Casablanca

Casablanca might be a huge disappointment for you. We visited it in 2011 while on a cruise. The only thing there worth seeing is the huge mosque. We took a tour to Rabat. Do some research on Morocco and you will find the more interesting places are Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat.

Not really worth a stop IMHO. The movie was shot in a Los Angeles suburb, the "Ricks American cafe" was made up (I understand some scammer has fabricated a bar with the same name there now, so it's about as authentic as anything at Disneyand). There is one sight worth seeing in the city, a mosque. It's an ornate building with lots of marble and bling, but it's a modern buuilding dating from (IIRC) the 1980s. Perched on the edge of the sea, though.

When I was there (long ago) I was not allowed inside, as non-believers were barred. I believe they have liberalized that policy for tourists in recent years so you might be able to see the inside.

Overall though, other than its cinematic name that conjures up romantic memories, I'd say Casablanca is not worth the time and trouble.

But the OP’s ship has a port of call there, like it or not. I would be inclined to join any tour the ship offers, rather than try a taxi. The OP should discuss the options with the cruise excursion director. It’s true that Casablanca is not very beautiful.

By the way, Rick’s Cafe is not at all Disney-ish and I think David’s reference to the owner as a scammer was a bit uncalled for. Until late last year, the owner was an American woman, now dead, who had owned the “joint” for donkey’s years. We had lunch there a few years ago and the meal was absolutely wonderful, as was the service and wine. It may be the only reason to spend a few hours in Casablanca.

Rabat. I assume the cruise line offers a trip there. It's not far away.

I spent one night in Casablanca a long time ago because if was my landing point. It lacks the atmosphere the typical tourist seeks in Morocco. I remember only modern buildings and some attractive contemporary fountains.

No disrespect intended towards the late owner of the "Ricks American Cafe" that was created for tourists in Casablanca, no opinions offered on the quality of the food or other things in there. Just sayin' that if one thinks they are going to an authentic place that's right out of a classic movie, to be aware that it's a modern, manufactured experience. It might be a perfectly nice modern, manufactured experience, but Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains were never there.

The larger point stands: I don't think the city of Casablanca is a very attractive destination. If you're on a ship that stops there anyway, sure, make the best of your time. But keep your expectations calibrated. As Sir Alec Guinness once said, "This isn't the Morocco you are looking for. You can go about your vacation."

I happened to visit my favorite food truck (Breton crepes) today. One of the owners is a Moroccan who lived for some time in France but still has a lot of family in Casablanca. When he told me what city he would be visiting for the next two weeks, be sort of laughed and made a disparaging comment. I don't remember the exact wording he used, and he certainly didn't mean that Casablanca is a bad city--just that from a visitor's standpoint, it's very underwhelming. So there you have it: At least one native agrees it's not the place to go if you have a choice.

OMG, David! Are you telling me that Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains were never in Rick's Cafe in Casablanca? Well, I am shocked. What about the piano player ....... is he just pretend, too? I need to lie down in a dark room for a while.

When I first heard that there was someone who had opened a Rick's Cafe in Casablanca, I assumed it was about as interesting as a Señor Frog's in Mexico City would be. However, this article definitely made it sound worth investigating: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/01/world/africa/casablanca-morocco-ricks-cafe.html

Alas, the owner died shortly after the above article was published: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/30/obituaries/kathy-kriger-madame-rick-at-her-casablanca-cafe-is-dead-at-72.html

Honestly, we couldn’t wait to get out of Casablanca but liked other cities and towns in Morocco.
The Hassam II Mosque is worth a visit and is the only mosque in Morocco open to the public. It is located on the waterfront.

If you wish to hire a cab for the day, it's possible, but be sure that both you and the driver are in complete agreement about the cost, the length of time you want to use their services, and - again - the cost.

Perhaps the cruise line offers a concierge service which could make these arrangements for you prior to disembarking in Casablanca?