Med cruisers- Casablanca info?

[summer2004]

Hello,

 

I am hoping that some past Mediterranean Sea cruisers can share any information and experiences with the port of Casablanca, Morocco.

 

Did you join a group excursion with the ship, hire your own guide/driver, or just venture out on your own walking or by taxi? Any names of recommended guides/tour companies?

 

There is unfortunately not much info on the Africa board or other boards like Fodors, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Tripadvisor, etc. Guidebooks don't provide firsthand info. There is a ship going to this port in November, so hopefully someone from that cruise will share their experiences.

 

Thanks for any help!

[usavvy2]

Not sure this will help but we were glad we went to Rabat rather than stay in Casablanca for the day. We would've like to have experienced Marrekesh but it was too far from the port for our tolerance.

 

Last Sept. 10, when we arrived in Casablanca the ship’s time was 2 hours ahead of Moroccan time. We took Princess’ bus tour to Rabat - the capital of Morocco. The ride from Casablanca to Rabat was depressing, as there were houses without roofs, and much litter along the highways. Our guide, in typical Moroccan attire, took us to the Kasbah of the Oudaias & medina first. This was Rabat’s old quarter with narrow streets but there was no marketplace (or souks) open. The place was pretty much closed up when we arrived in the morning so it was more of just a walk up and down some narrow streets with wild cats sunning themselves on various stoops along the way. We also went to Chellah – and saw some Roman ruins from a distance (as well as wild cats). We stopped at the Mechouar of the Royal Palace, which displayed Islamic architecture; however, we were only allowed to stand a distance away from the palace and could not tour the inside so it was more of a photo stop.

 

We stopped at a luxury hotel for beverages and a bathroom break so there were no issues regarding toilet facilities. We stopped at the Hassan Tower (a 12th century minaret), which is in the same location as the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. We felt that the mausoleum was much more interesting than the tower. The mausoleum was probably the most beautiful building we saw in Morocco, with its white marble terrace, fancy scrollwork, and a gorgeous interior. Royal guards stand watch over the mausoleum that made for great photos. Because the Kasbah was closed, we felt the mausoleum was definitely the highlight of this tour.

 

At the end of the tour we were offered the option to get off in the city of Casablanca (which many did), but we opted to return to the ship. While others were exiting the bus in Casablanca we saw those bell guys with the big funny hats that look like lampshades and outfits that look like dresses. It was disappointing to learn that there really was no “Rick’s Bar” from the movie Casablanca. And, Casablanca appeared very commercialized from the bus ride through the city. Also, very crowded.

 

What we missed - we did not go to any market; however, there were two vendors right at the ship so we purchased two handbags (crude quality) for $6/each to give as gifts. My impression of Morocco – it was very poor country (in places) and I felt sad that people have to live in those conditions. I don’t care to return.