Monday, November 27 – Casablanca

The Casablanca port is strictly commercial.  There is no cruise terminal and the only way out is on a ship’s tour, a private tour or a shuttle bus.  The walk to the assorted buses seemed to be a half-mile or so although that may be an exaggeration.  It was long enough that the walkers and wheel chairs were moving very slowly by the time they returned from their tours.

We have been here several times, starting in 2001.  On that first visit, and on the advice of Jon and Briton, we took the ship’s tour to Marakkech.  Jon had told us that Casa, as it is known was just a big, dirty European city.  He was right.

Further visits have taken us to Rabat and, last year, on a Jewish heritage tour of the city which included a visit to, and tour of, the Hassan II mosque.  So, we’ve “done” Casablanca and did not even consider the 5 euro shuttle to the UN Plaza.  We’ve seen it, too, and did not want to do any shopping in the adjacent souk.  As a result, we had a very relaxing day spent reading in the Explorer’s Lounge and, after lunch, at our table by the pool on Lido Deck.  The ship was even quieter than usual on our “sea days in port.”  We presumed it was a result of everyone going on tour in case they never get back here. 

We have regained two hours, by the way, and are currently only 5 hours ahead of the East Coast.  The biggest impact that has is that the NYT is arriving at a decent hour so we can do the puzzle after breakfast without waiting.  As we travel westward, we will eventually get all of those hours – and the lost sleep – back.  At least we will not suffer “ship lag.”

TOMORROW – A Day at Sea.