“Our aim is not to run more cruises, but to do better.”
One year after his election as president of Marseille Provence Croisière (MPC), Jacques Hardelay reiterates the direction he intends to give the association: to better integrate cruise activity into the region and maximize its local economic impact.
This strategy notably involves a better understanding of the passengers.
MPC has strengthened its statistical observatory to analyze nationalities, maritime and riverine flows as well as the itineraries of cruise passengers in the city.
The objective is in particular to anticipate saturation risks in certain neighborhoods.
One year after his election as president of Marseille Provence Croisière (MPC), Jacques Hardelay reiterates the direction he intends to give the association: to better integrate cruise activity into the region and maximize its local economic impact.
This strategy notably involves a better understanding of the passengers.
MPC has strengthened its statistical observatory to analyze nationalities, maritime and riverine flows as well as the itineraries of cruise passengers in the city.
The objective is in particular to anticipate saturation risks in certain neighborhoods.
Targeting the Mainline Passengers
These data should also feed a joint strategy with Marseille Provence Airport to develop direct air links and attract more passengers boarding or disembarking in Marseille.
A clientele known as the ‘head of line’, deemed more beneficial for the local economy since they are likely to stay in the city before or after their cruise.
In the same spirit, Marseille Provence Croisière is preparing the promotion of the future J4 maritime terminal, which should allow the destination to strengthen its positioning in the luxury small-cruise market.
On the environmental front, the on-quay electrical power supply installations, officially inaugurated in April 2026, are now operational. A commissioning phase is nonetheless necessary: each vessel must carry out its own tests and adjustments before regularly using the equipment.
According to MPC, several shipowners are choosing Marseille to carry out these technical tests.
A clientele known as the ‘head of line’, deemed more beneficial for the local economy since they are likely to stay in the city before or after their cruise.
In the same spirit, Marseille Provence Croisière is preparing the promotion of the future J4 maritime terminal, which should allow the destination to strengthen its positioning in the luxury small-cruise market.
On the environmental front, the on-quay electrical power supply installations, officially inaugurated in April 2026, are now operational. A commissioning phase is nonetheless necessary: each vessel must carry out its own tests and adjustments before regularly using the equipment.
According to MPC, several shipowners are choosing Marseille to carry out these technical tests.
Marseille Provence Croisière Will Celebrate Its 30th Anniversary
The association is also working on developing short provisioning circuits for ships, with initial direct contracts between inland shipowners and regional wine producers, and similar efforts undertaken for maritime cruising as well.
The association also plans to strengthen dialogue with local stakeholders. Working groups bringing together hoteliers, merchants and tourist sites have been created, while a strengthening of territorial governance is scheduled for July.
This new phase comes a few months before Marseille Provence Croisière’s 30th anniversary. Created in 1996 under the name Club de la Croisière Marseille Provence, the association adopted its current name in 2023.
The association also plans to strengthen dialogue with local stakeholders. Working groups bringing together hoteliers, merchants and tourist sites have been created, while a strengthening of territorial governance is scheduled for July.
This new phase comes a few months before Marseille Provence Croisière’s 30th anniversary. Created in 1996 under the name Club de la Croisière Marseille Provence, the association adopted its current name in 2023.
