Study Abroad Destination

Morocco

A Semester at Sea destination like no other.  

Between the Desert and the Sea 

Ancient history meets cosmopolitan energy in the city of Casablanca, our point of entry to the vibrant Kingdom of Morocco. From urban exploration to desert excursions, experiencing Morocco on Semester at Sea serves as an introduction to the many brilliant facets of this North African cultural epicenter.

A city skyline sprawls out against distant snow-covered mountains. The white tower of a mosque stands out amid square brown buildings, satellite dishes, and palm trees.

Morocco Overview

Capital
Rabat

SAS Port of Call
Casablanca (Dar al-Bayda)

Language
Arabic, Tamazight, Tachelhit, Tarifit, French

Religions
 Islam

Government
Monarchy, unitary state, parliamentary system, constitutional monarchy

Currency
Moroccan dirham

Population
37.65 million (2023)

Why Morocco?

A man in a gray sweater and a baseball cap holds up a piece of twine as he balances a shoe form on his lap. A bundle of twine hangs from the stone wall behind him, while four more shoe forms sit on a low table in front of him.

Contemporary Moroccan culture is complex and multi-faceted, influenced by Arab identity, indigenous North African heritage, and former French and Spanish colonial rule. In the city of Casablanca and beyond, Semester at Sea voyagers will experience this unique confluence of cultures through: 

  • Exquisite local cuisine
  • Religious customs and heritage
  • Bustling market scenes
  • Striking art and architecture
  • Vibrant music and festivals

The in-country excursions provided by SAS staff and local guides are a chance to take in a wide range of attractions without needing to personally handle logistics.

Semester at Sea

Morocco Experience

The Semester at Sea port of call in Morocco is the vibrant metropolis of Casablanca. Once in port, voyagers can choose from Field Programs including multi-day trips to explore some hidden gems further afield.

Highlights include:

  • Visiting Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world after Mecca
  • Riding camels to a desert campsite and sleeping under the stars
  • Exploring Chefchaouen, the infamous blue city
  • Taking a Moroccan cooking class 

Each Semester at Sea stop in Morocco lasts only about five or six days, but the sights, sounds, textures, and flavors tend to stay fresh in voyagers’ minds long after departure.

The iconic white-and-blue-tiled tower of the Hassan II Mosque, as seen through a carved stone archway.
Three young women in blue aprons prepare food around a counter covered in bowls, plates, and cooking utensils. One woman chops onions on a cutting board.

Morocco

Voyager Travel Tips

A person in a long djellaba (robe) stands in a sunlit cobblestone alleyway flanked by red plaster walls. An open-air market and shoppers are visible beyond.
Travel Tips for Moroccan Port of Call

Every destination and port of call is unique, and each carries its own set of circumstances and expectations for travelers. Our top priority is the health and safety of our voyagers — we want all program participants to be as informed as possible so they can enjoy each port experience to the fullest. 

Please be advised that the tips below provide a general overview of travel considerations, and are not intended to dissuade voyagers from experiencing this unforgettable destination.

local transportation small icon of a bus

Local Transportation

In-port transportation is coordinated by SAS; avoid walking inside the port, where commercial activity may pose safety risks. You may use Casablanca’s “petit taxis” (red, three-passenger sedans) or web-based ride-share services Heetch and Careem. Avoid intra-city public buses, especially at night, and “grand taxis” (older white vehicles with blue checked stripes) due to overcrowding, lack of proper maintenance and seatbelts, and aggressive and reckless driving. There is an extensive and reliable inter-city train network.

Safety and Security

Most crime is petty in nature; however, street harassment of women, especially Westerners, is prevalent. All voyagers are encouraged to travel in pairs or groups and certain parts of the city should be avoided. Dress in a conservative manner (especially during Ramadan), avoid displays of wealth, and remain aware of your belongings to reduce the risk of becoming a target of theft. Expect to encounter challenging attitudes around sexuality or gender identity; while the LGBTQ+ community is allegedly tolerated, homosexuality remains illegal, and any open displays of affection will likely draw unwanted attention. While it is not mandatory in public, women may be asked to don a head covering at certain religious sites. Public intoxication is never tolerated. Swimming at Casablanca beach is not advised due to rip currents.

health and medical small icon with a medical cross on a briefcase

Health and Medical

Use bottled or otherwise purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth and confirm the seal on the bottle. Avoid ice cubes and salads, consume only pasteurized dairy products and aged cheeses, and only eat fruit you have personally washed and peeled. In general, try to avoid street vendors and unregulated food establishments, though anywhere serving hot food prepared in front of customers is least likely to pose a health risk. Air pollution routinely exceeds recommended thresholds in urban areas, so individuals with asthma or chronic cardiorespiratory conditions should take necessary precautions. In the event of a medical emergency, immediate ambulance services are usually not available; contact an SAS staff member as soon as possible.

Currency and Tipping

The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (dh). Tipping is customary and much appreciated as minimum wages are very low compared to the cost of living. When taking photos of vendors, artisans, and/or products in the markets, be thoughtful and always ask first about tipping expectations (usually 5 to 10 dh).

safety and security small icon of a shield with a checkmark inside

Required Documents

Ship ID and passport (if staying in a hotel or exchanging money in the bank).

Climate and Weather

Coastal Morocco maintains temperatures between 60° and 80°F (15°–26°C) throughout the year, with occasional heat waves and very little rainfall. Moderate year-round humidity is often exacerbated by urban air pollution.

Communication

The primary method of contacting SAS voyage staff is via WhatsApp chat (WhatsApp calls may not work). To place calls within Morocco, dial your country’s exit code (US is 011), then the country code for Morocco (+212), then the area code and phone number.

emergency services icon phone with quote and exclamation point

Emergency Services

All voyagers receive contact information for local police, fire, ambulance, medical emergency services, and the U.S. embassy and consulate.

Before we dock in each port, we provide every voyager with specific information regarding health, safety, logistics, and more. 

Expand your horizons.

Connect with our admissions team today.