Sète is positioned in the cruise industry as a transit port, ideal for day stopovers. Most cruise passengers arrive early in the morning and depart in the evening, taking the opportunity to explore the many nearby attractions. Popular excursions include the city of Sète, Montpellier, Carcassonne, and the stunning Camargue, offering a variety of cultural and natural discoveries in just one day.

The Port of Sète is actively committed to an environmental approach aimed at reducing the impact of cruise activity on the city and the environment. One of the key measures of this policy is limiting the size of cruise ships to under 240 meters, in order to ensure more sustainable cruises that are better accepted by the local population. This initiative helps to reduce pressure on infrastructure and the environment while ensuring a more pleasant experience for both residents and visitors.In addition, the port has implemented financial incentives to encourage ships that adopt environmentally responsible practices. This includes efforts to reduce polluting emissions and limit disturbances related to stopovers. The port is also a signatory of the "Sustainable Cruise Charter in the Mediterranean," a strong commitment to more environmentally respectful development.Lastly, as part of its future projects, the Port of Sète is actively working on installing shore power systems for docked ships. This initiative aims to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions while ships are moored, contributing to improved air quality and a lower carbon footprint in the cruise sector.

The Port of Sète hosts an average of 40 to 50 cruise ship stopovers each year, spread throughout the entire year from January to December, without a defined peak season. This variety of stopovers ensures steady cruise activity year-round, which is a strong asset for the port.The average cruise ship calling at Sète carries around 600 passengers, reflecting a positioning that leans toward luxury and premium segments. Additionally, most vessels are under 240 meters in length, which supports a more sustainable type of cruising in line with the port’s environmental initiatives.This style of cruising appeals to travelers seeking a more intimate and high-end experience, while also allowing the port to minimize its environmental impact and welcome visitors eager to explore the stunning destinations surrounding Sète.

The majority of cruise passengers stopping in Sète come from English-speaking countries, with a large proportion of Americans among them. This clientele, drawn by the comfort and quality of luxury and premium cruises, often chooses the Mediterranean for its rich cultural, historical, and natural offerings.As a result, cruises calling at Sète are primarily frequented by travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other English-speaking countries, who come to explore nearby destinations such as the city of Sète, Montpellier, Carcassonne, and the Camargue.

We are always looking for new partners to enrich our offerings and enhance the experience of cruise passengers during their stopovers. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please contact us through the Partnerships section on our website. We would be delighted to explore potential opportunities together.

Cruise ships dock in the heart of the city, either at Quai d’Alger or in the commercial port, where port shuttles transport passengers to the port entrance. Shops and tourist attractions are within a 5 to 10-minute walk. At each stopover, a warm welcome is provided by the Tourist Office at the cruise terminal, and may also take place on board depending on the cruise line's preference. Passengers are given a city map along with a list of merchants participating in the Cruise Friendly program.