Casablanca (Morocco)

Advantages: Rich
Disadvantages: Poor

...linked to modernization to pop up. Casablanca is the only city I am aware of in Morocco, to have a red light district. However, the area can be quite dangerous and I would recommend you try to stay clear of this area around Blvd Hassan Seghir and Rue Mohammed Smiha ... Read review

Advantages: lively city
Disadvantages: intimidating, unwelcoming, crazy traffic

...i took a cruise and Casablanca was our second port of call, and the one on our itinerary we most looked forward to visiting. We had been promised welcoming people, and great shopping in the soukes (markets). We lasted a whole hour before heading back to our ship in an almighty hurry. From the moment we stepped out of our petit taxi (which are allowed to carry no more than 3 passengers) we knew it was going to be a disappointment. Cars and buses ...
...leave you until you had at least handled their goods. this all in the first half hour. The next was spent trying to shake off a local who had followed us from the minute we had entered the first shop and despite our attempts to persuade him in a friendly manner that we did not need him to show us around he (and 3 other "friends") tagged beside us trying to persuade us to go with him to the Medina (the old part of the city containing over 200 soukes). ... Read review

Advantages: Western comforts if that's your thing
Disadvantages: Wealth divide, Lack of culture, unfriendly locals

I arrived in Casablanca by train and took a taxi to the city centre where i planned to stay. The taxi driver seemed to drive around in circles even though I'd given him a map in French of where I wanted to go, eventually dropping me off around half a mile away. I'd spent a bit of time in Morocco in the cities and desert and was wholey disappointed by Casablanca. Travelling on a budget I saw most of what the westerners staying at the beach resorts ...
...streets and plenty of fighting between the locals. The city itself is trying to be as western as possible. Plenty of boutiques and fast food restaurants and the touristy market in the old town area is overpriced and low quality compared to the other regions in the country. The hassan II mosque on the coast is something worth going to see. Apparently the 3rd largest in the world and the hammams are beautiful. The detail and effort is exceptional ... Read review

Advantages: coastal area beauitful
Disadvantages: beggars

...to where i was stopping. Casablanca town is very busy and you have to be careful as there are a lot of beggars and would steal from you given the opportunity. So be aware when taking money out in the street, The markets are very busy and cheap but be aware of pickpockets. The local food is really nice and the tagine made with lamb is the best i have ever tasted. Food in morocco is very fresh and would not pass the food safety standards of england ... Read review

Advantages: A real value for money holiday of a lifetime in which you will be completely pampered
Disadvantages: Perfectly calm crossings cannot be guaranteed

...can dance the night away or just take things easy - it's up to you. But whatever you do, make sure you have enough energy left so that you can enjoy the next day's shore excursion. PORTS OF CALL Our cruise was called the 'Canary Island Wanderer' stopping off at Vigo (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Madeira, Tenerife, Lanzerote, Gran Canaria and Casablanca (Morocco). On shore excursions you can either do your own thing or go on one of the many organised trips. Be warned: tickets for these are snapped up quickly and some can be quite pricey! Alternatively, you may decide to simply relax and sunbathe onboard the boat. EXTRA COSTS/PAYMENT ON BOARD If you are not familiar with cruising, money does not exchange hands onboard the ship. At the beginning of the cruise you open an account with the Purser for which you are given a plastic card... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Such a variety of different cultures and scenary. Hot deserts to mountains, fertile plains to sandy beaches.
Disadvantages: Snakes, cockroaches, beggars.

...that was a nice consolation. There was little begging or hawkers on the beach, while I was there, as the police were often walking up and down enjoying all the topless girls! They seemed to be quite strict with their own people. I saw some Moroccan women in their traditional clothes sitting on the pavement waiting for a bus. The police made them stand up. There are lots of hotels in Agadir, but I had to share my room with familiar friends - cockroaches! I came across lots of these on my travels unfortunately. Further north of Agadir is the sea port of Casablanca, the biggest town in Morocco with over 2.9 million people. It's a mix of cultures again with the old Muslim Quarter (98% of Moroccans are Muslim) along side a modern city with shanty towns on the outskirts. The port handles over three quarters of the country's commerce... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good domestic and West African network
Disadvantages: Having to transit Casablanca

...Introduction I flew in economy from London Heathrow to Ouarzazate via Casablanca, though my return was from Marrakech (also via Casablanca). I paid £300 for these flights, quite expensive, and was a little nervous about the generally negative this airline according to the limited range of reviews about Royal Air Maroc that I have managed to fine on various sites hosting airline reviews. This was a holiday and I was to join a one week organised tour so my priorities were on having a flight on time more than anything else, however my low expectations were set to boost the degree to which this airline was to impress me. Facts about Royal Air Maroc Founded in 1953 this state owned airline (in line for privatisation) boasts a fleet of 41 serving more than 30 destinations from its Casablanca hub. This includes an extensive network... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful