Every
year more than 200,000 passengers cruise along the coast of authentic Arabia, once explored buy the legendary Sinbad the
Sailor. Oman is fast becoming the most visited Gulf Cruise destination and it
is easy to see why; Oman boasts three
leisure ports; Muscat, Salalah and Khasab all within reach of a staggering
array of natural attractions from dry desert conditions, to luscious forests
and emerald seas as well as numerous World Heritage Sites and enchanting
traditions.
The
three very different ports, each offer something unique. Port Sultan, Muscat, Arab Tourism Capital 2012, on the Arabian sea is home to a fusion of the old and new.
Passengers can stroll from the port into the old town and climb 100 steps to
Muttrah Fort’s Watchtower. Silver, gold, myrrh, frankincense and spices line
the labyrinth of streets below in Muttrah Souq ready for purchase. Day trips
can be organised to visit the birthplace of Oman
and the ancient capital, Nizwa, only 2 hours from Muscat. Travellers can discover the mountain
town by ambling through the silver souqs and visiting the country’s biggest
fort. The Friday Goat Market is also a lively and must-see event whilst
visiting Nizwa.
South
of Muscat, the India Ocean
Port, Salalah is also a
popular cruise destination due to its distinct and dramatic surroundings. Every
corner and crevice is adorned with luscious green vegetation rendering it
unique to Oman.
Filled with village culture, Salalah is the capital of ancient Arabian frankincense
trade and the reputed home of the mighty Queen of Sheba. Passengers can come
ashore and view the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace at Khawr Rawri, or the
ancient relics of the Al Balidarchaeological
site. Dune bashing and caving in the Empty Quarter is a popular activity as are
day trips to Mughsail
Beach to watch the
blow-holes spurt sea spray.
Travelling
North of Muscat, the Musandam
Peninsula is a rugged
region with towering cliffs and narrow inlets. Cruise liners can stop at Khasab
port and explore the Khor Ash Sham fjord where mountains plummet into the Arabian Sea. Visitors can taste the regions dates and
drink kahwa – hand-blended coffee
with cardamom – whilst admiring the humpback and bottlenose dolphins skimming
the ocean surface or visit on a traditional Dhow Cruise the Award Winning Khasab
Fort.
The
Sultanate is a truly unique and invigorating experience, offering a range of
enchanting activities rendering it a must-see cruise stopover. Oman Air’s
outstanding collection of non-stop flights to 41 international destinations
makes it an ideal pre or post cruise destination.
For more information about Oman:
Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om
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