Marseille

Photo: Bernhard Mayr/ pixelio.de

Boats crowd the quays at the Vieux-Port, with the city beginning just beyond them; high above Marseille stands Notre-Dame de la Garde. Large cruise ships arrive in the northern port area. The transfer to the old port connects these two sides of the city and is the first part of your shore visit.

Western Mediterranean with MSC World Europa

Marseille is included on itineraries through the western Mediterranean. The MSC World Europa is a specific example: seven-night round trips from Barcelona were scheduled for April to October 2026, linking Marseille with ports such as Genoa and Naples. Marseille is a port of call on these itineraries. If you want to begin your cruise here, choose a departure date explicitly offered from Marseille and plan your journey to the terminal listed in your travel documents.

Port access and getting into the city

Large ships use the port area with access through Porte 4 at La Calade and L’Estaque. There is also the J4/Joliette area below the cathedral. The terminal or quay name in your travel documents is also the one to use when booking a taxi or transfer. If you are embarking, have your check-in time slot ready as well.

Shuttle and bus to Joliette

A free shuttle to Joliette is available in the port on cruise-ship call days. You may need to walk to the stop. From Joliette, the tourism office describes the rest of the walk to the Vieux-Port as taking about 25 minutes. For guests with limited mobility, it is worth choosing a connection that covers the entire journey from the ship to your chosen destination in the city.

Bus 35T also runs on cruise-ship call days. Include the journey between the terminal and the bus stop in your plans. The travel information for Marseille cruise port explains port access, the shuttle and public transport connections.

From the airport or Saint-Charles to embarkation

The airport bus runs from Marseille Provence Airport to Saint-Charles station. The tourism office gives the journey time as about 25 minutes in normal traffic and up to 50 minutes during rush hour. From Saint-Charles, take Metro Line 2 towards Gèze to Joliette; on cruise-ship call days, bus 35T continues to the Terminal Croisières stop at Porte 4.

From this bus stop, the embarkation point is approximately 600 metres to 2.5 kilometres away, depending on the ship. With suitcases or limited mobility, a taxi or a pre-booked cruise-line transfer to the correct terminal is often the more suitable option. Specify the terminal and quay shown in your travel documents, and have your check-in time slot and luggage tags ready.

For your departure, coordinate a taxi, transfer or route via Saint-Charles with disembarkation and baggage collection. In addition to the airport bus and train, allow time for getting around the port and for the relevant check-in procedures.

The Vieux-Port as the starting point for your shore visit

At the old port, the quays, boats and buildings around the basin give your walk a clear sense of direction. Our suggestion: first complete your transfer, then walk a little along the waterfront and choose what you’d like to focus on. A stroll around the port pairs nicely with a break and a detour into the neighbouring streets.

You can extend your walk around the basin depending on how long you are in port and how you feel. If you came from Joliette, allow for this stretch on your return journey too. After several hours in the city and the heat, a well-chosen break can help before you head back to the ship.

For a short stay, a continuous walk around the Vieux-Port makes a fitting introduction. For a longer excursion into Provence, set aside a dedicated time slot and arrange suitable transport there and back.

Up to Notre-Dame de la Garde

The basilica stands high above the city. The tourism office describes the shortest walking route from the Vieux-Port as taking about 45 minutes and being strenuous. Allow time for breaks, summer heat and your visit at the top. The view over Marseille and the sea is a good reason to give this destination plenty of time.

With a longer port call, Notre-Dame de la Garde can be the main focus of your visit. Wear shoes suitable for longer walks and uphill stretches, and bring water. If you would rather avoid the climb by taking a ride, plan the connection in both directions.

Decide when to set off before your last stop. Your return journey includes getting to your transfer, possible waiting times and the trip to the correct terminal. That way, you’ll still have time at the end to look out at the boats in the Vieux-Port.