On Day 2 of my Costa Toscana Mediterranean cruise, I arrived in the historic port city of Marseille, France. Although my original shore excursion was cancelled, I embraced the opportunity to explore this vibrant coastal city on my own, and it turned out to be an enjoyable stop on my journey.
๐ Morning Arrival in Marseille
We docked early in the morning, and after a quick breakfast of cornflakes with strawberry yoghurt and raisins, I found the buffet too hectic to enjoy. A walk around the ship led me to a quieter restaurant where I had a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, and tomato, paired with fresh fruit juice.
๐ถ Disembarking the Costa Toscana
At around 13:15, I was finally allowed to disembark. All I needed was my Costa Cruises key card to pass through security and exit the port. Finding the coach to the city centre was chaotic, with no clear signage and a crowd of confused passengers, but I eventually boarded a bus that took me into Marseille.
โช Sightseeing in Marseille: Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Once in the city, I bought roasted cashews from a street vendor and hopped on the Marseille tourist train, which winds through the city and up to the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde Cathedral. The panoramic views of the Old Port and surrounding neighbourhoods were breathtaking. I captured stunning photos and videos before heading back down on the return train.
After walking back around the town, I found the bus stop and jumped on the next bus back to the ship.
Photos: Marseille.
In October 2022, I stepped ashore in Marseille, France, a city where ancient charm meets Mediterranean vibrance. This photo collection captures the textures, colours, and spirit of a day spent wandering its historic streets, scenic waterfronts, and lively markets. Each image is a window into the soul of Marseille, seen through the lens of a traveller aboard the Costa Toscana.
Click on any image to view a larger version with a description.
๐ณ๏ธBack on the Costa Toscana.
Back on the ship, I relaxed in the bar wearing my Arsenal shirt. A friendly Indian crew member, also an Arsenal fan, struck up a conversation. He shared his dream of playing in the Premier League and brought me a delicious Bahama Mama cocktail. I had another, strictly for quality control, of course.
๐ญ Evening Entertainment & Dining
After freshening up, I headed to the Colosseum showroom for the acrobatic performance โLava.โ The show was spectacular, on par with Cirque du Soleil, though on a smaller scale. One performer even handled a wardrobe malfunction with incredible professionalism when her breast popped out of her outfit.
Later, I joined Lynda, Michael, Susan, and Bryan for a four-course dinner, accompanied by several glasses of white wine. We ended the night with cocktails at the Colosseum bar and live music at the Leonardo Gran Bar, where I enjoyed one last Bahama Mama before bed.
โ Marseille Cruise Stop Highlights & tips.
- Port: Marseille, France.
- Excursion: Self-guided tour via tourist train.
- Landmark: Notre-Dame de la Garde Cathedral.
- Onboard Show: โLavaโ โ acrobatic performance.
- Cocktail of the Day: Bahama Mama.
- Travel Tip: Arrive early for disembarkation and be prepared for coach boarding confusion