NEW! Grand Iberia, Africa & Asia Passage

Experience the fascinating allure of this thriving North African city and see the largest mosque outside of Mecca. Drive with your guide to view the exterior of the massive Hassan II Mosque, overlooking the Atlantic. The building and courtyard can host more than 100,000 worshippers. View the intricate craftsmanship and the impressive minaret, which stands at 689 feet tall, then continue along the corniche to the Habous Quarter (New Medina). Pass the Royal Palace, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, as well as the Casablanca Cathedral. Recognizable by its unusual blend of Art Deco design, neo-Gothic architecture and Moroccan influences, this cathedral once served the French Roman Catholic population. It became secular after Morocco’s independence and is now a cultural center. After time to explore at the Place des Nations Unies, or United Nations Square, return by coach to your ship.

Learn about the religious diversity of Morocco at three distinct and revered houses of worship. Though Morocco is a Muslim country, it embraces the religious views of all its citizens. Begin with a drive to the colossal Hassan II Mosque. As you explore, gain insight into the traditions of Islam from your guide and view the massive courtyard and impressive minaret, one of the tallest in the world. Continue to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, which represents Morocco’s other main religion. Here, learn how the Moroccan Jews, who comprise the second-largest community in Israel, still feel a strong tie to their local roots. Next, drive past the Habous Quarter (New Medina) before a final stop at a Christian church, a significant site for many of the European immigrant population that plays an important commercial role in the city. After, return by coach to your ship.

Step inside the Hassan II Mosque and visit the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum, dedicated to the art of calligraphy. With your guide, drive through Casablanca‘s vibrant center to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the city‘s architectural masterpieces. Built in 1993, its walls are adorned with handcrafted marble and its towering minaret stands at an imposing 60 stories high at 869 feet. The mosque can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers inside its grounds. After your visit, continue to the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum, dedicated to the art of calligraphy. View a collection of unique antique jewelry and vintage posters, and witness a master at work during a demonstration using a qalam and inkwell. Take a leisurely stroll through Mohammed V Square and admire the surrounding Art Deco buildings before boarding your motor coach back to your ship.

Learn the secrets to preparing a variety of Moroccan specialties at Dar El-Kaid. Begin your excursion with a drive by motor coach to the bustling Central Market—first established in 1917, it is one of Morocco’s best-known urban markets. Here, you will find an array of stalls offering fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables and a multitude of spices. As you stroll through the market, your guide will tell you about the different local ingredients that are used to make traditional dishes. After your visit, proceed to Dar El-Kaid. Enjoy refreshments upon arrival, then step into the kitchen for an informative cooking demonstration, where you will learn about the spices and methods used in the creation of a variety of Moroccan entrées and desserts. After, sample the dishes that you have helped to prepare before returning to your ship via coach.

Experience Casablanca’s rich culture on a downtown walk, where you will find yourself in the midst of city life. Visit the Central Market, where locals shop for their daily needs. Behind its row of white arches, you will see all manner of goods available, from fruit, vegetables and fish to flowers, ceramics and brightly colored textiles. Then discover the contrast of the lively United Nations Square, with its modern architecture. Last but not least, stop at Bab Marrakech, the main entrance to the Old Medina. Board your minibus and head to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca, to view its unique and magnificent Islamic architecture. Before returning to your ship, enjoy a drink at Rick’s Café. This place was designed to recreate the bar made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the classic film, Casablanca.

Visit a colossal seaside mosque, explore the Habous Quarter, and see the Royal Palace and United Nations Square. Begin with a drive to one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, the Hassan II Mosque, set atop a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Completed in 1993, it was commissioned by King Hassan II and designed by French architect Michel Pinseau. Step inside to view the handcrafted marble walls and retractable roof of the mosque, one of the largest in the world. A maximum of 105,000 worshippers can gather for prayer here: 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the grounds. After your visit, continue along Casablanca’s corniche, and enjoy free time to explore the Habous Quarter, home to the Royal Palace of Casablanca. Conclude at Place des Nations Unies, which translates to United Nations Square, where you will have time for photos before returning to your ship.