Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Marseille Cruise Port: A Comprehensive Guide

marseille france cruise port

The shuttle was discontinued during the pandemic because of health restrictions and the current situation is still a little unclear. If your ship is sailing along the Côte Bleue (Blue Coast), you will be treated to some lovely views of the northern calanques as you arrive. Passengers are given a time slot ahead of embarkation, in order to avoid bottlenecks of people arriving at the same time.

From Marseille Provence Airport

The small and middle size ships use the Joliette (J4) Terminal berths. But it’s also really large, so we were grateful for their easy-to-navigate public transportation when we were there. We used public transportation to get to more places in our limited time. Total travel time is approximately an hour and 15 minutes, but don’t forget to account for time waiting for the next bus, train, or shuttle in between the various modes of transportation. If you are coming to Marseille by rail or coach, you will arrive at Saint Charles train and bus station. From here, take the metro (line 2, direction Capitaine Gèze, stop Joliette).

A Guide to the Very Best Things to do in Cinque Terre

Marseille is France's main cruise ship port and cruising has been a cornerstone of tourism in the region. However much has changed over the last couple of years and the industry has had to adapt in dramatic ways to the "new normal". Discover the vibrant city of Marseille through its historic cruise port. Immerse yourself in the charm of the Vieux Port, home to fishing boats and luxury yachts. As a coastal city, Marseille offers ideal weather conditions for visitors throughout the year.

Marseille in One Day: Cruise Port Guide

Aix-en-Provence is 22 miles from Marseille or just over a 40-minute train ride. Most cruise guests opt to explore the charming Old Port (Le Vieux Port). As a vibrant harbour and meeting place for many of Marseille’s residents and visitors, it has an array of cafes and seafood restaurants, where you can sample the region’s infamous bouillabaisse. There are also boutiques and traditional fish markets selling the freshest produce. Compared to the two cruise terminals in Toulon, which have both been recently refurbished, facilities in Marseille are fairly spartan. Alternatively you can catch the airport shuttle bus to Marseille Saint Charles station and continue according to the instructions below.

How to Get from Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal to the City Centre on Your Own

The Marseille cruise port, with its modern cruise terminals and wide range of amenities, has earned its place as a favourite among cruise passengers. Whether you're embarking on a grand Mediterranean voyage or just dropping anchor for the day, Marseille promises to leave an indelible mark on your travel memories. The city, its people, and its port stand ready to welcome you with open arms, waiting to show you the delights of southern France. If you start or end your cruise in Marseille, France, you will want to fly into or out of the Marseille-Provence Airport (code MRS).

MSC Cruise Ship Marks LNG Milestone in Marseille - Cruise Hive

MSC Cruise Ship Marks LNG Milestone in Marseille.

Posted: Mon, 08 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

For the train ticket from Vitrolles-Aerport Marseilles Provence train station to Marseille St-Charles train station, we booked online with Trainline. 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. 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. Taking a 20-minute ferry ride to Château d’If is a popular choice for many visitors. If you want to avoid paying for the cruise shuttle or a taxi, there are two options.

This site focuses on small-format cruises and ship-within-a-ship concepts on large cruise ships, including special cruise experiences you can enjoy during your next vacation. From La Joliette station, follow the instructions in this post to find the free shuttle bus service that goes from there to the cruise port. For example, if you want to get to the Joliette area from the cruise port, you’ll walk to the exit by following the green line on the ground, then take tram 35 toward Joliette. You’ll ride 11 stops, which takes about 10 minutes and get off at La Joliette. If you are traveling using two of the modes of transportation instead of just one, like riding the bus and then having to switch to a tram, you have 59 minutes to use a ticket interchangeably. It is very far from the cruise terminals to the center ofMarseille, about 8 kilometers.

marseille france cruise port

The essence of the city, the warmth of its people, and the charm of its culture make Marseille more than just a stopover; it becomes a home away from home. For season 2019, the cruise port handled 524 ship calls (80 different vessels) and ~1,9 million tourists (passengers plus crew). The season featured 13 newbuilds (2019-launched liners) and 12 maiden calls, as well as 328 roundtrips. If your cruise doesn’t provide transfers, it’s easy to get between the airport and Marseille cruise port with private transfers, like a taxi or Uber, or a private prearranged car.

marseille france cruise port

Marseille is the shining gem of the French Riviera and its port plays a crucial role in its vibrant tourism industry. It's a portal to the alluring Mediterranean Coast, beckoning travellers with its sunny beaches, historical sites, and sumptuous culinary delights. It's not just the city centre that’s fascinating; the outskirts of Marseille also offer a host of attractions for cruise guests. Port's cruising season is February through December, but most ship visits are in June-October.

Located on the south coast of France, it has been a hub of immigration and trade since 600 B.C. Nowadays, it attracts visitors as the gateway to Provence, with stunning scenery and plenty to see and do. 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 section applies to passengers joining a ship in Marseille, "en tête de ligne", or "turnaround", as the industry calls these cruises.

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.

Venture out of the city and into nature with a visit to the Calanques National Park. This park is famous for its rugged landscapes and azure waters and is a prime spot for hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. For panoramic views, journey to the Notre Dame de la Garde, a stunning basilica perched on the highest point in the city.

Public transportation to the city center will take about 45 minutes, but the city provides a free shuttle bus service every 30 minutes from the cruise ports to the city center. 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. 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.

For those seeking to discover the city’s history and architecture, the Roman Catholic church, Saint-Ferréol Les Augustins, is well-worth a visit. With influences dating back to the 12th century, an Italian-style bell tower and neo-baroque façade, it is a beautiful building to admire. Phare de Sainte-Marie or Sainte Marie lighthouse also provides a good photo opportunity.

At the church, it is beautiful to look around, or even to enjoy the best views of the city. You can line up to take any of the trains back down with your same ticket, or as we did, have a casual walk back down the hill. Have a look first where the harbor is and it is pretty easy to make your way back. The Marseille Saint Charles Train Station provides direct access to the cruise terminal for those coming by train. If you prefer driving yourself, personal vehicle directions are also provided.

The distance between the exit from the portand the nearest bus stop is about one kilometer from Terminal 19 andabout 2 kilometers from MPCT. Aix-en-Provence is a university city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region situated 32 km/20 miles (a 40-minute drive) north of Marseille. The birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence has always been an inspiration for painters, writers and musicians who used to live and work in the city. Nowadays, you can visit the city’s numerous museums, art galleries, artists’ studios (Atelier Cézanne) or explore its historic monuments, fountains and squares.

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