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Posted

Hello!

Is the cruise shuttle from Marseille old town to the cruise port working?

if not, do you know how much is a taxi or tvde car from old town to the cruise port?

Thank you 🙂

Posted
4 hours ago, framboesa said:

Hello!

Is the cruise shuttle from Marseille old town to the cruise port working?

if not, do you know how much is a taxi or tvde car from old town to the cruise port?

Thank you 🙂

Shuttle services (whether they exist, are free, of have a price) vary by cruise line.  A taxi will probably want about 20 Euros (for the taxi) which, given the distance, is somewhat of a rip-off.  Shared taxis (which you can sometimes find loading in the old port area, are the best deal as the larger van/taxis may cost as little as 5 Euros per person.  We honestly do not even worry or think about any of this and just do our own thing.  If and when we need to get back (from the Vieux Port area) we simply grab a taxi, shuttle, or allow plenty of time so we could walk/crawl if necessary :).

 

Hank

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

The Port has a free shuttle service, from the area of Joliette Metro. Not easy to find, runs 1/2 hourly, very crowded. RTM 35T runs from Joliette to Port. Both end at the port gate for document check on entry, then a long walk to the terminals. Taxi isn't cheap, I'm thinking maybe 40 euros or more,  but a lot more convenient. Walking is not practical.

Edited by Dancer Bob
  • Like 1
Posted (edited)
5 hours ago, framboesa said:

is the cruise shuttle from Marseille old town to the cruise port working?

It isn't clear which shuttle you are referring to as you didn't say, but unless things have changed, these were the options.

 

Cruise port shuttle which runs from  the terminal at Fos, free, but there have been reports of lines of as many as a couple of hundred passengers depending on the number of ships in that day  so you may have a long wait. it would be a matter of luck on the day and at the time you arrive at the stop.

 

Cruiseline shuttles are offered by most lines and usually run to a location alongside or close to the Vieux Port.  There is usually a charge for this.

 

My understanding is that there is also a public bus which runs along the main road outside of the port, but you would need to know which stop to board and to get off at and the port at Fos is huge so depending on where your ship is docked you could have a long walk both to and back from that main road.

 

You could take a taxi all the way, or consider one to take you between Fos and la Joliette, a transport hub  between port and city, and from there you could take a metro, bus or walk to the centre.

 

 

If the "shuttle" you were referring to is a cruiseline shuttle you could ask for info on the forum for your cruiseline where others who have used it would be more likely to see it..

 

Or,

If the "shuttle" you were referring to is the port bus cruise  shuttle, you might have to contact Port of Fos authorities or the official Marseille Tourist Office and ask.

 

Just now noticed you are Lisbon based and Lisbon is one of our favourite cities.  We ported there a number of times but enjoyed the city so much on those days that we booked a city breal for several days in Feb 2020 just before the world closed down.

Edited by edinburgher
  • Like 2
Posted (edited)
46 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

or allow plenty of time so we could walk/crawl if necessary :).

Hope that is a joke Hank, as I am "guesstimating" the distance must be a good 4, 5 or maybe 6 miles from the Vieux Port area, somewhat challenging at the best of times, but after a day sightseeing even worse.

Edited by edinburgher
Posted
Just now, edinburgher said:

Hope that is a joke Hank, as I am "guesstimating" the distance must be a good 5 or maybe 6 miles from the Vieux Port area, somewhat challenging at the best of times, but after a day sightseeing even worse.

No joke for us (a 5 mile walk would be fine) but agree that most cruisers would grab a taxi.  The truth here is that shuttle buses are "cruise line specific."  Some lines provide free or low cost shuttle buses at most ports while other lines prefer to coerce their charges into booking very expensive excursions.   Since the OP did not specify the cruise line...hence the answer.

Posted (edited)
6 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Since the OP did not specify the cruise line...hence the answer.

Part of my reply above

 

If the "shuttle" you were referring to is a cruiseline shuttle you could ask for info on the forum for your cruiseline where others who have used it would be more likely to see it

 

 

 

 

.I would hate to walk alongside that road as it is really busy and would be unpleasant.

Edited by edinburgher
  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

Thank you very much for your answers.🙂

I was talking about the cruise shuttle provided by marseille port. 

It seems that even with that shuttle it's a pretty long walk 😉

because they will stay in marseille one day before the cruise, near a Metro station, I was thinking of travelling to metro station Joliette and then walking to the cruise shuttle stop. But the information provided by google maps is that they have to walk all the way back to the beginning of the street to enter one private area to catch the shuttle 😏

Edited by framboesa
Posted
29 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

 

 

Just now noticed you are Lisbon based and Lisbon is one of our favourite cities.  We ported there a number of times but enjoyed the city so much on those days that we booked a city breal for several days in Feb 2020 just before the world closed down.

Thank you for your words!

We were in Edinburgh for Christmas in 2018 and loved it (I mean...really loved it). Such nice people and nice food 🙂

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)
3 minutes ago, framboesa said:

Thank you for your words!

We were in Edinburgh for Christmas in 2018 and loved it (I mean...really loved it). Such nice people and nice food 🙂

Thank you.  I think we are both fortunate to live where we do.😀

Edited by edinburgher
  • 6 months later...
Posted

Has anyone done this recently with Royal? I saw on a cruise planner that the Royal shuttle from port to city center is $20/roundtrip. Trying to figure out if that is worth it or if the free shuttle offerred by the port is good. Thanks!

Posted (edited)
15 hours ago, Oriolesfan8 said:

I saw on a cruise planner that the Royal shuttle from port to city center is $20/roundtrip. Trying to figure out if that is worth it or if the free shuttle offerred by the port is good.

As the port of Fos is several miles out of the city.I would say that $20pp is worth it as cruise shuttles usually run all the way to an area very close to the Vieux Port, Fort St Jean or MUCEM,  same location for the return to ship.

 

You would need to check the following yourself unless someone else can give you a definite answer.

 

OTOH, my understanding is that the free port shuttle runs only as far as la Joliette, a transport hub from where you can catch a bus, metro,  or taxi or walk the remainder into the city proper. And depending on how many ships are in on the same day as yours there could be long lines for the free shuttle.and  depending on where you re docked, you may have quite a long walk to the bus stop for the free shuttle bus.

 

Once in the area of the Vieux Port there are a number of sightseeing options within the immediate vicinity.

The following is a copy/paste of a reply I gave earlier last year with some minor tweaks.

 

It is easy to spend time around the Vieux Port, itself worth a visit in its own right And if already in the area next to the Vieux Port, you could wander into the historic  Fort St Jean,at one end of the VP, part of which is free entry. From here you can cross a footbridge to the ultra modern MUCEM complex.on the waterside which is worth visiting.  (as an aside, your shuttle bus may drop off and pick up from here or  close to it) It is mostly outdoors with walkways and terraces, and some lovely views of the Vieux Port, Notre Dame de la Garde and the Med.  It is a public space and can be enjoyed free of charge by anyone whether local or visitor unless you choose to enter any of the paying exhibitions.  There are seating areas, and cafes and restaurants  and it is a lovely place to stroll  or sit whilst admiring the views of both city and sea.  And from there you will be able to see the huge Cathedral de la Major a 5 minute walk away across the road. one of the largest cathedrals in France,  it merits a short visit and has free entry. 

 

There are also short  boat trips on offer from the Vieux Port going to the Chateau d'If (think Count of Monte Cristo) and a couple of other tiny islands, and longer ones to the Calanques of Cassis.  And one of those little tourist trains which tootles around and it goes up to the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde for the wonderful views, and  a couple of HOHOS. The little train and HOHOS leave from alongside the VP close to the historic building with the flags outside which is actually the Hotel de Ville. Also a few museums close by too. . And the shopping is excellent.

 

These suggestions would be the easiest to do  given their very close proximity to each other, but at the same time offer a number of sights/attractions

 

Do read about the city and include the official Marseille Tourist Information website which I think is excellent (click for english version), Marvellous Provence, Tripadvisor and others,

 

 

 

Edited by edinburgher
  • Like 2
  • 4 weeks later...
Posted
On 5/27/2024 at 6:18 PM, Oriolesfan8 said:

Has anyone done this recently with Royal? I saw on a cruise planner that the Royal shuttle from port to city center is $20/roundtrip. Trying to figure out if that is worth it or if the free shuttle offerred by the port is good. Thanks!

We'll be there with Princess and fellow cruisers have reported the cruise shuttle from port to Vieux Port is $15.95 USD RT.  It will get you right to the old town in a convenient spot to walk to the Cathedral, Panier District and more or hop on Le Petit Train to take you around the city and / or Notre Dame de la Garde.


Alternatively, the free shuttle offered by the Port Authority doesn't take you to the heart of the Vieux Port but rather drops off near the Joliette Metro.  Google maps states it's about a 15-20 minute from there to Vieux Port which may be nice if the weather cooperates.  We intend to play by ear on the day of and weigh both options. 

Posted (edited)
23 minutes ago, strobellayjam said:

Alternatively, the free shuttle offered by the Port Authority doesn't take you to the heart of the Vieux Port but rather drops off near the Joliette Metro.  Google maps states it's about a 15-20 minute from there to Vieux Port which may be nice if the weather cooperates.  We intend to play by ear on the day of and weigh both options. 

You should probably read some past threads before deciding as an informed decision is better than an uniformed one as it may not be as simple as you are expecting, and of course you need to take it both ways unless one way was enough for you and you opt to return by taxi or a public bus to the port gates, which would be an even longer walk..

 

In the past I have seen  at least one member posting about the very very long lines at the port with anything up to a couple of hundred cruise pax waiting in line for the free port shuttle  but you may be lucky with only your own ship in port that day and even luckier if you are sailing a small ship..

This post from a thread a few months ago.

 

Posted November 14, 2023 (edited)

 

The Port has a free shuttle service, from the area of Joliette Metro. Not easy to find, runs 1/2 hourly, very crowded. RTM 35T runs from Joliette to Port. Both end at the port gate for document check on entry, then a long walk to the terminals. Taxi isn't cheap, I'm thinking maybe 40 euros or more,  but a lot more convenient. Walking is not practical.

Edited by edinburgher
Posted
37 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

You should probably read some past threads before deciding as an informed decision is better than an uniformed one as it may not be as simple as you are expecting, and of course you need to take it both ways unless one way was enough for you and you opt to return by taxi or a public bus to the port gates, which would be an even longer walk..

 

In the past I have seen  at least one member posting about the very very long lines at the port with anything up to a couple of hundred cruise pax waiting in line for the free port shuttle  but you may be lucky with only your own ship in port that day and even luckier if you are sailing a small ship..

This post from a thread a few months ago.

 

Posted November 14, 2023 (edited)

 

The Port has a free shuttle service, from the area of Joliette Metro. Not easy to find, runs 1/2 hourly, very crowded. RTM 35T runs from Joliette to Port. Both end at the port gate for document check on entry, then a long walk to the terminals. Taxi isn't cheap, I'm thinking maybe 40 euros or more,  but a lot more convenient. Walking is not practical.

I have combed through the past threads in addition to my independent research. Thank you for highlighting the potential issues with the crowds. Appreciate your input. 😀

Posted (edited)
14 hours ago, strobellayjam said:
14 hours ago, edinburgher said:

 

I have combed through the past threads in addition to my independent research.

good start  as . you will know from that research that the port of FOS is huge and can involve  a long walk from your ship dock  to the gate.

14 hours ago, strobellayjam said:

Thank you for highlighting the potential issues with the crowds.

Surprised that you didn't come across any of the free port shuttle posts as they would help you decide. Maybe cruise pax don't post when they have a positive experience, and only post when it was more challenging than they expected it to be? And take into account that you won't know how long the lines are for the return port shuttle until you arrive at the meeting point.

 

And when checking the port schedule for your dock number/name, and how many other ships will call there with you that day, look for any MSC or Costa ships as they embark and disembark passengers at Fos, and some of them may also want to use the free shuttle with their luggage  in addition to regular foot passengers who only want to go from A to B.

 

We intend to play by ear on the day of and weigh both options.

 

Remember that  the majority of cruise ship shuttle tickets will usually go on sale the afternoon or evening before arrival, not usually on the day of.

 

After your return, would you be kind enough to post your experience, either good or even if it was not so good as it would be useful for future cruise passengers to know if this option is worth considering.😀

Edited by edinburgher
Posted

Hello all.

 

We'll be boarding in Marseille for a MSC cruise and would like to know if it's possible to get an Uber from our hotel at Vieux Port to the terminal? Where would it drop us? Near the docking or at the Cruise Terminal entrance ? 

 

Is it also possible to get one on return day, from the cruise to Gare Saint-Charles?

 

Thank you

Posted
3 hours ago, Bracarense said:

We'll be boarding in Marseille for a MSC cruise and would like to know if it's possible to get an Uber from our hotel at Vieux Port to the terminal? Where would it drop us? Near the docking or at the Cruise Terminal entrance ? 

 

Is it also possible to get one on return day, from the cruise to Gare Saint-Charles?

I am sorry but I cannot answer as i have no knowledge of  either taxi availability or access, but perhaps others will know.

 

There may be information on the OFFICIAL port of Fos Marseille website as it is a huge port for cruise ships.If you cannot find the information for taxis, you could try e-mailing or telephoning the port as there should be port contact details somewhere on their website.

 

Or try asking your question on the MSC Forum where passengers who have arrived and left MSC cruises by taxi would be more likely to see it and reply.This one

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/49-msc-cruises/

 

 

  • Thanks 1
Posted
22 hours ago, edinburgher said:

 

 

After your return, would you be kind enough to post your experience, either good or even if it was not so good as it would be useful for future cruise passengers to know if this option is worth considering.😀

I will definitely to do in hopes that my knowledge (more realistically, personal experience) may be of help to others.

Posted
4 hours ago, strobellayjam said:

I will definitely to do in hopes that my knowledge (more realistically, personal experience) may be of help to others.

Thanks for doing that as there are not so many posts about the free shuttle and it will be another reference for future passengers thinking about doing the same.

Long walks aside, going for the free shuttle back means you won't know how long the line is until you reach it and it has only a connection with the port, not your cruiseline or ship. Even should there be long lines for a cruiseline shuttle at the Marseille meeting point, the ship is unlikely to sail while passengers are waiting for its own shuttle buses.

  • 5 weeks later...
Posted
On 6/24/2024 at 7:42 AM, strobellayjam said:

I will definitely to do in hopes that my knowledge (more realistically, personal experience) may be of help to others.

Hey Strob, fellow Canuck, waiting to hear about the $16 Princess shuttle into Vieux Port.  When do you go? ... ours is Sept 1.  We wondered how long the wait was for the Princess shuttle, we don't have a long time to waste, want to get down to the hiking at Callelogue, and would hoof the mile out to the #35 bus on the highway if necessary.  4 ships on port that day so the free shuttle would be hopeless.

Posted
1 hour ago, Bob7 said:

Hey Strob, fellow Canuck, waiting to hear about the $16 Princess shuttle into Vieux Port.  When do you go? ... ours is Sept 1.  We wondered how long the wait was for the Princess shuttle, we don't have a long time to waste, want to get down to the hiking at Callelogue, and would hoof the mile out to the #35 bus on the highway if necessary.  4 ships on port that day so the free shuttle would be hopeless.

We will be there next week so sure to report back  

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted
On 7/24/2024 at 11:08 AM, Bob7 said:

Hey Strob, fellow Canuck, waiting to hear about the $16 Princess shuttle into Vieux Port.  When do you go? ... ours is Sept 1.  We wondered how long the wait was for the Princess shuttle, we don't have a long time to waste, want to get down to the hiking at Callelogue, and would hoof the mile out to the #35 bus on the highway if necessary.  4 ships on port that day so the free shuttle would be hopeless.

@Bob7, we purchased the Princess shuttle into the old Port and found it incredibly quick and straightforward.  There was no wait upon disembarkation as we were out in the early morning and plenty of shuttles waiting.   Princess states the shuttle is 30-45 minutes (but it was more of a 15 minute drive).  It dropped us off right by the foot of Cathedrale La Major along Blvd Jacques-Saade.  The drop off location looked like a bus depot so many of us were confused, firstly by the appearance that didn't seem we were "in town" and the fact the ride was half the time as advertise by Princess.  Nonetheless, it was seamless coming and going.  We were a party of 6 and had no issues.  I did not see the free port shuttle.  Hope that helps.

Posted
18 hours ago, strobellayjam said:

@Bob7, we purchased the Princess shuttle into the old Port and found it incredibly quick and straightforward.  There was no wait upon disembarkation as we were out in the early morning and plenty of shuttles waiting.   Princess states the shuttle is 30-45 minutes (but it was more of a 15 minute drive).  It dropped us off right by the foot of Cathedrale La Major along Blvd Jacques-Saade.  The drop off location looked like a bus depot so many of us were confused, firstly by the appearance that didn't seem we were "in town" and the fact the ride was half the time as advertise by Princess.  Nonetheless, it was seamless coming and going.  We were a party of 6 and had no issues.  I did not see the free port shuttle.  Hope that helps.

Hey Strob, thx so much for this info, sometimes the excursion desks don't even know where the shuttle dropoffs are. On Streetview I see a row of coaches across from the Cathedrale La Major that must be the shuttle stop, and just past it the local bus stop for routes 49 and 82 going into Vieux Port. It's about a third of a mile (0.5Km) from the shuttle stop to the Vieux Port waterfront west end so not "in town" as you note, but not a bad walk, did you do that?  We're catching the M1 at the other end of the waterfront so probably try for the bus to save time.

Posted
3 hours ago, Bob7 said:

Hey Strob, thx so much for this info, sometimes the excursion desks don't even know where the shuttle dropoffs are. On Streetview I see a row of coaches across from the Cathedrale La Major that must be the shuttle stop, and just past it the local bus stop for routes 49 and 82 going into Vieux Port. It's about a third of a mile (0.5Km) from the shuttle stop to the Vieux Port waterfront west end so not "in town" as you note, but not a bad walk, did you do that?  We're catching the M1 at the other end of the waterfront so probably try for the bus to save time.

 

Most of the cruise ship shuttle buses drop off behind the fence in in the area facing the cathedral the https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q3Wb9ZgFrYkarVbp8

 

It isn't a bad place to be dropped off if you want to do a self guided walk up to the cathedral and then up through the old town before dropping back into the new town around the Vieux Port.

 

And from the street outside the shuttle stop to the M1 metro at Vieux Port isn't 0.5km but 1.9km - a good 30 minute walk.

 

 

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