The newly inaugurated cruise terminal of Casablanca port, recently launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, welcomed its first ship at dawn Friday, marking a milestone for cruise tourism in the metropolitan city.
In a festive atmosphere, passengers aboard the Island Sky, carrying around one hundred guests, were introduced to a world-class facility offering a seamless, digitalized experience that combines safety, comfort, and high-quality service.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to be the very first ship to dock at Casablanca’s new cruise terminal. It’s rare to have the privilege of inaugurating such a facility," said George Robert Hendry, captain of the Island Sky.
"We’re very pleased to see that the terminal perfectly meets the needs of all types of vessels," he told the press, adding: "As a captain, it’s a particular honor to return to Casablanca under these conditions. This is a very special day for me, for my crew, and for our passengers."
Passengers of the Island Sky also expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and the overall quality of their experience, praising the comfort and efficiency of the services provided at the new port facility.
"It’s a real joy to be here on such a beautiful day. Morocco is a stunning country, and I hope to return often, especially after having already had the chance to visit Tangier," said Robert, a British passenger.
"We’ve had a wonderful time aboard the Island Sky, and the welcome in Casablanca has been remarkable. Everything went smoothly and in a very pleasant atmosphere," noted a Scottish couple.
The new Casablanca cruise terminal is a state-of-the-art facility built to international standards, aiming to enhance the city’s tourism offering and support the growth of cruise activity at the port.
With an investment of approximately MAD 720 million, the project is part of the broader restructuring and development program of the Casablanca Port Complex, designed to boost the city’s economic and tourism appeal.
With an annual capacity of 450,000 cruise passengers, the terminal is equipped to accommodate vessels up to 350 meters in length and 45 meters in width, with a water depth of 9 meters.
MAP: 26 September 2025
