Rabat, Morocco

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod - your journey beyond the waves.

I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re exploring Rabat, Morocco - a city where royal palaces, ancient walls, and modern towers blend into one unforgettable image of Africa’s diversity.

City Overview

Morocco, the gateway to Africa, is a land of contrasts - from vast deserts and the Atlas Mountains to bustling souks and a long Atlantic coastline.

Our ship docked in Casablanca, the country’s largest city and main port.

Its name, meaning “the White House”, was given by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century after they rebuilt the destroyed city of Anfa.

Today, Casablanca is modern, loud, and full of energy - a city that never seems to rest.

But our destination lay ninety kilometers to the north: Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Since 1956, it has been the seat of the king and government.

Compared to the chaos of Casablanca, Rabat feels calmer, greener, and more organized.

Its broad boulevards are lined with cube-shaped ficus trees, and the city manages to balance old traditions with a modern, cosmopolitan feel.

Our Day in Port

The day began early.

At seven-thirty in the morning, we gathered for our excursion, walking nearly a kilometer through Casablanca’s port to reach the bus.

A brief passport check followed - more symbolic than serious - and soon we were on our way.
Traffic was already dense, and progress through the city was slow, but the anticipation of discovering Morocco’s capital kept everyone in good spirits.

Our first stop was the Royal Palace, the official residence of King Mohammed the Sixth.

Even from outside, the vast palace grounds were impressive, watched over by guards on foot and horseback.

Although visitors aren’t allowed to enter, just standing before the gates was enough to feel the weight of Moroccan history and tradition.

Next, we visited the Mausoleum of Mohammed the Fifth, one of Rabat’s most iconic landmarks.

Its white marble walls, carved cedar ceilings, colorful mosaics, and golden details made the interior shine with beauty and serenity.

Here rest Mohammed the Fifth, Hassan the Second, and Prince Abdallah - surrounded by guards in ceremonial dress, some mounted on magnificent horses.

It was both solemn and spectacular.

Driving on, we passed Rabat’s modern side.

The Mohammed VI Tower, soaring two hundred fifty meters high, stood beside the city’s futuristic opera house, showing how Morocco looks confidently toward the future while still honoring its past.

Then came the highlight of the day - the Kasbah of the Udayas.

Entering through its ancient walls felt like stepping into another world.

White and blue houses, narrow alleys, and flower-filled courtyards created an atmosphere straight out of a storybook.

Our guide set a brisk pace, but we still managed to buy a souvenir magnet - paid in euros, with change curiously given in U.S. dollars.

We also enjoyed the traditional mint tea, served with sweet pastries - a moment of calm and flavor that will stay with me forever.

As we left the Kasbah, Rabat revealed another side - a long Atlantic promenade with gardens, rocky shores, and even public swimming pools.

It felt almost Mediterranean in its calmness and design.

Back in Casablanca, the contrast could not have been sharper.

The streets were crowded, gray, and noisy - full of cars, horns, and movement.

And yet, among the chaos, one sight stood out above all others: the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.

Standing proudly at the edge of the ocean, its 210-meter minaret - the tallest in the world - seemed to touch the sky.

The intricate stonework, marble details, and sheer scale were breathtaking.

It was a perfect finale to a day that captured both the heart and spirit of Morocco.

Rabat left me deeply impressed - a city of royal grandeur and peaceful beauty, a world apart from Casablanca’s intensity.

Travel Tips

The cruise terminal in Casablanca is industrial, and reaching the excursion buses requires walking about a kilometer.

There’s a brief security check, but it’s quick and simple.

Trying to explore on foot isn’t practical - the city is large, and most sights are far apart.

Booking an organized excursion, like we did, is the easiest and safest option.

Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours, so plan for long travel times both to and from Rabat.

For anyone expecting Casablanca to resemble the classic Humphrey Bogart movie - that’s a myth.

The film was actually shot in the United States.

Only a café inspired by the movie recalls the Hollywood version of the city.

If you’re feeling adventurous, some cruises offer a thirteen-hour excursion to Marrakech.

It’s a long and tiring day, but the rewards are unforgettable.

Known as the “Pearl of the South”, Marrakech sits north of the High Atlas Mountains and bursts with life, color, and sound.

Its Djemaa el Fna square transforms every evening into a stage of musicians, storytellers, snake charmers, and food stalls.

Nearby, the souks form a labyrinth of scents and colors, while the Koutoubia Mosque dominates the skyline.

It’s a journey for the senses - and for many, the highlight of a trip to Morocco.

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed our journey through Rabat, Morocco - a city where ancient walls meet modern skylines and tradition flows seamlessly into the future.

Join me next time as we sail to another fascinating destination on our cruise.

Until then - stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.