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Muscat, Oman – Cruise Port Guide

What to do with Eight Hours ashore in Muscat, Oman – a Cruise Port Guide…

Muscat is the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman

and a popular winter cruise destination for Middle East itineraries and repositioning cruises. It has a completely different feel and none of the showiness of its close neighbours Abu Dhabi and Dubai with their massive high rise buildings and glitz. Abu Dhabi is elegant and restrained in comparison, partly because all new buildings are required to be built with traditional features such as a dome. This is largely due to the influence Sultan Qaboos, the countries hereditary absolute monarch since 1970 when he began the “Renaissance for Oman” project. Huge investment on health, education and welfare has transformed the country into a prosperous world economy without losing any of its charm or heritage.

Muscat is situated between mountains and sea and has a wide suburban area, spread over 60 km, with about 3.1 million inhabitants. Although the city is quite wide spread but is a quiet, clean, safe city to visit with three main areas Mutrah – the original port, Ruwi -“downtown” Muscat and Old Muscat where you will find the Royal Palace and the Bait Al Zubair museum.

Muscat views tourism as very important as a source of income for the country but the Government is very strict – no criticism of the Sultan is allowed, the press is largely controlled and homosexuality is illegal so, as with many countries in the area, it is best to behave sensibly, dress respectfully and avoid any overt displays of affection while visiting.

The official currency is the Omani Rial (ROH)- best alternative currency GBP but US dollars and credit cards also widely accepted

Cruise ships dock at Port of Sultan Qaboos,

berth 4 or 5, close to Mutrah – the original town which stretches along a wide coastal road with low latticed buildings and mosques. Look out for the Sultans Royal Yacht – one of the largest private yachts in the world! Cruise excursions and HOHO buses meet the ship at the quay otherwise you pass through security and are issued your visa (do not lose!) in the ports fully accessible terminal building. Here you will find tourist information, maps, toilets and wifi. From here you take a free shuttle to the port gate as walking in port is strictly prohibited. There was quite a queue for the port shuttle on exit from the terminal building – so be sure to allow a little time for security and shuttles if meeting a driver. You will find any pre-booked drivers waiting for you at the port gates as well as plenty of official taxis for hire otherwise you can carry on to be dropped at the Mutrah Souk, where you can also find a HOHO bus stop. There are bicycles for hire a twenty minute walk or so further along the Corniche away from the port.

Transport is not particularly cheap here – the official white and orange taxis are not metered so you will need to negotiate before getting in – signs give a suggested hourly rate for a tour of 10 Omani Rial ( about £20) per hour for the first 3 hours and additional time at 7ROH per hour – a one way taxi ride to the Grand Mosque would be around 20 ROAs – £40. As a comparison the HOHO bus day ticket is about £60 a person although you can also buy combined tickets with either Dubai or Abu Dhabi which would reduce the cost a little.

A HOHO tour takes about two hours and buses are every 30 minutes or so. The city is so spread out that you need some sort of transport if you want to see it all – as a comparison we pre-arranged a car and driver for four hours, with another couple from our ship- arranged through Roll Call, and we paid about £50 a couple. There did appear to be local buses but I probably don’t advise unless you speak/ read Arabic…

There is plenty to see within walking distance

of the ship – it is a flat level walk from the port gate to the Corniche. The Muttrah Souk is about half a mile and wishing the area you will find the Fruit market, Fish market, Muttrah Fort, Gold Souk, the Bait Al Baranda Museum with exhibits on Omans history and geology and the ‘Incense Burner’ look out point .

The Muttrah Souk is covered – it is clean and rambling, there are toilets and cafes with wifi at the entrance (non alcoholic drinks of course) and the souk runs back into a central courtyard and then out again in deceivingly wandering paths that are not quite as easy to negotiate as at first appeared! It closes during the middle of the day from about 11.30 to 16.30. We found that the further we got from the main entrance the less frenetic it was and prices seemed to be lower – in fact we bought the best quality pashminas for a really good price at a stall at the back of the souk – had I known the time, I would have bought more there and then not bothered shopping in Dubai or Abu Dhabi!! This is a traditional souk for brass, clothing, spices & antiques – haggling is essential! The Gold Souk is slightly further on along the Corniche.

Old Muscat is about 4 miles from the cruise port.

We liked this area with its peaceful shoreline, parks and flowers, we visited the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace which is the official seat of the government and the official office of Sultan Qaboos, visiting dignitaries sometime stay there but the Royal family lives elsewhere. The All Alam Museum and the Bait Al Zubair museum were closed on the day we visited ( Friday) but the latter is apparently well worth a visit – you can find out about traditional Omani heritage as well as see early European maps and prints. The old Portuguese forts of Jilali and Mirani are situated in Old Muscat, part of the Portuguese coastal defensive system – over the years they have been used as houses, jails, royal residences, and garrisons and are not at present open to the public.

The Parliament building is even further out of town, about 15 minutes drive on the road to the Marina. The Parliament building is closed to visitors but the Marina “Bandar Al Rowdha” is where you can find a Diving school and take dolphin watching and snorkelling trips. They sometimes run a free shuttle to these from the port gates which might be worth investigating (but they are closed on Fridays!).

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

is in the downtown area which is about 15 miles from the Cruise Port, in the opposite direction to Old Muscat and the Parliament building. It contains the world’s second largest handwoven carpet and chandeliers & is eclipsed only by the Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It is open to visits from non Muslim members of the public between 8 AM and 11 AM every day except Thursday and Friday and entry is free – Muslims are welcome to worship at any time. There is very strict clothing policy for visitors, men should cover their arms and knees (no shorts) and women should cover up their arms, legs, ankles and hair. We viewed from outside but could not enter because it we visited the port on a Friday – there are nice grounds to wander outside and photos were allowed.

Still in Downtown Muscat and not too far from the Mosque, you will find Muscat’s Royal Opera House. It is a really impressive piece of architecture, its traditional Islamic white marble facade reflects in the polished plaza surrounding it, almost as if it is on a sheet of water. There are free tours for visitors (not Fridays – you’re sensing a theme!) where you can (apparently!) visit the Sultan’s box, admire the teak interior and marvel at the ‘no echo’ acoustic. We were lucky enough to meet the Education department of the Opera House setting up an exhibition in the entrance hall and they were very welcoming and informative. There is also a Galleria next door to the Opera house with restaurants and shops – unfortunately it is closed…..

On our return to the ship we passed Qurm beach – a popular long sandy beach which looked well kept and clean. It is very popular with locals but definitely didn’t really look worth the half hour drive it would take you to reach from the port – however it was open on a Friday…

We very much liked Muscat and were really keen to return – preferably not on a Friday! We achieved this aim the following year but this visit had its own challenges so I will give it its own little Blog Post ” A Half Day in Muscat”. Suffice to say that I would perfect happily visit Muscat for a third time if I have the opportunity!

I hope you enjoyed reading this Cruise Port Guide and that it will be useful to you. I really liked Muscat, it’s clean air and low rise buildings are a real change from the UAE. If you have a chance to visit then grab it!

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Local Information

The local currency is Omani Rial (OMR)and money exchange is easy and straight-forward. The best rates would be at exchange bureaus, located around the markets and shopping malls. You can also use ATMs to withdraw cash from, but make sure you have contacted your bank to let them know you would be abroad and are aware of any fees your bank may charge you for getting money in a different currency. Major credit cards are accepted in the hotels, malls and larger shops. More and more traders now accept credit cards, but normally you need cash for markets, transportation and street food.

The opening hours in Muscat vary, but in general most outlets open at 10 am, close at 1 pm and open again at 4.30 – 5 pm to work until 10pm. Some shops are only open in the afternoon. Friday morning normally everything would be shut. Post offices, banks and government offices would be open 7.30 am to 2.30 pm Sunday – Thursday.

Tipping in Muscat is in general not expected. Locals tend to tip their waiter at a nice restaurant about 5% of the bill. Bell hops and maids at hotels – no more than 1-2 OMR. No need to tip taxi drivers and only tip tour guides if you are very happy with their service – anything from 3 to 10 OMR for the group.

The local language is Arabic, and English is widely understood, especially by the people working in tourist services. English is often taught at schools as a second language and most signs are in both Arabic and English.

 The local time is GMT + 4 and the international dialling code is 00 968.

Things To Do

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the proudest possessions of Omani people. It held several world records – the largest mosque, the largest chandelier and the hand-knotted carpet in the world – it took 600 women 4 years to complete. Although those records have now been broken, the mosque remains an incredible piece of modern Islamic architecture. It can take up to 20 000 worshippers and is lavishly decorated. The Mosque is open to non-Muslims visitors every day from 8 am to 11 am every day, except for Friday. The entrance is free, just make sure you are dressed modestly and have legs and shoulders covered (and hair if you are a woman).

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Cruises from/to Muscat, Oman

Muscat, oman cruise port.

• Visit the third largest mosque in the world, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, where you can see a beautiful Swarovski crystal chandelier and the second largest hand made Persian carpet in the world.   
• Smell sweet when you visit the Amouage perfume factory.   
• Visit the Mutrah Souk, a market where you can haggle for clothes, spices and earthenware.   
• Learn about the history of Oman with a visit to the National Museum of Oman where you’ll see jewelry from past rulers and a letter written by the prophet Muhammad.   

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Muscat, Oman Cruise Ship Port

coming into port in Muscat

MUSCAT , OMAN

view residences above a little cove near Muscat

Oman’s capital and largest city sits on the Gulf of Oman surrounded by mountains and desert. The climate is hot and arid with hot summers and warm winters. Annual rainfall is about 4 inches. Arabic is the predominant language, but there are people who speak English and a number of other languages.

roadside decor

Muscat has lots of traditional architecture, but also modern skyscrapers and upscale malls. There are 16th century Portuguese forts and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque that holds 20,000 people. Alcohol consumption is not allowed in public. Currency in Oman is the Rial. It takes $2.60 USD to equal 1 Omani Rial.

fort by the harbor in Muscat

MUSCAT CRUISE PORT

Lirica coming into port near Aida Prima

The port is near the old-town area. It’s an industrial port with container ships so walking through the port is prohibited, but free shuttles take passengers to the gates and Mutrah is walkable from there. Shuttles may also drop people off at Mutrah souk, a traditional market. Dress conservatively as this is a traditional Arab country. Taxis are available at the port gates, and maybe a HOHO bus. They ran on cruise ship days pre-covid, but hop on hop off bus service got suspended due to the pandemic and is currently still suspended until further notice. There is wifi in the terminal building, but it is not always open.

view of the city from the port

The Corniche is a 4-mile long seaside walkway with access to one of Muscat’s main tourist attractions, the Mutrah Souk. A souk is a market, and this is a large one with numerous alleys winding through the market stalls. It’s one of the oldest souks in Oman having been there for about 200 years. Al Jalali Fort is visible on a hillside across the harbor.

fancy light post in Muscat

If you are coming into Oman by cruise ship you may not need a visa even if the country you are from is generally required to have one. We had 3 ports in Oman on our cruise on the MSC Lirica. At each one people were given landing cards as they exited the ship, which substituted for visas for cruise ship passengers who are just coming ashore for a few hours. The cards were collected upon return to the vessel. If you do need a visa to visit Oman, be sure to get it from the official Oman Royal Police evisa website because the price if you get it directly from them is a fraction of what it costs through visa assist sites.

Sultan’s Palace

THINGS TO DO IN MUSCAT

flowers near the Muscat Opera House

Old town, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (to enter the Grand Mosque conservative dress is required including covering ankles, wrists, neck, head, and most of face for women. Open 9-11am)  Mutrah souk, museums, Muscat Corniche (seaside promenade), dolphin watching cruise, beaches (Qurum Beach allows western style swimming suits), scuba diving, forts (Muttrah fort is open to the public), hotels (you can go inside even if you aren’t staying there. Some have restaurants or beaches.) Al Qurum Park (greenery in an otherwise desert landscape) Sultan’s palace (outside views only), water activities (tours available for diving, snorkeling, wake boarding, dolphin watching, or rent kayaks or jet skis).

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This looks like a great place to take for a vacation. Never been there

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Alex Getting Lost

Adventures, please

Muscat Cruise Port • Docking in Oman’s Capital

Muscat cruise port is one seriously pretty place to dock, with craggy mountains surrounding the white buildings of the city, turquoise and green minarets and domed mosques, all combining to make a breathtaking view. There’s plenty to do within walking distance, there are some brilliant excursions into the city and the surrounding desert, and a sunset sail away from here is off the scale of beauty. (Check out the pictures over here.)

* This site uses affiliate links, where I may receive a small commission, at no cost to the reader.

What’s in port?

Cruise ships dock at the Sultan Qaboos Port, which is in a neighbourhood of Muscat called Muttrah. This is Muscat’s old town, and it’s been an important trading port for absolutely donkeys’ years. These days however, this port is all about the cruise ships; and that’s probably why you’re on this page. Welcome!

A port shuttle bus brings passengers from the ship to the port exit, where you’ll normally then pass through a small security building to have passports stamped. At the moment there’s no commercial terminal building at Muscat cruise port, so for souvenirs and a coffee you’ll have to head out into the city.

If you want to get from the port to the city, you’ll need to take a taxi. To get from the port to Muttrah, just turn left after you exit the gates and walk along the corniche; it takes mere minutes I tell you!

Where to get a taxi at Muscat cruise port

There are always plenty of taxis waiting outside the gates of the cruise port; if you get a taxi just make sure you agree a price with the driver before you get in! (The taxis aren’t metered in Oman.)

Is Muscat cruise port safe?

Yes! The Middle East gets a very bad rep, but as a crew member I visited Muscat several times and never felt unsafe. The locals are very friendly, although I’d also say it does pay to respect the traditions and customs of any country you visit, whether that means adapting your behaviour or your clothing.

I always explored Muscat with a friend- although I would have felt comfortable to go it alone- and as two western women we felt perfectly safe walking around both during the day and at night.

What to wear in Oman

As women, we made sure we covered up; Oman has more conservative standards of dressing, particularly for women, than say, Dubai. And apart from the obvious of just showing respect to another culture, dressing conservatively in Oman will just help you to not feel awkward or receive unwanted funny looks.

Loose, long trousers or skirts, and long-sleeved shirts, are perfect, although at the very least just make sure your shoulders are covered. You definitely do not have to whack on a burkha or even throw on a headscarf- Omanis understand that we”re visitors, and don’t expect us to dress in the exact same clothes as them.

The only exception to covering your hair is when visiting a mosque; if you’re a woman visiting a mosque in Oman, take a headscarf with you. If you don’t have one, most mosques will provide you with something.

For men, it’s best to stick to long trousers and definitely steer clear of tank tops.

Exhibit A, on the left: a great outfit choice. Exhibit B, on the right: very poor outfit choice. (But it’s ok because we were on the ship sailing away at this point.

Within walking distance of Muscat Cruise Port

The Muttrah neighbourhood, where the Sultan Qaboos Port is located, is absolutely beautiful, and although some cruise lines offer a paid shuttle directly between the cruise port and the middle of Muttrah, I definitely recommend walking. It’s a pretty, and very easy stroll, and there’s really no way you can get lost. Muttrah is also top of many a list of places to visit in Muscat, thanks to its magical souk and peaceful corniche.

One Day in Muttrah, Muscat

The Corniche

So, what is a corniche? That would be a road running along a waterfront or cliffside: basically a promenade. And the Muttrah corniche is a downright delightful one.

Starting from the fish market, head right the way along the 3km pathway past the beautiful old buildings of Muttrah, towards the mountains at the far end. It’s a really lovely walk, and is often filled with families out for a stroll- as well as several thousand seagulls.

Muttrah Souk

Muttrah souk is one of the oldest souks in the entire Arab world, and it’s open day or evening. And although it’s obviously a popular spot for tourists- with souvenirs galore on offer- it’s also still very much bustling with locals. Tendrils of frankincense waft out of doorways, heaps of spices adding their own warm fragrances to the pot, and lamps, beautiful engraved silver daggers and teapots hang from ceilings like Aladdin’s cave. It’s an all-round treat for the senses. The most intriguing part of all (for me), is the gold souk, which is filled to the brim with gold shops and the brightest, most yellowest gold I’d ever seen in my life.

It goes without saying that I was very much a window shopper in that particular section.

If you buy anything in the souk, don’t be afraid to haggle- they expect it. And it’s also ok to say no! It’s normal for shopkeepers to try and entice you in to buy something, but it’s also very normal to say no if you don’t want to.

Muttrah Fort

Up in the jagged mountains surrounding the harbour, you’ll probably have spotted a few little round towers. They look kind of like something out of the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but they were actually built as defence towers by the Portuguese, who occupied Oman hundreds of years ago.

Muttrah Fort is in a very nifty location overlooking the harbour, and you can walk up to the fort from the town. You won’t need long to explore, although if you enjoy a good viewpoint then this is the place for you.

Check opening times and ticket prices here.

The Al-Riyam Park

Right at the end of the corniche, is what appears to be a big golden spaceship, which lights up at night. It is in fact, not a space ship folks. Would you believe it?

It’s actually a giant frankincense burner, built to celebrate Oman’s 20th National Day, and there’s no denying it’s rather a spectacular sight.

Just before you reach this frankincense burner, you’ll see another set of surreal sights: a retro-looking amusement park, filled with slightly sun-bleached rocket ships, robots and hot air balloons. This amusement park was closed when we visited- in fact we thought it had been abandoned- but this was in 2021 when things were only just starting to return to normal, and I know the park is now open for business.

The gardens surrounding the amusement park are also very pretty, and free to enter.

Things to do in Muscat (Outside of Muttrah)

If you want to head further into the city of Muscat (which is a slightly more glamorous affair than Muttrah’s old town vibes, but far less shiny than somewhere like Dubai), the best thing to do is either hop into a taxi, or book an excursion in advance.

Must-see destinations at Muscat cruise port include:

• The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Oman.
• The Muscat Royal Opera House .
• The Al Alam Palace , one of Sultan Qaboos’ many palaces.
• Qurum Beach, one of Muscat’s most popular beaches in the heart of the city.

To see all these locations in one day is very much possible. The taxi drivers outside the port can always arrange a whistle-stop tour with you, or if you’d prefer not to have the hassle of negotiating a price, you could pre-book a tour.

This half-day private tour of Muscat takes you to the must-see destinations in the city, including the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the stunning Royal Opera House, Qaram Beach- where you can try Omani bread and tea- the Al Alam Palace, which is the sultan’s official residence, and the Omani parliament. The tour lasts around four hours, and is a great way to see a lot whilst still having private time at the end of your day in Muscat.

There is a Muscat hop-on-hop-off bus tour which often runs directly from the cruise ship, however personally I feel like you get more value for money in either a pre-booked private tour or a taxi. But if you’re a sightseeing bus fan, there is indeed one in Muscat!

Visiting Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque at Night

Best excursions from Muscat cruise port

The city of Muscat is surrounded with breathtaking natural scenery; whether that’s rugged mountains, sweeping deserts or the beautiful waters of the Persian Gulf and all the life it holds. So it goes without saying that for lovers of the great outdoors, Muscat is the perfect destination.

This private tour takes you by four wheel drive into the mountains up to Nizwa, the old capital of Oman, making several other stops before heading up to Jebel Akhbar, the stunning ‘Green Mountain.’

If you want more of a desert experience, get yourself onto a desert safari. Head to Wahiba Sands for a truly sandy off-road experience, meet a bedouin family and go for a camel ride too if it takes your fancy, then travel to Wadi Bani Khalid, a steep canyon full of natural pools where you can go for a swim.

In Wadi Shab you can hike between the turquoise pools, through rocky canyons and past stunning waterfalls (and you might want to bring water shoes, as at some points you may have to walk through streams). This trip takes guest to both Wadi Shab and to the Bimmah Sinkhole , which legend has it was formed by a falling star.

Daymaniat Island is an incredible protected nature reserve off the coast of Muscat, where sea turtles, coral reefs and exotic fish thrive. Visit as part of a snorkelling tour , and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and reef sharks as well.

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Muscat, Oman

Oman's capital city, Muscat is situated along the country's namesake gulf and blends modern flair with Old World charm. Three forts dating to the 1500s are installed on the rocky shoreline, the historic Muttrah Corniche district is lined with 19th-century homes and bright minarets, and new Dubai-style structures showcase current architectural trends. Popular attractions include the Oman Aquarium (one of the largest in the Middle East), the history-heavy Muscat Gate Museum, the National Museum and the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum. You could spend an entire day touring the Muttrah Fish Market, where more than 100 traders tout their fresh catches and produce, or shopping in the local souq, a traditional Arabian marketplace where vendors hawk textiles, jewelry and even a few antiques. Visitors are welcome in the opulently decorated Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque-a must-see for any Muscat visitor.

Exit the airport and head south for 4km. Merge onto Route 1 and drive for 23km, then at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Harat A'shamal St to Port of Sultan.

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Cruises to Muscat, Oman

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Muscat Oman Cruise Port Guide

Oman’s capital city happens to be the country’s largest, but while on an India cruise you’ll quickly discover that Muscat is a bit of an undiscovered gem. The city carries centuries of geographic significance as a trade harbor on the Gulf of Oman. Cruising and tourism, however, are poised to shape Muscat into a haven for travelers. Seaside activities are one of the main draws, along with the city’s respectful, genial spirit.

Don’t miss a chance to reverently stroll the grounds of the Grand Mosque, which is the third-largest mosque in the world, or see the Al Alam Palace, where the Sultan of Oman resides. On your Muscat cruise, snorkelers can dive into the clear waters of Bandar Khayran or explore the Sharqiya Sands in the Omani desert. The golden-orange sands are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Muscat is proof that the desert can also be paradise.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to muscat, grand mosque.

One of the most popular activities on a Muscat cruise is to walk through the Grand Mosque, the third-largest mosque in the world that can fit nearly 20,000 people. Dress modestly in order to enter this holy site. Women must cover their hair, so be sure to bring a head scarf or purchase one at Muttrah Souq.

National Museum

History buffs and those who are curious about Omani history and the growth of Muscat should head to the National Museum for exhibits on culture, preserved artifacts from thousands of years ago, and more. When you’re done visiting the museum, head to the stunning Al Alam Palace across the street.

Al Alam Palace

Home to the Sultan Qaboos of Oman, passengers on a cruise to Muscat can stand at the gates of this magnificent palace and capture a truly unique photo op. The blue and gold facade of the buildings looks like blue water against sand. It won’t take long to see the Al Alam Palace, and afterward you can continue on to the National Museum or go shopping at Muttrah Souq nearby.

Muttrah Souq

You’ll be taken in by the sounds of shoppers haggling and vendors selling their wares at the massive Muttrah Souq, which is one of the largest marketplaces in Muscat. Bargaining is welcome here, and though credit cards are accepted, you can hammer home a deal a little easier when you pay with Omani rials.

Learn More About Muscat Shore Excursions

Top things to do in muscat, see oman’s “grand canyon”.

You’ll want to take your time at Wadi Ghul, a canyon in the Hajar Mountains that’s reminiscent in scale and natural beauty to the Grand Canyon in the United States. For those on a cruise to Muscat eager to explore by foot, take the Balcony Walk, a four-mile hike to the canyon, which offers the best lookout point into the depths of the canyon.

Experience the Sharqiya Sands

This part of Oman’s desert was formed by coastal sand blowing into the mainland thousands of years ago. Today, it’s one of the most photographed stretches of desert in the world for its golden, never-ending dunes. Learn to sandboard in the desert or go off-road for an adventurous excursion during your Muscat cruise.

Take a Muscat Sightseeing Tour

Why see just one sight on foot when you could see them all on a tour? Take the stress out of getting from one spot to another when you venture via bus to the city’s major sites, from Al Alam Palace to the Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House Muscat.

See a Show at the Royal Opera House Muscat

There’s no better display of Oman’s commitment to art and culture than the extravagant Royal Opera House Muscat, which hosts ballet, jazz, opera, plays, and educational events. See the white stone of the opera house glitter against lights at night for a truly romantic evening in Muscat.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Muscat Cruise Port

Omani cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian dishes, and you’ll find many classic Middle Eastern food items in Muscat as well. Grilled meats, which are usually marinated in yogurt and accompanied by flatbreads and dips, are musts for lunch or dinner. Cardamom is a key ingredient in many Omani dishes. Try Omani coffee, or kahwa, which is infused with notes of cardamom, and polish off dinner with a traditional dessert called halwa, which is made with dates, honey, and other spices. Kargreen Cafe is famous for its unique avocado milkshake, while Dukanah Cafe is a perfect spot to try a traditional Omani breakfast. For dinner after a show at the Royal Opera House, head to the upscale Ubhar. Adventurous foodies can try camel, which is considered a delicacy.

Culture & History of the Muscat Cruise Port

Arabic is the official language spoken in Muscat. Oman is a conservative country nestled between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, so be sure to research how to dress. A tour to the Grand Mosque requires travelers to dress very modestly, covering most of the body including wrists, ankles, and part of the face. Being aware and following these codes of dress will show respect for Omani culture and tradition. Oman is beginning to blossom as a tourism destination, so you’re likely to meet other travelers coming from Arabic countries and the Middle East during your cruise to Muscat. The oil industry and agriculture largely power the economy of Oman, and the city of Muscat is continually adding and improving upon infrastructure to attract more tourists to the region.

Muscat Port Facilities & Location

Because Muscat is a bit undiscovered when it comes to tourism, the Muscat port is minimally equipped. If you’re headed on a shore excursion, you’ll be directed to the appropriate shuttle to get you there. For those venturing out on their own, there’s a local shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes. You can also take a 10-minute walk to the city center from the terminal if the weather allows..

Transportation in Muscat

Unfortunately, there aren’t buses or trains near the cruise port, but taxis are available at the port gate most times of the day that cater to cruise passengers. You can explore the center of Muscat on foot, but be aware that the hot, dehydrating climate can be draining, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. There’s a hop-on/hop-off bus that gives passengers a nearly two-hour long tour along eight different stops in Muscat.

Shopping Near the Muscat Cruise Port

The Muttrah Souq is your best bet for all types of shopping, whether you’re searching for souvenirs or food stalls. Clothing, spices, and Bedouin jewelry are readily available here. Head to the chain Lulu Hypermarket further outside Muscat for a variety of clothing and food goods.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

While in Oman, you’ll use the Omani Rial as the official currency. Be sure to check the current exchange rate before you depart on your travels. There will be currency exchange available at the Muttrah Souq near the cruise port. Always ask vendors, restaurants, and taxi drivers before you use a credit card. Though credit cards are generally accepted, there are some exceptions. Tipping isn’t traditionally a part of the culture here, but rounding up to the nearest rial is polite, and you can tip restaurant staff 10% for exceptional service.

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Cruise to Muscat, Oman

Muscat shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in muscat.

Portuguese Past

Impressive twin forts called Fort Al-Jalali at the entrance of Old Muscat's harbor near Sultan Qaboos palace in Muscat, Oman

The Portuguese occupiers built the impressive Al Jalali and Al Mirani Fort in the 16th century. Although they're closed to the public, they're a stunning backdrop for stroll along the harbor. The forts are on both sides high on the cliffs guarding the city's entrance.

Play Sultan

Visit the Grand Mosque (open in the morning), a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos and a mix of Omani, Islamic and modern architecture. It can accommodate 20,000 worshippers and has a rich prayer hall, an elaborate chandelier and a huge Persian carpet that took four years to weave.

Picturesque Heritage

Learn more about Oman's past in the elegant New National Museum in Old Muscat. Browse the beautifully presented archaeological artifacts, manuscripts and ship models during your Muscat cruise. When you're done, snap a photo of the Al Alam Palace with its blue and gold pillars opposite the museum.

Local Cuisine

The traditional dish of Oman is majboos (also called kabsa ), basmati rice with spicy beef, chicken or fish — typically local-caught lobster, mackerel or red snapper — served with yogurt sauce. Perk up with a cup of kahwa , the local coffee mixed with cardamom powder, served alongside dates and sweets after a meal.

Head to Mutrah Souq, Muscat's oldest market and one of the most characterful souqs in the region. Cruise to Muscat and browse a variety of goods and souvenirs like frankincense, perfumes, gold and silver jewelry, Omani hats and ornate decorative lamps with traditional geometric patterns. You can also shop in The Avenues or one of the other big modern malls for more modern retail therapy.

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Muscat Cruise Ship Schedule For 2023

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Muscat, Oman Cruise Ships Schedule

Muscat, Oman  cruise port calendar 2023 provides the latest list of cruise ships scheduled to arrive in port with detailed information, including date and time of arrival and departure, and maximum passenger capacity for each vessel. This timetable displays dates and times cruise liners are scheduled to sail in port divided into two separate columns (arrivals and departures) with the name of the ship, cruise operator, and the number of passengers. Please note, the following cruise ship schedule is created on regularly updated itineraries from the  world's leading cruise lines.

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Interactive world cruise map, home | cruise ships | port expenses | hints and tips, khasab musandam oman cruise port guide.

The dock is located about 5 km from town. Shuttles are provided into town, free or sometimes paid. However the town has very little to offer.

The setting of the port is spectacular, a fjord as one imagines to see on the moon, no vegetation at all.

As everywhere in Oman everything is extremely clean and the people are among the nicest you will ever meet.

There is a nice little beach right next to the dock, only 5 minutes walking. Sharks are present, but do not like human flesh.

Do not forget to go to one of the higher decks of your ship at sunset and watch all the speedboats with Iranian smugglers being loaded with merchandise destined for Iran. A real photo opportunity.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

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Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Khasab Musandam Oman

Sightseeing:

Khasab or Khassab lies at the northern tip of the spectacular Musandam Peninsula. Khasab is still relatively unknown to travelers but its dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and fjord like inlets embrace much scenic beauty. The town is destined to become a major resort in the future.

Khasab itself, a calm, fishing village and oasis, which overlooks the Gulf of Arabia and the Straits of Hormuz has not much to offer as far as sightseeing.. Watch the traditional lifestyle of the fishermen and the Bedouins. Visit the restored Portuguese Fort of Khasab, this fort has a Museum where many Omani handicrafts items are displayed.

The harbor bursts with activity, much of it involving the smuggling of US cigarettes to Iran in return for goats. The smugglers are mostly Iranian and are distinguished by their fibre glass boats with outboard motors. Every night at sunset this repeats again. You have a very good view of this spectacle from your cruise ship.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Take a spectacular and full of thrill dhow cruise to explore the hidden beauty of Musandam fjords. Snorkeling, swimming, dolphin watching, visit to historical Telegraph and Seebi Island and view of small fishing villages.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Very little shopping opportunities

The currency in Muscat is the Omani rial (OMR). One rial is made of one thousand Baisa. Since 1986, the rial is officially tied to the US dollar at 1 rial = 2.6008 dollars; exchange rates on the streets are a percent or two lower.

The dhow cruise operators will accept Euro and USD.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Arabic is the national language, however most Omanis will speak good to excellent English, particularly in major tourist areas and cities.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours: Shopping establishments are open from 9am to 1 pm and 4pm to 9 pm. Department stores, supermarkets and shopping complexes are open throughout the day during Ramadan from 9am to 10 pm, with a short lunch break all through the week, except Fridays. These timings could vary with different shops.

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• Resorts World Cruises expands to Arabian Gulf homeporting in...

Resorts World Cruises expands to Arabian Gulf homeporting in Dubai UAE

Resorts World Cruises has announced its strategic expansion into the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, with the deployment of Resorts World One ship for a 6-month homeporting season in Dubai UAE .

Commencing on October 18, 2024, the Resorts World One will operate from Dubai, offering a range of itineraries: a 2-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise with Friday departures; a 3-night Oman Cruise to Khasab and Muscat with Sunday departures; and a 2-night Doha Cruise with Wednesday departures. Passengers will have the option to combine these itineraries, extending their voyage to 4, 5, or 7 nights. Additionally, during the Qatar school holidays from 24 October to 2 November 2024, the vessel will also homeport in Doha . From Doha, it will offer two 2-night Dubai Cruises on October 24 and 31 and two 5-night Dubai-Khasab-Muscat Cruises on October 26 and November 2.

Resorts World Cruises, which already operates from homeports in Singapore , Malaysia, Hong Kong , Taiwan, and Indonesia, expects Resorts World One to make 75 port calls in the region, serving ~150,000 passengers over the 6-month period. This deployment is poised to enhance the cruise tourism sector in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman significantly.

By deploying Resorts World One to this region, Resorts World Cruises aims to attract a new segment of tourists from Asia, thereby diversifying and enriching the Arabian Gulf cruise market.