Interesting Change of Plans

 April 16, 2023

Casablanca

This would be our only real stop in Africa so of course I booked an excursion for us.  It would be longer than is our norm but then this is an exceptional port.

So the evening of April 14 we received mail from Princess. It outlined all of the special information that we would need. The trip would be 2 hours if no congestion, no washroom on board, washrooms when available would be of low standard, bring your own toilet paper, be wary of high pressure sellers, Keep your guide in sight at all times, it would be easy to get lost and the warnings went on.

We decided that it was perhaps not a good idea to go on the excursion we had chosen. We searched for and found a shorter safer excursion and I went to customer service to put in our cancellation and our new request. Unfortunately the office was closed and I had to use the drop box. I heard nothing from them and so the next afternoon I was waiting before the office opened. I was not alone, that letter has scared many travelers. When they opened a clerk arrived and announced that no exchange or cancellation requests would be honoured. We were outside the cancellation limit of 48 hours and no refunds would be given.

We were just out the 200.00 US. The fact that Princess chose to warn us about the would be problems with this tour after it was too late to cancel and get a refund seems very unfair and perhaps dishonest on their part. Here is the letter we received:

It turned out that Ken of Julia and Ken did not want to go ashore and they had 2 tickets to another shorter safer tour. So I will be going ashore with Julia. 

Here is the description of this tour:

A narrated driving tour of spectacular Casablanca is perfect for guests who prefer little or no walking. It showcases all of the city's main sights and highlights. Board your motorcoach and begin with a photoshop at the Habous Quarter, built in the French style. Here the narrow streets lead to shaded squares and you'll have a brief time to explore some of the marketplace offerings. Nearby admire from the exterior the Mahakma du Pacha, the Islamic Law Courts with graceful architectural lines. Drive to the famed Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993. This mosque boasts the world's tallest minaret, stretching 650 feet in height. Continue to Mohammed V square, where Casablanca's administrative buildings surround a vast square, considered to be the city's centerpiece of French design. At the tour's completion you may remain for independent sight seeing but are responsible for your own return to the ship.

This tour is 3 hours long and runs from 10am till 1:00pm. I am hoping it will be perfect for 2 ladies on their own in an Arab country

Casablanca

For many years, the word Casablanca conjures up Hollywood's version of an exotic city of intrigue.But the reality is far removed from film fantasy, more complex and fascinating. Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, the busiest port in North Africa and home to nearly 4 million people. An important trading center since the days of the Phoenicians. Casablanca is an evocative blend of more new than old, more familiar than exotic. It is a modern commercial city with an old heart that is home to narrow,cobbled alleys, bazaars and souks, minarets, and mediars.

Casablanca is a modern city with beaches bordering the Atlantic and broad tree lined avenues. The city is also your gateway to Morocco's interior and the exotic" Imperial Cities" of Rabat and Marrakech. 

We went on our tour and it was very nice. I knew it would be good by the way it began. Look at these beautiful flowers at the cruise terminal.

As we drove our guide pointed out the interesting historic buildings and told us of the history and culture of the area. The bus was not crowded so Julia were able to move around and get great photos.

 

Our first real stop was to the Mohammed V square named for the king of Morocco who ruled from 1927 until his death in 1961,This is considered to be the city's centerpiece of French design. The square boasts a palm lined promenade and a majestic fountain. This was amazing. I have never seen so many pigeons, grain sellers, costumed water sellers and tourists in one area. It was 10 minutes of chaos and fun all at one time.

Our next stop was the Hussan II mosque. It is the world's second largest mosque. The structure can accommodate 25,000 worshipers in its interior and 85,000 worshipers on the esplanade. The minaret , the world's tallest at 650 feet is topped with a laser beam that shines at night in the direction of Mecca.

The mosaics that decorate to square and the buildings are truly amazing . We did not have tickets to go inside the grounds but it really was amazing even from where we stood. I was amazed by the size of the building and last night we could see the green lazer beam pointing to Mecca as the call to prayers rang out over the city.

This was taken from our balcony so it is hazzy and difficult to see with the competition from the port.

Our next stop was to see the outside of the King's palace. Not much of a view but the gate and the guards were kind of special. The flag was flying which meant he was at home but he did not come out and invite us in for tea.

Next we were off to the olive market. Never have I seen so many olives and who knew they came in so many colors? There were so many vendors that you have to wonder how anyone makes a living. There was a public sink there so if you ended up with oily fingers from tasting different olives you could wash your fingers.

The olive market ran into another market or Souk. Here there were many sellers whose wares were textiles, clothes and carpets and hats and baskets .

At one point we stop at a patisserie and Julia selects an assortment of sweets for us to enjoy.

While at this market I was able to get 2 decorative items for our "Around the World " tree. One for Morocco and one for Casablanca.

Just outside the market we viewed the section of the city that is home to the  Habous quarter which is a Jewish charity foundation.

Then it was back to the bus for our return to the ship. It was a grand tour and I really enjoyed spending time with Julia.

I thought you would like to see the sunset from last night, not your usual but beautiful none the less.

Tomorrow is a sea day, then we have 2 stops at the Canary Islands and then the 8 day crossing of the Atlantic.