We started our Mediterranean Cruise with MSC Cruises, making our first stop at Marseille. Initially, I thought we could just walk into town from the ship, but it turned out we were docked about a 20-minute drive from the city center. MSC offered a shuttle bus for $16 per person round trip, but we opted for the public bus outside the port. After transferring to a tram, we found ourselves on La Canebière, heading towards the Vieux Port.

In the Vieux Port, I discovered a charming shop called La Cure Gourmand, where I bought some marzipan sweets and chocolate olives. The Vieux Port, once a commercial shipping hub, is now a marina filled with yachts and surrounded by restaurants and cafes. There was a lively Saturday market and an event by the local Marine Fire Service showcasing their equipment.

We saw the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica on a hill and decided to take the No 60 bus from the Vieux Port for €1.80, avoiding a hot 30-minute walk. The bus driver skillfully navigated the narrow streets. The Basilica, built by Napoleon III in the 1850s, is a major landmark with a golden statue of Mary and baby Jesus. Inside, a mass was in progress, and the decorations were beautiful, but the highlight was the panoramic view of the city and the sea. We walked back down the hill and returned to the port by lunchtime.

The port area had wide boulevards for pedestrians and cyclists, making for a pleasant stroll in the warm sunshine. At the Quai des Belges, I noticed a stall selling artisan soaps, a famous product of Marseille. We chatted with the vendor and picked out a few soaps as souvenirs.

On the far side of the Vieux Port, cafes and restaurants lined the waterfront, which was rebuilt after WWII bombings. Guy wanted to try the local Bouillabaisse but found it too expensive at €60. We walked along the quay, looking for the free bus back to the ship but eventually gave up and had a drink at a café with a view of the old fortress.

We then visited the St Jean Fort, one of the two fortresses guarding the port entrance. We walked around the pathway circling the fortress, enjoying the view of sailing boats and the sea. By early afternoon, we decided to take a taxi back to the ship.

Back on board, we watched the evening show, “Paris Fou,” which had a French theme in honor of our stop in Marseille. The entertainment included an Edith Piaf-style singer, showgirls, can-can dancers, a juggler, and an artist creating shadow pictures with his hands.

Tomorrow, we will reach Genoa in Italy, the home port of MSC Cruises, where we plan to explore more sights.