Cruise Ships visit Gulf

Oman has just been visited by its first luxury passenger liner of the winter cruise holiday season. Dawn Princess spent a day in Muscat on her first visit to the Sultanate of Oman. Tahitian Princess, Ocean Princess, and Pacific Princess are all scheduled to visit Muscat over the next two cruise seasons. Princess has also organised a range of tours for the visitors, which include visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the old Muttrah Souq which is considered one of the best and most ‘authentic’ souk shopping experiences to be had in the world, and the imposing architecture of the Jalali and Mirani forts. For those who like to take it easy, there is the scenic Muttrah waterfront. Oman is a great port for those who enjoy taking it easy but don’t expect to have fast-food and the chance to sunbathe in skimpy swimwear, clothing should be modest to fit with local cultural preferences.

In Oman, both Muscat and Salalah have become popular destinations, 84 cruise liners called at Muscat during 2008 and Salalah, was a port call for in 40 vessels in 2008 compared to 28 in 2007, visitors to Salalah enjoy the find beaches, the nearby mountains and vast stands of frankincense trees lining the mountain wadi (trails) and there is much wildlife spotting to be enjoyed, from wild birds through leopards and hyenas.