Marseille Cruise Port (Terminal Croisières Marseille)

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.

The best way to get from Marseille Cruise Port (Terminal Croisières Marseille) to the city center is via a free shuttle operated by Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes on cruise ship arrival days, marked by a green line on the ground for easy navigation.

Marseille Cruise Port consists of two terminals, each offering basic amenities like restrooms, seating areas, and ATMs. There are restaurants serving a variety of staples, such as burgers, pasta, and sandwiches. For more diverse dining and shopping options, passengers typically venture beyond the terminals to explore other areas of Marseille.

No, there aren’t any luggage storage facilities available at Marseille Cruise Port. Rather than taking your bags with you, you can find luggage storage at the Saint-Charles railway station or at Marseille-Provence Airport. Another option is to use a luggage storage and transfer service, such as La Bag Mobile.

Nearby attractions to Marseille Cruise Port include the Old Port (Vieux-Port), which has seafood restaurants, cafés, and shops to explore. Close by there’s also the bustling Le Panier district, Marseille Cathedral, and the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (Mucem).

Yes, there are a few restaurants and cafés near Marseille Cruise Port, but choices are limited. For a wider variety of dining options, head to the Old Port area, approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. This area offers abundant dining options, including seafood, Italian, poke, tacos, and traditional French fare.

Ideally you should arrive at Marseille Cruise Port at least 2–3 hours before your scheduled embarkation time, as check-in typically closes two hours before the ship departs. However, it’s always best to check with your specific cruise line for its recommended arrival time. Arriving early allows ample time for check-in, security checks, and boarding.