Marseille, an easily accessible port of departure for your cruise
Where is Marseille's cruise port located?
Marseille's cruise port is around 7.8 km away. Access to the 6 cruise terminals, A B C D E and F, is via Gate 4 of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, Chemin du Littoral, 13015 Marseille.
How to get to Marseille cruise port by train
The nearest train station to the Marseille cruise port is Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles, about 4.8 km away in downtown Marseille. Allow 20-30 minutes by cab or public transport to reach the cruise port entrance.
To reach the cruise terminals by public transport from Gare Saint-Charles, take metro line M2 (red), direction "Capitaine Gèze". Exit at "Joliette" station, then from Place de la Joliette, take bus number 35T. This bus will drop you off at the entrance to the cruise port (Gate 4), at the "Terminal Croisières" stop. From there, it's an average 20-minute walk to your ship, the distance varying according to the terminal where it's located.
How to get to Marseille cruise port by car
To reach the Marseille cruise port by car, take exit 5 off the A55 freeway, "Porte 4, La Calade, et L'Estaque". Follow the signs to the cruise terminals.
Parking for cruise passengers is located between terminals A and B. If your boat is docked at Terminal F, it's a fifteen-minute walk from the parking lot. The rate is €14 for each 24-hour period. A flat fee of €140 is also available, covering a duration of 10 to 30 days. The parking lot is secured and monitored 24 hours a day, and is equipped to accommodate people with reduced mobility, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. Access to the parking lot is limited to cruise passengers. Reservations are not necessary, as spaces are guaranteed.
How to get to Marseille cruise port from Marseille-Provence airport
The nearest airport is Marseille-Provence, around 20 km from the cruise terminal. There is no direct route from the port to the airport. Shuttle buses run every 20 minutes between the two airport terminals and the Saint-Charles train station (every day from 4.10 a.m. to 1.50 a.m.). The average journey time is 25 minutes. From Gare Saint-Charles, you can continue by public transport or cab to the cruise port.
The best cruise destinations from Marseille
Mediterranean cruises
The port of Marseille is a major hub for Mediterranean cruises. Available itineraries include cruises to Italy and its islands such as Sicily and Sardinia, as well as cruises to Spain, offering the opportunity to explore iconic cities such as Barcelona and Malaga, in addition to the picturesque Balearic Islands.
Transatlantic cruises for exotic journeys
The cruise port of Marseille is also the departure point for transatlantic cruises. Caribbean cruises take you to exotic destinations such as Martinique and Guadeloupe, and other Caribbean islands such as Barbados and the Dominican Republic. Some transatlantic cruises also take in the USA and Canada. The duration of a transatlantic cruise from Marseille is generally 10 to 20 days.
Round the world cruises from Marseille
Cross the world's five oceans on a round-the-world cruise departing from Marseille. This unique experience offers you the chance to discover some twenty countries, sample a variety of culinary specialties and admire breathtaking landscapes. A round-the-world cruise departing from Marseille usually lasts between 110 and 120 days, or around 4 months, with departures in December and January.
Practical tips for planning your cruise from Marseille
Best time to cruise from Marseille
From Marseille, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the Mediterranean, with fewer tourists, ideal for cultural stopovers and coastal relaxation in Italy and Spain. Summer, despite the crowds, promises ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. In winter and spring, head for the Caribbean with a transatlantic cruise from Marseille, where the warm climate and trade winds guarantee pleasant weather in the tropics.
Booking tips and special offers
To find the best deals on cruises departing from Marseille, we advise you to opt for standard cabins (inside cabins), book during low season and keep a close eye on last-minute promotional offers. And don't forget the all-inclusive packages offered by cruise lines, which can save you money during your cruise.
Onboard experiences: what's in store for your cruise from Marseille?
Activities and entertainment on board
Cruise ships departing from Marseille offer a variety of activities and leisure facilities to enhance your stay. Typical facilities include a spa and wellness center, whirlpools, one or more swimming pools, a water park with waterslides, as well as a modern fitness and weight-training center and a multi-sports field. MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises feature children's and teen clubs with activity programs designed for every age group.
On board these ships, the range of entertainment can include a zip line, mini-golf course, roller rink, F1 simulator and video game room, ensuring fun and enjoyment for young and old alike. Evenings are enlivened by shows and concerts in the theater, guaranteeing quality entertainment every night. You can also try your luck at the casino, enjoy the discotheque and relax in the ship's bars and lounges, perfect for sipping a drink while listening to live music.
Services and hosting
Cruises offer a full range of services to ensure comfort and convenience throughout your voyage. You can opt for an interior cabin, a sea-view cabin, a cabin with a balcony or travel in a suite for optimum comfort. The most prestigious suites usually include butler service and access to exclusive premium spaces on board, ensuring a personalized, upscale experience. To meet every need, cabins adapted for people with reduced mobility (PRM) are also available on MSC and Costa ships. The cruise fare includes full board, with culinary diversity to delight every palate. Specialty restaurants, at extra cost, complete the onboard dining offer.
Discover Marseille before or after your cruise
Must-see attractions in Marseille
Marseille shines with its rich and varied heritage. The Vieux-Port, the beating heart of the city, offers splendid views of Fort Saint-Jean and the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. The Panier district, the city's oldest, is appreciated for its picturesque alleyways and urban works of art. The Corniche Kennedy, which runs along the coastline, offers breathtaking views and links up with the Vallon des Auffes, a charming fishing port. Don't miss the MUCEM, dedicated to the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Around 20 km away, the calanques offer spectacular walks between limestone cliffs and the azure sea. Aix-en-Provence, around 30 km away, is well worth a visit for its colorful markets, fountains and famous Cours Mirabeau.
Gastronomy and culture in Marseille
Marseille's rich and varied gastronomy is famous for its traditional seafood dishes, notably bouillabaisse and aïoli. Stroll through the Panier district to discover the soul of Marseille, with its artists' studios and inviting terraces. The city also vibrates to the rhythm of its markets, such as Noailles, which offers a unique sensory journey to the heart of Mediterranean flavors.
FAQ about cruises from the port of Marseille
Which companies offer cruises from Marseille?
MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises are the preferred choices for family cruises from Marseille, offering a wide range of entertainment for all ages, children's clubs, and special rates for children sharing a cabin with two adults, excluding port taxes. At MSC, children under 12 can even travel free of charge. Costa, for its part, offers attractive deals enabling one or two children to sail at no extra cost.
What are the most common cruise ships departing from Marseille?
Among the cruise ships departing from Marseille, the Costa Toscana, launched in 2022, offers a variety of entertainment and restaurants capturing the Italian essence, with attractions such as the Colosseo theater and the Volare Skywak bridge offering panoramic views 65 m above sea level. Meanwhile, the MSC World Europa, launching in 2021, boasts the Aurora Borealis children's water park, Formula 1 simulators and the MSC Yacht Club upscale suite complex.