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Writer's pictureMaria DiCicco

Muscat Cruise Port: An Unforgettable Oasis in Oman

Updated: Nov 26

As a child, my father would travel abroad for work to places including Oman, which at the time I had never heard of. It sounded so far away and so exotic, so when I had an opportunity as an adult to take a cruise there on the MSC Splendida, I was thrilled to see where my father had once done business.


Port stops on this round-trip Dubai Itinerary included two stops in Oman, a private island, Abu Dhabi, and ample time docked in Dubai for touring.


If you plan to take a similar itinerary, read on to see what is in store for you in the beautiful Muscat port, and the hidden gems that await in the oasis beyond.


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woman stands in front of a mosque garden

A Bit About Cruising to Oman

Cruises to Oman are frequent and often include ports like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and various cities in Bahrain. Middle Eastern cruises are often characterized as opulent trips, with many desert safaris, shopping excursions, and Oasis landscapes.


Port days are full of sand, sun and outstanding cuisine.


To browse cruises to Oman, check out Cruisedirect.com for deals.



Below we'll explore specifically Muscat Cruise Port. If you are traveling a similar route, be sure to read up on my guides to Dubai!




Muscat Cruise Port

Entering Muscat port is a lovely sight, set in a picturesque cove. You'll want to be on the top deck or your balcony for stunning sun up and sun down photos in the beautiful harbor, which is full of giant yachts. If this were any indication of the wealth in Oman, there you have it.


Muscat Cruise Port at Sunset
Muscat Cruise Port at Sunset

To learn more about this Oman cruise port, dock information and more, visit Whatsinport.com.



Prepare for Your Day in Muscat Port

For a great day out, prepare in advance:


  • Most excursions and day trips will be an all day affair

  • Dress conservatively for the mosque and religious sites

  • Bring loose clothing for the desert

  • Bring a change of socks (or wear sandals) for water surprises (more on that in a minute)

  • Bring plenty of water or snacks for the day


Hire a guide if you prefer to DIY, which can be an easy way to get around. Having the language interpreter with you will definitely help. This is a popular half-day tour that you can arrange in advance.



Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

We booked a cruise ship tour, which is a great idea for Oman, mostly due to convenience of transportation to and from the ship, called the "Panoramic Tour of Muscat and Nakhl".


Our first stop was to visit the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.


marbled mosque with gold dome

The sheen of the marbled walkways felt so incredibly opulent, but the interiors were truly stunning.


A photographer could spend hours framing the archways and carvings into view, with thousands of opportunities to gawk at the colorful tiling, as well.


woman inside a colorful tiled mosque

This is definitely worth a stop while in Muscat cruise port.



Nakhl (Nakhal) Fort

Visiting this fort might be one of the most memorable things you ever do. I'm not trying to be grandiose, but for me, this fort was simply incredible.


clay colored fort towers

Take a tour there for ultimate comfort, and experience first the transformation from coastal views along your drive to desert terrain. As the desert seems endless, plots of date plantations will begin to crop up, and then you'll see it - Nakhl Fort, a spectacular clay colored fortress set in a literal desert Oasis.



It very much reminded me of the castle from the Wizard of Oz, with kind of jagged and ominous edges, but it also screamed of Arabia and the magic of carpet rides and genie-filled lamps.


lamp or vase in Nakhl fort oman

At the top of the fort, look out over date palms as far as the eye can see, with unique mountain peaks surrounding.


woman poses in front of desert Oasis and fort

Again, photographers will love the architecture and ornate yet subdued style of forming lines in the shape of the building walls.


unique architecture at Nakhl fort

If you are thinking if Nakhl is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding YES.




woman poses in front of wall at a fort

Al Thowarah Hot Springs

A visit to the Al Thowarah Hot Springs is a must, in my opinion, if you are visiting the Nakhl Fort. This naturally running spring is a relaxing place to take part in a little natural "fish spa" fun, where the minnows will freely nibble at your feet.


fish nibble at a woman's feet

They seem to love men's feet (gee I wonder why), but they'll nibble away whoever you are - just sit a little apart from other folks.


Although this sidebar event is not worth visiting on its own, paired with the fort it cannot be missed.


fish nibble on a woman's feet

Many people often enjoy snacks (purchase from vendors near the parking area) or a little bit of sunning on the rocky riverbed while visiting.


rocky spring bed with palm trees

Many locals enjoy this spot, which is a charming way to get to know the local culture a bit better. You'll see families splashing in the water, and children enjoying the nibbling of little fish on their toes.


It's a nice short break before getting back on the long road towards the cruise ship port.



Mutrah Souq

Whether or not you have taken an arranged cruise ship tour, the Mutrah Souq is an excellent closer for your day in Muscat. Because it is the nearest souk to the cruise port in Muscat, this makes for an easy walk after a tour.


Expect the typical wares that you may find in the Dubai Old Town souks and go more for the browsing than making purchases.



Other Sites

With time, other sites worth visiting in Muscat cruise port include:


  • Muttrah Fort

  • Zubair Museum

  • Fish Market


Walking the corniche is a popular and traditional activity for visitors as well, making for a well-rounded and lovely day in an unforgettable Oasis.

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