Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco with a population of 4.7 million people. It is also the chief port and primary base for their Navy. One of the highlights of this city is the Hassan II Mosque, rebuilt in 1993 with the capacity to hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Its minaret is 210 meters high, which is 689 feet, the tallest in the world. The minaret has a laser beam directed towards Mecca in Saudi Arabia. However, since this is Ramadan in the Arabic world, the mosque might not be opened to the public.
The ship docked by 7am under overcast and smoggy-looking skies and temperatures in the mid 70's. We happened to be at least two lengths of the ship away from the terminal and the tour buses as well as complimentary shuttles. We were in no hurry to get off of the ship, so we did what we always do……go to breakfast after 8am and do some internet work for a while. A crew drill began at 9:30, then we left the ship by 10:45am.
There were some tours here today, but the only one that had a description was the cooking demo and market for $170 and 5 ¼ hours. The rest of the excursions had been erased from the TV screen since they had filled to capacity and had already left the ship. Sort of forgot to look yesterday before they were gone. We do know there was a trip to Rabat, the capital, a tour that included the mosque, highlights of Casablanca and a panoramic drive.
And we were not the only ship in port today. The World Odyssey – Semester at Sea was docked near us with a capacity of 520 to 636 guests. A small German ship, it has a crew of 290 people and is on a 105 day trip from Dubai to Germany. From watching the foot traffic from our veranda, we can say that the passengers on that ship were very young, like students perhaps. And the majority of those we saw were girls with a few guys here and there.
We took the long walk out of the dock area, had the passports checked, then continued through an empty terminal, and past the taxi guys putting maps in our face in hopes of us booking a tour. On the way out, we ran into friends Peg and Rich who were already returning from their walk to town. They are brave souls that did not take the shuttle, but walked to the United Nations Square, the actual bus drop-off point. We toyed with the idea, but the way out was not an easy one. Better to ride when you're not sure of the direction or the activity around the port gate. Although the transfer was supposed to be 20 minutes, it only took 10 or so minutes. It was actually closer than we had remembered from our last visit here in 2017.
There is not much to see at this massive square except the downtown area. There are always vendors present, like the ones selling men's belts or sunglasses or hats. And the most interesting attraction, other than KFC, McDonald's, and Pizza hut, has to be the souk across the street from the Hyatt Hotel. Peg and Rich said that only part of the souk was opened, but we found most all of the vendors were opening their doors when we arrived.
What we found here was an array of Moroccan items such as traditional and modern clothing, shoes, belts, ceramics, knick-knacks, and knock-off handbags and purses. Jewelry was on display in some shops as well as some small silk carpets that are used as prayer carpets. One can get lost in here quite easily and never find your way out. We did manage to buy a Burberry scarf, which will be handy when the temperatures drop in northern Europe. Then we negotiated for two dressy tops suitable for dinner on the ship. It happened to be the same shop we bought some tops in 2017.
We had researched some pizza places, but without a map, we doubt we would find them. Nothing else here appealed to us, so we got on the shuttle and rode back to the ship. We worked online until lunch arrived at 2pm. Captain Frank came on the speakers at 4:45pm and stated that the sea conditions might make for a rough and bumpy ride leaving the pier at 9pm this evening. He expected high winds tomorrow as we approached the port of Tangiers. It is located very close to the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, and it always a turbulent area. He added that possible 35 knot winds may necessitate the outside decks being closed off for walking until we are safely docked. Hope we make it there since it will be a first-time visit for us.
All aboard was 8:30pm, and we watched the guests climbing the gangway while dining in the Pinnacle Grill. These guests must have been the ones on the 13 hour trip to Marrakesh. Anyway, we had our usual wedge salads, warm and delicious rolls and bread sticks with garlic butter and the cream cheese/bellpepper spread. Mains were the same – 8 ounce filet mignon steaks, a baked potato with the sides, and a shared bowl of mushrooms. Desserts were also the same – crème Brulee, the best on the ship. We made it back to our room in time to see the gangway being removed, and the ship pulling away from the pier. We understand Tangiers is quite close, and we should be docked by 8am tomorrow morning.
Bill & Mary Ann
