Port Sultan Qaboos (for Muscat) Cruises, Oman
The ancient walled city of Muscat is wedged into a mountain-cocooned bay, just 20 minutes’ drive from Port Sultan Qaboos. It’s only 250 miles from king of the Emirates, Dubai, but looks-wise, the two cities are chalk and cheese. Muscat is making its own path, going heavy on history with ruins, forts and mosques aplenty. Strict building policies have helped give the city its attractive edge. And it’s prime diving, hiking and nature-spotting territory, thanks to its mountainous by-the-sea setting.
• The Grand Mosque is a great example of modern Islamic architecture. And inside, they went all out – there’s a Swarovski chandelier and a 21-tonne Persian carpet covering the huge prayer hall.
• Muscat’s waters teem with underwater life. Take a tour out into the open sea, and chances are you’ll be greeted by playful dolphins. Opt to dive, and you’ll get to share waters with whale sharks, barracudas and turtles.
• There are a couple of museums in town, where you can learn about the city’s past. You can follow in the footsteps of Prince Charles at Bait Al-Zubair. It’s a traditional house filled with weapons, costumes and household items from Bedouin to colonial times.
SHORE EXCURSIONS View all excursions
Magic of Muscat - full day
This full day trip ticks off a sea cruise, a busy market, a beautiful mosque, a museum and a palace. The tour starts with a quick stop for a photo at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a huge sandstone building topped with a 50-foot dome. In fact, it’s one of the largest mosques ever constructed. Next, it’s onto the rainbow-coloured Muttrah Souk, which is packed with stalls selling textiles, ornaments and jewellery. There’ll be time to do a little shopping before you head to the Bait Zubair Museum for an insight into Omani heritage. Last up for the morning is a chance to snap a couple of photos of the gold and blue Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial home of Sultan Qaboos of Oman. Then it’s time to head back to the ship and grab some lunch onboard. Fully refreshed, you’ll go on to spend the afternoon on a dhow boat cruise. Climb aboard at the Marina Bandar, before being whisked off along the pretty coastline.
Tour of Fort and Spring
From mosques to markets, you’ll see some of Muscat’s best bits on this full-day tour – so don’t forget the camera. Your first photo stop will be Muttrah Fish Market, where you can watch locals haggle for the catch of the day. Next, you’ll head to Al Hazm Fort. This enormous castle sits on a rocky outcrop and is surrounded by palm trees. Time it right, and you might even get to see the noisy goat market that takes place here each week. Then, you’ll go for a look at the Nakhi Hot Springs, an hour’s drive away. After a chance to snap a selfie by the scenic springs, you’ll head to a resort in Al Nahda for a buffet lunch of traditional Omani dishes. Once you’ve had your fill, you’ll travel to your last stop on the tour, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. You’ll have a chance to snap some photos of its giant, golden dome and ivory-coloured outer walls, before heading back to the port.
Souk & Dhow
Set sail for a cruise along Muscat’s coastline in a wooden dhow. These boats have been used for centuries in Arabia and are an important part of Omani maritime tradition. They’re curved at each end, with a square stern in the centre and big white sails. Keep your camera ready as you cruise alongside the dramatic Hajar Mountains. Once you’re back on dry land, you’ll be taken to the Muttrah Souk where you’ll have some free time to explore the jewellery, pottery and spice stalls that huddle together at this maze-like market.