubs and pools.
🔹 Here stands the Sidi Abderrahman marabout — a small white mausoleum on a rocky islet that can be reached on foot at low tide. 🕯️
🔹 At the western end of the Corniche is Morocco Mall — one of the largest shopping centres in Africa, with an indoor aquarium and a fountain. 🛍️
🔹 Along the promenade are dozens of fish restaurants serving fresh seafood straight from the ocean. 🦐
🔹 This is the best place to watch the sunset over the Atlantic with a glass of mint tea. 🌅
📜 History:
The Ain Diab district began to be developed back in protectorate times as a leisure zone for the city's wealthier residents. The name Ain Diab translates as «spring of the jackals» — this area was once a wild outskirt.
In the second half of the 20th century, beach clubs, hotels and restaurants sprang up along the shore, and the Corniche became the main promenade artery of seaside Casablanca. In the 2010s the seafront was thoroughly renovated, with wide pedestrian zones and cycle paths laid out. The construction of the Hassan II Mosque at the eastern end of the Corniche in the 1990s definitively confirmed this coastline's status as the city's calling card.
🚢 How to get there from Casablanca Cruise Port:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes to the central part of the Corniche, ~70–120 MAD
• Taxi to Morocco Mall (western end): 20–25 minutes, ~100–150 MAD
• On foot from the Hassan II Mosque: the Corniche begins right behind the mosque
💶 Cost:
• Strolling the promenade: free
• Entry to beach clubs: from 100–200 MAD (with pool access)
• Lunch at a fish restaurant: from 150–250 MAD per main course
• Morocco Mall: free entry, aquarium ~120 MAD
⚠️ Tip: the Corniche is a great option for the afternoon if you have already visited the mosque in the morning. Combine a stroll with a seafood lunch and a taxi back to the port.
🛍️ 7. The Habous Quarter — New Medina (Quartier Habous)
💡 Interesting facts and useful information:
The Habous Quarter, or New Medina, is an «ideal medina» designed and built by the French in the 1920s–1930s. It combines traditional Moroccan layout with tidy streets, arches and orderly shops. 🏛️
🔹 Unlike the chaotic Old Medina, here there are wide streets, arcades and order — making it far more comfortable to wander.
🔹 It is the best place to buy Moroccan sweets, spices, ceramics and leather goods. 🍯
🔹 The quarter is home to the Mahkama du Pacha — a former courthouse and pasha's residence with stunning carving and zellige mosaic.
🔹 Two historic mosques stand here — Moulay Youssef and the Mohammed V Mosque.
🔹 Nearby are the gates of the Royal Palace with traditional brass doors and fine ornamentation (exterior viewing only). 👑
📜 History:
The Habous Quarter was laid out in the 1920s during the French protectorate. The idea was to create a modern, orderly version of a traditional medina for the Moroccan population moving into the growing city.
French architects combined Moroccan aesthetics with European urban planning: narrow shaded lanes, but straight and clean; traditional shops, but with a regular layout. The Mahkama du Pacha was built in the 1940s to a design by architect Auguste Cadet — the building served both as a courthouse and a ceremonial residence, and impresses with over 60 hand-carved rooms. Today the Habous Quarter is one of the most pleasant places for shopping and strolling in Casablanca.
🚢 How to get there from Casablanca Cruise Port:
• Taxi: 12–18 minutes, ~70–100 MAD — the most convenient option (the quarter is ~4 km south of the centre)
• Tram: line T1 towards the quarter (ticket 7 MAD)
• Free shuttle + taxi: to Place Maréchal → a short taxi ride
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Strolling the quarter: free
• Mahkama du Pacha: entry is often restricted (an administrative building); viewing is mostly from the outside
• Shop hours: roughly 9:00–19:00
⚠️ Tip: prices in Habous are slightly higher than in the Old Medina, but the quality of the goods and the comfort of the stroll are worth it. There is less pushiness here than in the classic bazaars.
🎨 8. Other attractions worth your attention
• 🏢 The Art Deco district (city centre) — Casablanca has one of the largest Art Deco ensembles in the world. Stroll the streets around Boulevard Mohammed V to see the 1920s–1930s facades. Free.
• 🛕 Central Market (Marché Central) — a colourful city market selling fresh fish, flowers, spices and fruit. Free entry, open from morning till evening.
• 🕯️ Museum of Moroccan Judaism — the only museum of Jewish culture in the Arab world. Entry ~50 MAD.
• ⚓ The Sqala bastion (La Sqala) — an old 18th-century defensive terrace with cannon by the Old Medina, now a restaurant with an inner garden. Free entry, lunch from 150 MAD.
• 🏙️ Casablanca Twin Center — the modern symbol of the business city, two skyscrapers with the Sky 28 observation bar. Coffee/cocktail from 80 MAD.
• 🚂 A trip to Rabat — Morocco's capital, about 1 hour by train from Casa-Port station (right by the port). Ticket ~40 MAD one way, trains every 30–60 minutes. A good option for those with a long port call.
• 🐪 An excursion to Marrakesh — the legendary city about 250 km away (2.5–3 hours by train or coach). Realistic only with a very long stop or an overnight stay in port. ❗
🗺️ Three self-guided routes around Casablanca in 8 hours
A cruise call in Casablanca usually lasts 8–12 hours. It is realistic to see 3–5 top attractions — if you plan your route well. Below are three options depending on your budget and preferences. ⚠️ Note: since 2026, pedestrians and unauthorised taxis are not allowed into the port area — use the free shuttle to Place Maréchal.
🥉 Route No. 1. Budget — up to 200 MAD per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: 150–200 MAD + food
🕘 09:00 — Leaving the cruise terminal
Board the free port shuttle → ride to Place Maréchal in the centre.
🕘 09:20–10:30 — The Old Medina
A free stroll through the maze of lanes, bazaars with spices and souvenirs, the Sqala bastion on the ocean side.
🕙 10:30–11:30 — Mohammed V Square and the Art Deco district
On foot. The fountain, the monumental protectorate buildings, a walk along the Art Deco streets around Boulevard Mohammed V.
🕦 11:30–13:00 — Hassan II Mosque (exterior viewing)
Taxi ~100 MAD or a 25-min walk along the ocean. Viewing from outside — free. Walk around the mosque, photos on the esplanade above the waves.
🕐 13:00–14:00 — Lunch at a local restaurant
Tagine or couscous in a city-centre cafe — 60–100 MAD.
🕝 14:00–15:00 — Central Market and Sacré-Cœur Cathedral (from outside)
On foot. The colourful market, then a look at the snow-white Art Deco cathedral.
🕞 15:00–15:30 — Return to Place Maréchal
On foot or by taxi → free shuttle to the terminal.
🕟 15:30–16:00 — Arrival at the ship, check-in
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Free shuttle: 0 MAD
• Taxi to the mosque: ~100 MAD
• Lunch: 60–100 MAD
• Reserve: 30–50 MAD
💸 TOTAL: 190–250 MAD per person (excluding museum tickets)
🥈 Route No. 2. Optimal — 500–700 MAD per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: ~600 MAD + food
🕘 08:45 — Leaving the port, shuttle to the centre, then a taxi to the mosque
Free shuttle to Place Maréchal → taxi ~100 MAD to the Hassan II Mosque. Maximum efficiency: you are among the first on the morning tour.
🕘 09:00–10:30 — Hassan II Mosque (interior tour)
Ticket 140 MAD with a guide. A full tour of the prayer hall, the underground hammams and the facade over the ocean.
🕤 10:30–11:15 — A walk along the Corniche
The Corniche begins right behind the mosque. Coffee with an ocean view, a photo of the Sidi Abderrahman marabout.
🕚 11:15–12:00 — Taxi transfer to the Habous Quarter (~80 MAD)
🕛 12:00–13:15 — The Habous Quarter (New Medina)
A stroll through the arcades, shopping for sweets and ceramics, viewing the Mahkama du Pacha from outside and the Royal Palace gates.
🕐 13:15–14:15 — Lunch at Rick's Café or near the Old Medina
The atmosphere of the film «Casablanca», a main course 190–290 MAD (or a cheaper option in the centre for 80–120 MAD).
🕝 14:15–15:15 — Mohammed V Square + the Old Medina
Taxi or tram to the centre. The fountain, Art Deco, the bazaars of the Old Medina.
🕞 15:15–15:45 — Return to Place Maréchal and shuttle to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxi (3–4 rides): ~280 MAD
• Hassan II Mosque: 140 MAD
• Lunch: 120–290 MAD
• Shopping reserve: 50–100 MAD
💸 TOTAL: 590–810 MAD per person
💡 If you skip Rick's Café and have lunch at an ordinary city-centre cafe — you save up to 170 MAD.
🥇 Route No. 3. Premium — a private tour from 3,000 MAD per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: 3,000–5,000 MAD + tickets
🏆 What is included:
• ✅ A meet-and-greet by a private driver with a sign at the port exit (authorised access to the area)
• ✅ A comfortable car/minivan for the whole day
• ✅ A professional licensed guide, English- or Ukrainian-speaking
• ✅ Skip-the-line tickets to the Hassan II Mosque
• ✅ Restaurant table reservation
• ✅ A flexible route — changed on the go
You can book through your cruise manager or contact us by any convenient means:
Phones:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Write to us by e-mail
🕘 08:45 — Meeting the driver and guide at the terminal
🕘 09:00–10:45 — Hassan II Mosque with a guide (skip-the-line)
A private tour, explanation of every symbol, viewing of the prayer hall, the hammams and the esplanade over the ocean.
🕚 11:00–12:00 — The Corniche and the Ain Diab district
Transfer by car (15 min). A walk along the promenade, a photo of the Sidi Abderrahman marabout, coffee with an Atlantic view.
🕛 12:15–13:45 — Lunch at Rick's Café (reservation included)
The atmosphere of the cult film, live music, signature cocktails. The reservation is the guide's responsibility.
🕝 14:00–15:00 — The Habous Quarter and the Mahkama du Pacha
A private tour of the New Medina, shopping for Moroccan goods, viewing of the Royal Palace gates.
🕞 15:15–16:00 — The Old Medina and Mohammed V Square with a guide
A walk through the bazaars, Art Deco, the fountain and the monumental protectorate buildings.
🕟 16:00–16:30 — Shopping in the centre
The driver waits, the guide suggests shops.
🕟 16:45 — Return to the port in a comfortable car
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (8 hrs): from 1,500 MAD
• Driver with car (8 hrs): from 1,300 MAD
• Hassan II Mosque tickets: 140 MAD
• Lunch at Rick's Café: from 300 MAD
💸 TOTAL: from 3,240 MAD per person (for 2+ people — calculated per group, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group organises private tours of Casablanca with licensed guides, transfer from the ship's gangway and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Casablanca will be perfectly planned to suit your tastes. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Important to know before heading into the city
🕐 The «all aboard» rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you are late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
🚌 Leaving the port: since 2026, pedestrians and unauthorised taxis are not allowed into the port area. Use the free shuttle to Place Maréchal.
🪪 Documents: take a photocopy of your passport + your Ship Card cruise card.
💶 Cash: the official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Carry cash: small shops, taxis and markets often do not accept cards. Euros and dollars are accepted only in tourist spots at an unfavourable rate.
🚖 Taxis: use only official red «petit taxis». The Uber, InDrive and Careem apps are illegal in Morocco. Always agree on the fare in advance or ask for the meter.
👟 Clothing: comfortable footwear. For the Hassan II Mosque — covered shoulders and knees, with shoes removed at the entrance.
☀️ Sun protection: it is hot in summer. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
🔐 Safety: Casablanca is generally safe, but in crowded places and the medina watch your belongings against pickpockets.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and is accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Check current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant sites.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by professionals