After docking at Marseilles Cruise Port, many visitors stay to admire the Old Port (Vieux Port), the historic Chateau d’If, and the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. However, shore excursions to nearby Provencal towns such as Arles, Les Baux de Provence, and Aix-en-Provence—where you can go wine tasting, visit lavender fields, or explore artistic locations, with round-trip transportation included—are also popular. Or combine a boat ride around Calanques National Park with a trip to Cassis.
There are two cruise terminals at Marseille Cruise Port: Joliette (for smaller ships) and Marseille Provence Cruise Center (for larger ships).
Neither terminal has many amenities; expect to find ATMs, a café, seating, and restrooms but little else.
Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
Small-group and private tours are often covered by a worry-free policy, offering guaranteed on-time return to your ship.
Most cruise ships dock roughly 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of the Vieux Port, the main center of Marseille. Some smaller ships dock at Joliette, which is much closer and accessible by tram and metro. Free shuttle buses run every 30 minutes between all cruise ship terminals and Joliette Station. Taxis are also plentiful.
The official currency of Marseille and wider France is the euro; US dollars are rarely accepted. French is the official language here, but English is also fairly common. You’ll find free Wi-Fi at the Marseille cruise terminal, as well as ATMs, currency exchange, and a tourist office.