Casablanca’s port turned a new page on Friday as it welcomed the Island Sky, the first cruise ship to dock at the city’s newly unveiled terminal—a major milestone in Morocco’s broader push to modernize its maritime infrastructure. The ship, carrying around a hundred passengers, is more than just a symbol of fresh beginnings; it represents a strategic shift toward making Casablanca a prominent destination in the world of cruise tourism.
Greeted with music, celebration, and a vibrant atmosphere, passengers disembarked into a terminal designed with both elegance and efficiency in mind. From streamlined security to a digital-first approach, the facility sets a new standard for hospitality. Captain George Robert Hendry, who helmed the Island Sky into port, was visibly impressed. Speaking to the press, he described the experience as a rare privilege. “It’s not every day you’re the first to dock at a brand-new terminal,” he said, adding that the facility was well-equipped to handle vessels of all shapes and sizes.
Passengers echoed the enthusiasm. Many praised the comfort and ease of their arrival, noting the warm welcome and thoughtful design of the terminal. Among them was Robert, a British tourist, who couldn’t hide his excitement: “Morocco is just stunning. I loved Tanger, and now Casablanca makes me want to come back even more,” he said. A couple from Scotland described the entire arrival as seamless and genuinely enjoyable.
The terminal’s opening is part of a much larger initiative to revamp Casablanca’s port, with a significant investment of 720 million dirhams fueling the transformation. Designed to accommodate up to 450,000 passengers annually, the facility marks a strategic move to position the city as a key stopover for cruise routes in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Built to meet high international standards, the terminal can handle ships up to 350 meters long and 45 meters wide, with a docking depth of nine meters. With these upgrades, Casablanca is aiming not just to modernize, but to compete—offering cruise liners a reliable and attractive port of call as they chart new voyages through North Africa and the wider region.
