Marseille

This was our first time in Marseille, so naturally, we had to get off the ship and explore the city. While the online warnings about the city being a bit unsafe were on our minds, and the dodgy taxi drivers at the port didn’t help with first impressions, we still found it worth a visit.

Marseille has a certain charm, especially when you walk through the older parts of the city. The Vieux-Port (Old Port) is a great starting point, with its bustling atmosphere and historic vibe. From there, we wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds.

One must-do in Marseille is to shop for the famous Marseille soap (savon de Marseille). The markets and shops in the city offer a wide variety, and it’s a great, authentic souvenir to bring back home.

While the city was pleasant enough for a half-day exploration, it didn’t leave us feeling like we missed anything if we hadn’t ventured out. Marseille offers a nice break from the ship, but if you've visited before, it's likely one of those ports where you might opt to stay on board and enjoy the ship’s amenities instead.