Marseille
The Mediterranean melting pot
With the glamorous French Riviera to its east and quaint Provençal towns to its north, Marseille is the crossroads of Southern France. Its bustling port welcomes in a wave of diverse cultures giving it a distinct character that has contributed to the soul of Marseille.
As the oldest city in France, the streets of its Vieux Port and Le Panier quarter preserve thousands of years of history while also embracing modernity — with vibrant additions like murals, funky potted plants, and street art displays accenting the city. The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (affectionately called the La Bonne Mére for short) overlooks the city from the highest hill; giving visitors a bird’s eye view of Marseille. And if you’d really like to make like a local and get to know the city, order a pastis on ice (the official drink of Marseille) and post up at a cafe — taking in the incredible personality of the second-largest city in France.
Hike the Calanques from Cassis
With a hiking guide, opt for adventure in Calanques National Park . Over a dramatic coastline of beautiful bays, turquoise inlets, and rocky terrain, you’ll reach the small sandy beach of Port Pin. Surrounded by incredible natural beauty — the kind reserved for Top Places to Visit lists — cool off in shallow crystalline waters and recharge with a tasty picnic lunch.
Le Castellet Tour with Winery Visit
Enjoy a relaxing, scenic ride toward the seaside village of Le Castellet, a charming feudal town nestled on the tip of a cliff. Stroll through the historic cobblestone streets with your guide to see more than meets the eye before taking some time to explore the local galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars. Then, reboard the coach to embark on a different journey-- a local wine tasting experience that will teach you about the origin and production of Bandol wines.
A Tuk-Tuk Tour of Marseille
Leave a big bus behind with this quirky drive through the smaller streets of Marseille by tuk-tuk. See the historic district up close, zipping past charming cafes on your way to Notre Dame de la Garde basilica. Breathe the ocean air as your tuk-tuk whips along the Kennedy Corniche before stopping to explore and take photos in the small port of Vallon des Auffes. A chocolate tasting awaits at the end of your tour.
Avignon, Les Baux, and Carrières de Lumières
Marseille
Journey through the countryside to Avignon, a city rich with medieval history and the capital of the Vaucluse region of Provence. There, you'll visit the Palais des Papes, a former fortress-palace with over two acres of galleries, passages, and chapels, and enjoy a walking tour of the rest of the city. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before continuing on to the small town of Les Baux-de-Provence, where you'll experience the Carrières de Lumières' stunning visual performance of light and music.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in art and music at the fabulous Carrières de Lumières, a unique multimedia experience at a former limestone quarry
- Stroll the streets of Avignon with a guide to take you through the city’s ancient stone archways and toward the best views in town
- Visit the historic Palais des Papes in Avignon, one of Europe’s most relevant medieval Gothic buildings
- Relax on a luxury coach ride through French countryside
- Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time.
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Approximately 1.5-hour drive to Avignon
- Approximately 1.5-hour drive from Les Baux back to Marseille
- Gratuities are included
- Includes entry to Carrières de Lumières
- Includes entry to Palace of the Popes
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- Face masks and/or proof of vaccination may be required to enter some venues
- Please note that the visited sites are dependent on the Covid-19 regulations implemented
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Tour Two Cities: Marseille and Aix-en-Provence
Marseille
Begin with a drive to Aix-en-Provence and take to the streets on a walking tour to the cathedral. Stroll down the stunning Cours Mirabeau and enjoy some free time in the city before rejoining the coach. You'll then return to Marseille for a city tour, stopping off at sites like the famous Notre Dame de la Garde cathedral for a 360-degree panoramic view over the city. Finally, you'll head to Marseille's Vieux Port explore at your leisure before going back to the ship.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Get a 360-degree panoramic view over Marseille from the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde (a.k.a. La Bonne-Mère) Cathedral
- Join a local guide for a stroll down the lovely Cours Mirabeau while making your way to the impressive Saint Sauveur Cathedral
- Hop on a coach bus for a scenic roundtrip ride from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence
- Grab lunch, do some shopping and explore the Vieux Port area at your leisure
- Tour Marseille and Aix-en-Provence both by bus and on foot
- Approximately 45-minute drive from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Gratuities are included
- Dress code alert: Shoulders and knees must be covered while in the cathedral
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time.
- Includes roundtrip coach transfer
- Lunch is not included - Take advantage of the free time given to taste the local cuisine
- Please note this Shore Thing involves climbing about 160 steps at Notre Dame de la Garde
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- Face masks and/or proof of vaccination may be required to enter some venues
- Please note that the visited sites are dependent on the Covid-19 regulations implemented
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Roaming a Rhone Winery & Avignon
Marseille
Sightsee by coach on your drive through the Rhone countryside to the small town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape — whose prized wines were first harvested by Pope Clement V in the 1300s. You’ll taste rich reserves and special blends, then see if you cut it as the next sommelier. After a short ride to Avignon, you'll receive a guided tour, then it's free time for you to explore on your own. Grab some (more) wine, a baguette, or a full meal — you really can’t go wrong in Avignon.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Spend time on the grounds of a winery featuring vibrant vintage blends
- Discover Avignon with a walking tour for a bit of history of this charming city
- Enjoy free time in Avignon to shop, explore, and practice your French while grabbing lunch in a local eatery
- Approximately 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Marseille to Chateauneuf du Pape
- This Shore Thing includes wine tasting at a local winery
- Approximately 30-minute drive to Avignon
- Approximately 1-hour walking tour of Avignon
- Approximately 2-hours of free time in Avignon
- Lunch is not included — take advantage of the free time to taste the local cuisine
- The order of sights visited may vary
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This Shore Things involves walking over uneven and/or steep surfaces
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
In the Footsteps of Van Gogh
Marseille
Start retracing Van Gogh's steps in Provence with a tour of Arles. See the city's impressive cathedral and its famous Forum Square, a popular meeting place for Van Gogh. Have lunch and explore at your leisure before continuing on to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh lived in a monastery in the late 1880s. Visit the reconstruction of his room before touring the Van Gogh Field. There, you'll see the wheat field that inspired a series of his paintings and 20+ large-scale reproductions of them.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Visit the Van Gogh Field and admire more than 20 large-scale reproductions of Van Gogh’s most famous work
- See the sites that inspired many of Van Gogh’s beautiful paintings during his stay at the Saint-Paul Asylum in Saint-Rémy
- Explore the town of Arles with a guide to show you all the must-see places like the old cathedral and the iconic Forum Square
- Enjoy free time for shopping and dining in Arles
- Includes coach transport and entry to the Van Gogh Field
- Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Gratuities are included
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- Face masks and/or proof of vaccination may be required to enter some venues
- Please note that the visited sites are dependent on the Covid-19 regulations implemented
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Flavors of Marseille’s Neighborhoods
Marseille
Join the Marseille cafe scene for the day, beginning with a visit to Le Logis du Panier, nicknamed “Le Panier” and known as a neighborhood that welcomes all. Follow your guide and climb the steps of La Montée des Accoules to see the historic building that houses the Vieille Charité Museums. Stop to taste olive oil, chocolates, and the “navette” biscuits, a local specialty, before grabbing a drink near the Cathédrale de la Major. Choose to return to the ship or go off on your own to explore more.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Taste navette biscuits in one shop, savor the local chocolate in another and sample the fantastic olive oil made in the region
- Go up the steps of La Montée des Accoules to the Vieille Charité Museum, a historic building that now houses 4 museums
- Explore Le Panier and the hidden squares, local shops, and charming cafés, that turned Marseille’s Old Town into an artsy spot
- Enjoy a walking tour, with included snacks and refreshments at shops along the route
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time.
- Gratuities are included
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- Face masks and/or proof of vaccination may be required to enter some venues
- Please note that the visited sites are dependent on the Covid-19 regulations implemented
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Sing-along from the French Revolution
Citizens marched in Paris singing “La Marseillaise” — the national anthem.
Discovered by the Greeks in 600 BCE, Marseille has a past as diverse as its people. MuCEM, a waterfront museum with striking architecture, shares the story of the Mediterranean and its many civilizations. Whether perusing Marseille’s historic streets, admiring the Palais Longchamp, or taking the train up to La Bonne Mére — you’ll get a peek into how France’s very first settlement turned into an essential and can’t-miss city. As Marseille continues to grow, the contrast between the bustling Provençal town and its neighboring quiet villages become more and more clear. And with 300 days of sunshine, Marseille is a must-see destination on the shores of the Mediterranean.
With an extended stay in Marseille, there’s more time to seas the day. Between approximately 8 am to 8 pm, we are offering a complimentary shuttle service to/from the cruise terminal and the Old Port of Marseille. So when you’re finished with your Shore Things adventures (or even if you did not go on one), you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the local Marseille scene.Shuttle service will be available every 20 minutes upon arrival time, 30 minutes between 12 pm and 2 pm, and every 20 minutes between 2 pm until the ship’s departure.
8 am - 12 pm - shuttle every 20 minutes
12 pm - 2 pm - shuttle every 30 minutes
2 pm - 7 pm - shuttle every 20 minutes
The last shuttle from Marseille to the cruise terminal will be at 7:00 pm.
***Please be aware that all Sailors may be required to show proof of vaccination (a photocopy is acceptable) in Marseille, and a photo ID may also be required to return to the ship. Sailors should also bring masks with them as they may be required in some establishments.