Muscat Oman
Oman

66 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

Crystal Cruises (6 Cruises)

Explora Journeys (19 Cruises)

MSC Cruises (19 Cruises)

Norwegian Cruise Line (3 Cruises)

Oceania Cruises (2 Cruises)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (13 Cruises)

Silversea Cruises (4 Cruises)


Frequently Asked Questions

At Port Sultan Qaboos in the Mutrah district. The port area remains commercial, so walking freely inside it is often restricted: cruise lines run shuttles to the entrance of the souk, a few minutes away by road.
Not freely within the port area. Once the shuttle drops you at the Mutrah souk entrance, the whole district — souk, corniche, fish market — is walkable. Old Muscat needs a ten-minute taxi.
Oman's oldest covered market, minutes from the berth. Its lanes mix textiles, silverware and khanjar daggers, but frankincense dominates: sellers burn their Dhofar resins to draw passers-by. Bargaining is part of the game, always with a smile.
The Mutrah souk and the corniche, then a taxi to Old Muscat: the Al Alam Palace and the Portuguese forts Al Jalali and Al Mirani. That quarter takes about an hour. The Grand Mosque, thirty minutes away by road, needs half a morning and will not fit the same schedule.
Yes, access is open to non-Muslims in the morning, except Fridays. Shoulders and knees covered, hair veiled for women. Its prayer hall holds a monumental chandelier and one of the world's largest single-piece Persian carpets. Allow half a morning including travel.
No. The Sultan's ceremonial residence is not open to visitors, but the blue-and-gold colonnaded facade can be freely photographed from the esplanade. On either side of the creek, the sixteenth-century Portuguese forts Al Jalali and Al Mirani complete the picture.
Agree the fare before getting in, as there are no meters. If you plan several stops, settle a return price including waiting time: it is the simplest and safest arrangement for a port call.
The Omani rial. Bring small notes for the souk and taxis; cards work in established shops but not with every souk trader.
Shoulders and knees covered, in the city and the souk alike. At the Grand Mosque, women must also cover their hair. Omani traders are among the most courteous in the region, and respectful dress is noticed.
October to April. In summer the Omani heat is unforgiving: break up the corniche walk, which is best in the morning when the breeze comes off the sea. The fish market is liveliest early, when the boats come in with tuna and sardines.