Sète is positioned in cruising as a transit port, ideal for day stopovers. Most cruise passengers arrive early in the morning and leave 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 all in one day.

The Port of Sète is actively committed to an environmental approach aimed at limiting the impact of cruising on the city and the environment. One key measure of this policy is to restrict the size of ships to less than 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 guaranteeing a more pleasant experience for residents and visitors.Additionally, the port has implemented financial incentives to encourage ships that adopt environmentally friendly practices. This includes efforts to reduce pollutant emissions and minimize disturbances related to stopovers. The port is also a signatory of the "Sustainable Cruise in the Mediterranean" charter, a strong commitment to more environmentally respectful development.Finally, as part of its future projects, the Port of Sète is actively working on the installation of shore power systems for ships at berth. This initiative aims to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions from ships while docked, thereby contributing to air quality protection and reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.

The Port of Sète welcomes an average of 40 to 50 cruise ship stopovers each year, spread throughout the entire year, from January to December, without a true seasonality. This variety of stopovers helps maintain regular cruise activity year-round, which is an advantage for the port. The average number of passengers on ships calling at Sète is around 600, reflecting a rather luxury and premium positioning.Furthermore, the ships are mainly under 240 meters, which allows for a more sustainable cruise experience, aligned with the port's environmental initiatives. This type of cruising attracts an audience seeking a more intimate and high-end experience, while enabling the port to limit its impact and welcome passengers eager to discover the beautiful destinations around Sète.

The main cruise passengers stopping at Sète mostly come from Anglo-Saxon countries, with a large proportion of Americans among the passengers. This audience, attracted by the comfort and quality of the luxury and premium cruises offered, often favors the Mediterranean for its cultural, historical, and natural riches.Therefore, the cruises calling at Sète are primarily frequented by travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, as well as 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 improve the experience of cruise passengers during their stopovers. If you wish to collaborate with us, please contact us through the Contact section on our website. We would be happy to explore collaboration opportunities.

The 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 sites are accessible within a 5 to 10-minute walk.At each stopover, a special welcome is offered by the Tourist Office at the maritime station, and it can also take place on board depending on the company’s preference. A city map is given to cruise passengers along with a list of merchants participating in the Cruise Friendly program.