Beauty has an address ~ Oman
Arabia’s authentic cruise destination
Oman
Marhabah (Welcome)
O
man is a country of outstanding
increase in coming years
cultural heritage and natural
as more companies
beauty, renowned for its
discover Oman. There
warmth of hospitality. It is a country with
are other factors that
an extraordinary heritage and natural
make Oman a
values that make it a must­see cruise
compelling destination,
destination of choice and an ideal pre and
especially Muscat.
post touring destination. Oman’s major
The first factor is
port is Muscat, with its port (Port Sultan
Oman Air’s transformation into an
Qaboos) having a commanding view of
international carrier with non­stop services
specialists and tour companies now able to
the Mutrah Corniche with its heritage
to over 41 international destinations.
service a growing cruise sector. This adds to
souq, Mutrah Fort, and the watch towers
Improved air connections makes it easier for
Oman’s other supporting assets including
and hidden harbour of the Muscat Palace
passengers to consider Oman as a pre and
world class resorts and hotels.
precinct. It is an unforgettable vista that
post cruise holiday experience, or an add­on
encapsulates authentic Arabia.
to cruises that end in other regional ports.
is backed by cultural, heritage and natural
The airline operates over 135 services per
dimensions that fascinate many visitors.
week to other Gulf cities.
Everywhere you go, Oman’s distinctiveness
Oman is undergoing a rapid, but
managed, tourism growth with cruise
shipping being a major component. Since
The second factor underlying growth is
The third factor is the growth in cruise
The final factor is Oman’s beauty which
is evident. It is not in a race with anyone – it
the mid 1990s, cruise ship activity to Oman
improved handling capacity of Port Sultan
is moving in a direction style and pace that
began its steady rise to its key ports:
Qaboos (PSQ) and the cruise industry’s
is determined by Oman. Whether you walk
• Salalah, Oman’s southern capital facing
“discovery” of Khasab as a niche destination,
Mutrah Corniche, take a day visit to Nizwa
the Arabian Sea continues to attract cruises
especially for smaller vessels looking to offer
or visit an ancient castle, you will release
doing world trips or Indian Ocean voyages.
its passengers Arabian nature at its best. In
that beauty has an address.
• Muscat, Oman’s capital and an ancient
the last year, the Government of Oman has
trading port on the Sea of Oman and the
announced that Port Sultan Qaboos will be
H.E Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary
gateway to the ports of the UAE, Bahrain,
redeveloped into a dedicated cruise ship
Ministry of Tourism, Oman
Qatar and Kuwait.
port. Oman’s Ministry of Tourism sees the
• Khasab, a small town on the western side
project as internationally significant in giving
of Musandam Peninsula, a landscape of
Muscat a unique and authentic cruise
cliffed coasts and deep, long narrow inlets
destination in the heart of Old Muscat.
rich in corals and marine life, including
Master planning for the port is well
hump­back dolphin.
underway. The Ministry is also seeking to
In 2011­12 some 220 cruise visits will be
made to Muscat with the number likely to
attract a cruise company to base­port a mid­
sized vessel to operate from PSQ.
Contacts
Ali Al Khaburi
Director General, Tourism Promotion
email: akhaburi@omantourism.gov.om
Ministry of Tourism, Oman
PO Box 200, Post Code 115, Madinat
Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Khalid Al Zadjali
Director, Events and Cruise
email: kalzadjali@omantourism.gov.om
Published by Seatrade Communications Ltd © 2011 • www.seatrade­global.com • www.seatrade-insider.com
www.omantourism.gov.om
1
Cruise Oman
The Middle East’s fastest growing cruise destination
W
ith cruise ships stopping either
Sultan Qaboos (Muscat), Khasab (Musandam),
MSC Lirica has introduced Khasab in the
on round­the­world voyages (in
and Salalah (Dhofar). In 2003, the number of
north of Oman to the mass market.
April 2012, Cunard Line’s Queen
cruise passenger arrivals was just 3,500.
Also in the mix will be TUI’s Mein Schiff 2
Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria
Between October 2011 and May 2012,
that starts cruising Gulf waters on November
will all call), or repositioning voyages to and
Muscat’s dedicated cruise terminal (opened
4, 2012 while Variety Cruises has announced
from Asia deployments (such as Silver
2010) will receive regular calls from Royal
an innovative one­way Muscat/Abu Dhabi
Whisper next April), or in recent years as a
Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the
schedule, set to run November through to
key feature of itineraries operated by ships
Seas (overnight), MSC Cruises’ MSC Lirica,
March 2013 with the 36­cabin mega yacht,
based seasonally in Arabian waters, Oman is
Costa Cruises’ Costa Favolosa and AIDA
Variety Voyager.
firmly on the cruise map.
Cruises’ AIDAblu.
In 2011, 210 ships brought 200,000
Plans to turn Port Sultan Qaboos Port
With a full season of 19 sailings offering
passengers to Oman’s three ports of Port
departures both from Abu Dhabi and Dubai,
into a dedicated cruise and passenger port
has further fuelled the next stage in Oman’s
Oman is a fascinating destination
In natural terms, Oman hosts
diverse landscapes and
environments, including
unique flora and fauna, and
among the world’s largest
nesting sites for five turtle
species including the Giant
Green Turtle. Oman’s northern
mountain range (Hajar
Mountains) that runs from
Musandam to Sur rises to over
3,000m above sea level,
among Arabia’s highest
ranges. In the south (Dohfar),
2
moist monsoon clouds hug the
mountains turning the
landscape lush green while the
rest of Arabia experiences the
heat of summer.
In heritage terms, its World
Heritage Listed sites include
some of the largest
concentrations of Iron and
Bronze Age settlements.
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Between the 1st and 7th
centuries its ancient trading
ports at Salalah were the focus
of the frankincense trade to
China and Africa and the
Mediterranean, while ancient
cities in the north (Qalhat)
were rich trading ports for the
whole of Arabia.
Building on its maritime
heritage, Oman is now
emerging as a destination of
choice for a growing number
of cruise itineraries.
Cruise Oman
Souk
cruise development, with the search begun
to another destination than Muscat, see if
Sea to Sur where the tradition of Dhow
to secure a mid­sized cruise ship to base in
you qualify for a free Muscat stop­over.
building continues.
the Port as well as attracting more cruise
Muscat Airport is also serviced by all major
companies to embark and disembark
carriers. Oman Air operates daily flights from
fankinsence and perfume vendors, products
passengers in Muscat.
Muscat to Salalah and Khasab, as well as
that are unique to Oman.
Muscat International Airport is 25km
from Muscat city centre and the home of
Salalah flights from Dubai.
In Salalah, the Old Souq includes many
The coolest time to visit Oman is between
In addition to Oman Air, most major
October and April with temperatures
Oman’s national airline – Oman Air. The
international airlines operate to Muscat
averaging between 250C and 350C during the
airline has undergone rapid growth and now
including Gulf Air via Bahrain, Etihad Airways
day – a perfect fit for the cruise industry.
operates non­stop services to an expanding
and British Airways via Abu Dhabi, Emirates
network of cities in Europe, the Middle East,
Airlines via Dubai, Qatar Airways, Kuwait
describe just some of the shore excursions and
Africa, India and South­East Asia with a fleet
Airways, Lufthansa, Thai Airlines and Swiss Air.
tour options available to cruise passengers
of new Airbus A300 aircraft. Flight times
Oman currently offers over 10,000 hotel
between Muscat and European centres are
rooms including many four, five and
around 6 to 7 hours, with early morning
six­star properties. This is set to
arrivals into Muscat. This timetable allows
increase to over 15,000 by 2015, so
for smooth connections to other Gulf cities.
plenty of choice for pre­ and post
If you are flying business class on Oman Air
cruise stays.
The following pages of this supplement
visiting Oman. l
Iran
Khasab
Qatar
Gulf of
Oman
For pre and post cruise holidays,
as well as for day stop­overs, Oman
Muscat
United Arab Emirates
offers a wide range of attractions
and experiences. A day ashore can
include a:
Saudi Arabia
• casual stroll through the Mutrah
Souq and onto the Muscat Palace
Oman
precinct. This will lead you to a
number of museums and art galleries.
• trip to Nizwa Souq and Fort,
Indian
Ocean
once Oman’s capital.
• trip to a Bedoiun Camp in the Ash
Sharqiyyah Desert
• drive along the coast of the Oman
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Salalah
Oman’s three main cruise ports
3
Muscat
The Sultan’s Alam Palace, Muscat
Capital attraction
significantly in the past five years, rising
which encompasses a visit to the Grand
M
from 25 vessels bringing 7,683 passengers in
Mosque, Muttrah Souq (pictured above), Al
uscat, the capital of Oman, is a
2005 to 109 vessels and over 170,000
Alam Palace, official palace of his Majesty
perfect blend of old and new.
passengers in 2011.
Sultan Qaboos (for a photo stop) and Bait al
setting with mountains on one side and
Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the
Director of Events and Cruise at the Oman
the Indian Ocean on the other.
Seas, AIDA Cruises’ AIDAblu, Costa Cruises’
Ministry of Tourism.
The city enjoys a dramatic
Port Sultan Qaboos, where cruise ships
During the 2011/12 season Royal
Costa Favolosa and MSC Cruises’ MSC Lirica
Zubair museum,’ informs Khalid Al­Zadjali,
Outside of the city the most popular
dock, is within walking distance of the old
will be amongst a growing number of regular
excursions are tours to the ancient capital of
town and Mutrah Souq. The number of
callers at Sultan Qaboos.
Nizwa and the forts of Bahla and Jabrin, as
cruise ship arrivals in Muscat has grown
‘Many passengers choose a half­day tour
well as four wheel drive safaris to the desert.
Port Sultan Qaboos
In February 2010, Oman
opened its first dedicated
cruise terminal at Port Sultan
Qaboos, where six multi­user
berths are available for
handling cruise ships of any
size and length.
The two­storey terminal,
spanning 160 sq mtr floor
space, has an interior of black
and white marble. The terminal
has a waiting area,
immigration desks, Internet
café and money exchange on
the ground floor. On the top
floor there is a restaurant and
shopping area where
passengers can buy local crafts
and souvenirs.
Immigration is conducted
upon arrival at anchor outside
4
the port so once the ships tie
alongside embarkation can
begin straight away, says
Manohar Kannoly, commercial
manager of Port Services
Corporation.
On the top floor there are
rest rooms, restaurant and
shopping area.
Currently in the planning
stage, Port Sultan Qaboos is to
convert from a commercial
port into a dedicated cruise
port and cultural
entertainment centre. Present
day commercial port activities
will transfer to the Sohar
Industrial Port, located about
260km west.
The Ministries of Transport
and Communications, and
Tourism are overseeing
master planning for the Port,
which is regarded as an
internationally significant
project in its own right.
In January 2010, Cunard’s
345mtr Queen Mary 2
became the largest cruise
ship to visit Muscat.
‘Omani ports are one of
the most user­friendly ports
in the region. Oman has a rich
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maritime heritage and
Muscat is the only port in the
region where authentic
Arabian heritage combines
with the magnificent natural
harbour which makes it an
ideal cruise destination,’
remarks M.C Jose CEO,
Projects & Logistics Group
Khimji Ramdas LLC, offering
vessel husbanding for
cruise calls.
Muscat
Grand Mosque
well as overlooking the old harbour. They
Construction began in 1995 and took
just over six years to complete. The
Mosque is built from 300,000 tonnes of
Indian sandstone. The main musalla
(prayer hall) is square with a central
dome rising to a height of fifty metres
above the floor. The dome and the
main 90mtr high minaret and four
flanking minarets are the building’s
major visual features. Inside the main
were once vital points of defence for the city.
musalla can hold over 6,500
worshipers, while the women’s musalla
can accommodate 750 worshipers.
Muscat continues to retain traditional
rugs and other Omani souvenirs.
values while boasting modern shopping
Oman’s rich cultural heritage is well
preserved in Muscat’s many museums. The
Oman Museum in the Madinat Sultan
Qaboos covers the entire sweep of Oman’s
6,000­year history with displays on
shipbuilding, Islam and fort architecture.
Bait Al Zubair
Muscat, the old port area, is the site of
complexes, world­class highways, a host of
the Sultan’s palace. Two forts, Jalali and
international hotels, an international
Mirani, which were built by the Portuguese
airport and a major seaport. Muscat,
in 1587 and 1588 respectively, dramatically
Muttrah and Ruwi form its core districts
guard the entrance to Muscat and serve as
home to 500,000 people, the grand mosque
sentinels to the Sultan’s palace. The forts
private museum located in a traditional
and many forts, castles, souks, traditional
were constructed on hills commanding a
Omani house that opened its carved wooden
houses, museums and watchtowers.
view of the city from the seaward side, as
doors to the public in 1998. The museum
With its many hotels and solid tourism
infrastructure, Muscat can cater to both the
adventurous thrill seeker and those looking
for rest and relaxation. The city’s long
coastline and temperate waters are ideal for
almost every type of water sport, while the
bustling souks never fail to fascinate with
mind­boggling displays of fine silver
jewellery, antiques, frankincense, carpets,
Situated in Old Muscat, Bait Al Zubair is a
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House Muscat is the first
of its kind in the Gulf States with over
1,000 seats in its main hall, occupying an
area of 80,000sq mtr and set among
swathes of beautiful landscaped gardens,
opened in October 2011.
The design combines modern with
traditional styles in keeping with Omani
heritage, boasting impressive decorative
lighting and breathtaking sculptures.
Musical, operatic and dance performances
from local and international artists are
being staged here, establishing Oman as
the classical music epicentre of the Gulf
States. Tickets are reasonable priced
making a “Night at the Opera” a new
experience for any cruise passengers on
ships opting to stay overnight in Muscat. All
seats are fitted with personal screens
depicting subtitles in Arabic and English.
In the opening season the Royal Opera
House featured concerts by Plácido
Domingo and the Royal Oman Symphony
Orchestra, with the participation of the
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gracious dancer Nuria Pomares; the
renowned soprano Renée Fleming and the
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Andrea
Botchelli and the world’s greatest living
cello player Yo­Yo Ma with the London
Philharmonic Orchestra; and New York’s
Lincoln Centre’s 15 piece Jazz Band.
Situated in a newly developed urban
district, the Royal Opera House is
ideally located in Oman’s growing
capital city, perfect for both business
and leisure visitors. A shopping mall,
selling international designer labels,
recently opened.
5
Muscat
Muttrah Fort, is located on a hill and was
also built in the sixteenth century. To the
east is a restored watchtower that
overlooks Muttrah and the 100­step climb
to the top is steep but well worth the effort
for breathtaking views.
The National Museum in Ruwi charts
the ruling dynasty and has amazing
displays of Omani silverwork. It contains
valuable collections of Omani heritage
treasures such as silver ornaments, copper
crafts and samples of known Omani ships.
In addition, it is also home to a holy relic in
the form of a letter dating back to the 8th
century, sent by Prophet Mohammed to
the rulers of Oman, A'bd and Jaifer, sons of
Al Julanda, inviting the people of Oman to
Islam. There is also a special section
displaying the belongings of the Al Busaidi
dynasty, rulers of Zanzibar.
Muttrah is a suburb of the capital city and
is home to the traditional souk. Here, visitors
displays the Zubair family’s collection of
features; Oman through geological ages;
can find everything from spices to houseware,
Omani artefacts giving amazing glimpses of
diversified wildlife of Oman; and whales
fabrics, toys, antiques, gold and silver. The Sur
the lifestyle and traditions of ancient and
and other sea creatures.
Al Lawatiya district in Muttrah offers an
modern Muscat. It is also available for
Bait Al Baranda located in a historic
authentic view of Oman, as it features a
private hire and provides a unique venue for
building on Muttrah seafront, this new
labyrinth of tightly packed traditional houses
cocktail parties or dinners.
museum traces the story of Muscat from
surrounding the Al Jami Mosque, the district is
over 100 million years ago to the present day
marked by a network of narrow lanes that can
through innovative, interactive exhibits.
only be accessed by one of the main gates
The Natural History Museum in Muscat
has four main exhibit sections. These are:
Oman, a country of varied physical
Muscat’s third Portuguese fort, the
through the old city wall. l
Nizwa
Full day tours to Nizwa, capital
of the interior and birthplace of
Islam in the Sultanate of Oman
are possible from Muscat,
taking around nine hours,
informs Zahara Tours.
Located in Nizwa is the
6
famous Round Tower Fort
(below left), built in the 17th
century, and its Souq
renowned for its Friday cattle
auction. Jabrin, the finest of
Oman’s castles build in the last
17th century, displays painted
ceilings and intricate
woodcarvings. Then
onto Al Hoota Caves
and a guided tour past
the stalactites and
(Green Mountain), with its
oasis and dense date
plantations (pictured left).
Traditional bread making
stalagmites and
underground lake. On
returning to Muscat a stroll
through the pretty village of
Birkat Al Mawz, situated at
the foothills of Jebel Akhdar
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Salalah
Salalah – naturally different
S
ituated at the extreme south of
ambience. The coast blends with the
unexplored caves and numerous sinkholes
the country is Dhofar, a region
mountains and the desert in wonderful
in the steep mountain vales. Situated on
dramatically different from the
harmony so that the mountains look like a
the coast is Salalah, Oman’s second largest
rest of Oman, or for that matter
fertile crescent, rising to a height of
city and busiest cruise port.
anywhere in the Gulf, mainly because it
1,500mtr and then descending into a flat
benefits from the annual Indian Ocean
plain that embraces sandy beaches
southern region of Oman, located 15km
monsoon, locally known as Khareef.
stretching for hundreds of kilometers.
south of Salalah city. It is a deepwater port
With the abundance of water, the
Dhofar covers a third of the country and
The Port of Salalah is situated in the
with berths totalling over 2,000mtr that
landscape features lush greenery,
has a varied terrain. The high dunes of the
can accommodate large ships up to 16mtr
cascades, streams and an ethereal misty
Empty Quarter are found here as well as
draft. The port offers a sheltered harbour
Dhofar attractions
Mirbat (below), the ancient
capital of Dhofar, was an
important town as early as the
9th century for its trade in
frankincense, horses and slaves.
Mirbat has a spectacular
landscape, from its coastline to
the impressive peaks of Jebel
Samhan, the highest of which
stands at 1,450mtr. The Citadel of
Mirbat was built in the traditional
Omani style of defensive
architecture, which is typical of
many of the structures built in
the area. Mirbat is rich in natural
springs, caves and grottos.
The old houses are famous
for their woodcarvings. One of
Dhofar’s best­known historic
sites is Bin Ali’s Tomb (left). The
twin domed structure; tomb of
Mohamed bin Ali who died in
1135 AD is a fine example of
medieval architecture.
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7
Salalah
At Al Husn Souq (pictured), frankincense
crystals and typical Dhofari
frankincense burners are sold. Walk
along the city’s promenade (waterfront
corniche) where single storeyed houses
are dwarfed by tall, swaying palms. Al
Husn Palace, summer residence of His
Majesty Sultan Qaboos stands at one
end of the promenade.
protected by a breakwater.
The ruins at Khawr Rawri are reputed to
Tidal range averages 1.0mtr to 2.0mtr
be that of the palace of the Queen of
dramatic bursts of water and foam
sometimes reaching 15mtr in the air.
Taqah on the Dhofar coastline was once a
however, during monsoon season (June to
Sheba. Another distinct connection of the
August) waves are up to 4.0mtr.
region to biblical times is the presence of
prosperous port and has been a significant
frankincense trees in Dhofar.
trading centre of the ancient world. Remains
Salalah's ideal geographical position not
only provides convenient access to the
For most of the year, the unspoiled
are found at Samhuran, capital of ancient
Middle East but is also a suitable channel
beaches of Salalah are ideal for scuba diving,
Arabia’s frankincense trade, which is
for the sub­continent, Red Sea, Upper Gulf
canoeing, sailing, jet skiing and diving.
thought to date back to 3,000 BC.
and the East African markets with over 1.6
billion consumers.
Mughshayl, an immaculate stretch of
beach, features a blowhole that displays
Even though Salalah is the second biggest
Inscriptions are still visible on the walls and
columns of the citadel. Excavations at the
site have produced evidence of an ancient
city of Oman it still remains with a traditional
city with trade links by sea to Far Eastern
village character. The frankincense produced
destinations and Greece. It is also purported
here is regarded as the finest in the world.
to be the site of the palace of the legendary
Salalah was historically the centre of the
Queen of Sheba, which is now in ruins and
frankincense trade and the souk is packed
undergoing restoration. Modern day Taqah
with merchants selling incense, perfumes and
has silver­white beaches, fresh water
traditional artefacts.
springs, caves and grottos.
Half­day tour to Job’s Tomb and Mughsail Beach
A popular half­day tour
includes a visit to Nabi
Ayoub Prophet Job’s
Tomb (right), perched
high up in the Jebels
(mountains). Enroute
are spectacular views
of the plains, mountain
landscape and emerald
8
green pastureland. At
Mughsail Beach (right)
there are blow­holes –
(perforations in the
limestone rock)
through which sea
water gushes during
high tide. The hairpin
bend roads weave for
approximately 20km,
towards a wadi.
www.omantourism.gov.om
Salalah
Al Balid archaelogical site
A city known as Dhufa grew between
Frankincense tree and camel
the 12th & 16th centuries and the ruins of
this magnificent city can be seen at the Al
Balid archaeological site in the Haffa
district of Salalah. It was once surrounded
by water and a massive wall complete with
gates and turrents. There is evidence of a
grand mosque, palace, houses and tombs
that indicate the historical standing of the
area. There was a thriving export of
frankincense and Arab horses to India and
the Far East from Al Balid. Al Balid
Museum is open Saturday to Wednesday
from 9.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 19.00 and
closed on any national holidays.
For a full day tour experience it is possible
to combine some of the places of interest
mentioned, with a relaxing lunch at some of
Some cruise lines offer passengers a
embark from the ship and proceed to Rub­Al
the top quality hotels in Salalah, such as the
chance to stay overnight in the desert and the
Khali on Day One, arrive back at Salalah for
Crowne Plaza, Hilton and Marriot.
rejoin the ship at their next Omani port of call.
connecting flight to Muscat on Day Two and
Zahara Tours, which handles
Salalah Marriot
overnight at a Muscat hotel, tour of city
around 150 calls in Omani ports
before rejoining the ship on Day Three. An
each year providing pre and post
alternative is embark from the ship in the
arrangements, shore excursions
morning, take a connecting flight to Muscat
and passenger exchanges, for
and stay overnight, then on Day Two proceed
example, offers two options: an
to Wahiba Sands and desert camp for
overnight at Rub­Al Khali,
overnight stay and then return to Muscat on
where passengers would
Day Three. l
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9
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Khimji Ramdas Shipping does it all
Khimji Ramdas is a 140 year old Omani company with
business activities in distribution, manufacturing and
services. We are one of the leading corporate houses in the
Sultanate of Oman.
Khimji Ramdas started its shipping agency business in
1985. We are pioneers who were instrumental in attracting
cruise ships to Oman by participating in various cruise
trade fairs held around the world. Khimji Ramdas
Shipping has been successful in drawing port calls from
the world’s most celebrated passenger ship and are clear
market leaders of cruise traffic into the Sultanate.
The first breakthrough that we got was through ARKONA
which arrived on 4th January, 1996. The unification of
Germany witnessed the merger of DSR & Senator to form
a large shipping company with container as well as cruise
operations. ARKONA’s Muscat call gave the opportunity
to Khimji Ramdas Shipping’s division to illustrate our
operational excellence in Omani ports. It was not difficult
for Khimji Ramdas Shipping to convince AIDA Cruises to
also call in Muscat. AIDAblu made its first call to Muscat
on 29th Nov, 2004 followed by Seven Seas Voyager and
Costa Allegra in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
On 2nd January, 2010 the legendary port call of Cunard’s
flagship RMS Queen Mary 2 gave Muscat a well deserved
place on the cruise map. Even though the turning basin is
300 meters, the proactive approach of Port Service
Corporation permitted Queen Mary 2 with its overall
length of 345 meters to come alongside.
Omani ports are one of the most-user friendly ports in the
region. Authentic Arab heritage, Arab architecture,
hygiene & safety are the main selling points for Oman.
Oman’s topography has deserts, mountains, wadis which
make it an exotic Arab destination. Oman has a rich
maritime heritage and Muscat is the only port in the
region where authentic Arabian heritage combines with
the magnificent natural harbour which makes it an ideal
cruise destination. Oman is a ‘Well Kept Secret’ in the
Arabian Peninsula with many attractions to visit. The
tourists who get their first glance of Oman during their
short cruise stopover often make repeat visits to Oman.
Khimji Ramdas Shipping is vessel husbanding agents for
AIDA CRUISES, COSTA CROCIERE, CARNIVAL UK,
P&O CRUISES, ALL LEISURE GROUP PLC,
SILVERSEA CRUISES, PHOENIX REISEN GMBH,
PRINCESS CRUISES & V.SHIPS LEISURE. For details
please visit www.krshipping.com
To fully cater to growing cruise tourism Khimji
Ramdas Shipping decided to upgrade its services: for
the safety of the passengers we now have a large fleet
of own buses which provide safe, dedicated and timely
mode of travel to cruise passengers. We also have our
own fenders and security fences. Khimji’s has also
started a separate Ship Spares and Ship Chandelling
Company which offers superior quality of Ship
Supplies, Spare parts etc to the cruise vessels calling
Omani ports.
Khimjis House of Travel is an IATA approved Travel
& Tourism solution provider and are at the forefront of
bringing a new dimension to tourism and travel in the
Sultanate. Leveraging its vast experienced human
resources in the industry and drawing on the strength of
modern technologies, Khimjis House of Travel strives to
give an edge in dimension of tourism.
In a two year span, Khimjis House of Travel is
regarded as one of the leading DMC/consolidator’s in
travel related services for both inbound & outbound in
Sultanate, and is registered with the Ministry of
Tourism, Sultanate of Oman. The company has also
played a key role in supporting tourism growth
initiatives of the Sultanate.
The growth of Khimjis House of Travel in the last couple
of years has been led by the concerted efforts of all
members in the organization and the company’s
commitment to adhering to professional standards.
The acknowledged performance in terms of customer
satisfaction and dedicated focus to provide the finest
tourism and travel experience has placed Khimjis House
of Travel in the top league of inbound /outbound tour
operators in Oman.
Inbound Division (Exotic Oman) Specialising in
Destination Management services for the Sultanate, the
inbound division of Khimjis House of Travel has got its
own infrastructure by having 4WD, coasters and luxury
cars. We have appointed our own representatives in
Europe to ensure that we deliver our results within
targeted time frame.
All our inbound products are showcased/distributed
through our dedicated portal www.omanhotelrooms.com
or www.omantours.com which can be accessed only by
our B2B registered partners. The real-time booking engine
is also integrated with a payment gateway that accepts all
major credit cards.
Musandam
Khowr Najd
Last season Khasab welcomed around 30
cruise ships at its 300mtr long berth with
10.5mtr­plus tidal range draft. The arrival of
MSC and Costa will see that number rise to
over 60 calls in the 2011/12 season.
To view the striking scenery in Musandam
the best mode of transport is wooden
dhows, seating between 100 to 120
passengers on a carpeted deck. Dates, fruit,
Omani coffee and soft drinks are often
offered during the voyage. The boat trips,
normally lasting two to three hours, pass by
tiny fishing villages where the stone houses
blend into the cliffs. Madifi has around 100
inhabitants, mainly fishermen. There is no
Still deep water inlets and bays rich
in marine life
T
their children to school in Khasab by wooden
speed boats, leaving them to stay in the
town from Saturday to Wednesday. In the
he Musandam Peninsula is a rugged
luxury brands such as Seabourn, Silversea,
mountain village of Maqlab, the people
and starkly beautiful region with its
Crystal, Hapag­Lloyd and Compagnie du
living in around 10 houses, earn their living
by goat­herding and fishing.
main attraction being its towering
Ponant, said Ahmed Jaber, gm of Khasab
cliffs and deep inlets that form the entry to
Travel & Tours, founded 19 years ago and
the Straits of Hormuz – one of the busiest
specialising in cruise and land tours.
shipping lanes in the world.
At the beginning of November 2011,
The name Musandam actually refers to
MSC Lirica was the first large vessel to
just one island in the extreme north of the
visit the port on a regular basis, calling
peninsula, but the name has now covers the
every Thursday until March 2012. Costa
whole area.
Favolosa began a weekly stopover in
Musandam’s natural beauty is
breathtaking with the cliffs of the Hajar
December and will visit every Wednesday
through to April 2012.
Mountains falling steeply into the Arabian Sea
from a height of almost 2,000mtr.
Musandam is accessible by internal
flights operated by Oman Air, by road and
fast passenger ferry.
The focus of most tourists to the area is
the 17km long Khor (inlet) Ash Sham, which
can only be reached by boat from Khasab.
Half­ and full­day dhow cruises offering
dolphin watching, swimming and snorkelling
are the most popular excursions.
Until the 2011/12 season, cruise ships
visiting Khasab have mainly been those of
12
land access so many of the villagers take
www.omantourism.gov.om
The most famous landmark in the inlet is
Musandam
Telegraph Island (Jazirat al Maqlab). Here the
British laid the first telegraph cable in 1864. It
ran from India to Basra in Iraq and carried the
first telegraphic message between Karchi and
London in 1865. The island was manned for 10
years and the old cable line can still be seen on
the sea bed. The shallow waters off this island
are very popular for snorkelling.
Musandam is also considered a dolphins’
playground with many sightings in the area.
Two species of dolphin, humpback and
bottlenose stay in the fjords during the
summer months and playfully follow the dhow
cruises as they ply up and down the clear,
crystal waters.
A shuttle bus to Khasab town centre is
also an option for independent travellers.
palm tress at the foot of the mountains.
Khasab is the principal town in the region
Along the wadi is the next village of Tawi,
with around 18,000 inhabitants.
where there are prehistoric rock carvings
The Khasab Fort is a picturesque
depicting camels, ships and warriors, said to
stronghold situated on the inner cove of
be more than 2,000 years old.
Other places of interest include the Bukha
Khasab Bay in Wilayat Khasab – Musandam.
Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the
The fort was built in the 17th century by
Portuguese seeking dominion over regional
16th century and renovated in 1990. The main
maritime trade. In May 2010, Khasab Fort was
the Museums & Heritage Awards aim to
watchtower is an unusual pear shape, believed
awarded a prestigious award for excellence,
recognise and celebrate best practice within
to repel canon balls and other projectiles more
the world of museums, galleries and heritage
visitor attractions.
Traditional Musandam boats (battil,
zaruqah and mashuwah) and houses are on
display in the castle’s courtyard, and
additional exhibits in the central tower and
residential wings showcase the heritage and
culture of the region with tableaus featuring
traditional medicine, costume and jewellery
together with a woman’s majlis, a wedding
room and a Qur’an school (pictured above).
The old and new souq are worth visiting to
bargain for a souvenir. Popular buys are the
Musandam axe known as a jerz, or the clay
incense burner with traditional decorations.
Nearby are the villages of Qada and Tawi
reached by a coastal road. Qada is located in
a calm and sheltered bay with backdrop of
www.omantourism.gov.om
13
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Musandam
Khasab’s 300mtr long berth
further evidence of early
settlements. This area is surrounded
by mountains on three sides and here
are found stone dwellings and
storehouses, livestock pens and the
distinctive bait al qufl, house of the
lock, unique to Musandam. These are
minature storehouses built from
stone. The roofs are made from
acacia trees covered with a mix of
readily than conventional, straight­sided
settlements balance on the mountain sides
earth and gravel. Inside, the floors are
towers. The tower’s commanding view of both
where every piece of land is utilised and
about a metre below ground level and there
land and sea ensured that no invader could
farmers manage to catch every drop of
are raised slabs for storing goods. Entry is
approach unseen and a shallow moat
water that runs off the rocky surfaces to
difficult as the heavy doors extend to the
surrounding the fort on three sides served as
irrigate their crops. At the Sayh Plateau,
sunken floor, opening inwards and deeply
an added deterrent.
situated 1,100mtr above sea level, there are
recessed. The buildings are secured by an
large tracts of arable land under cultivation.
elaborate locking system enabling each
Striking as Musandam is, it is even more
beautiful and packed with attractions
At Khawr Najid there is a stunning view
house to safely store grain, dates and other
underwater. Very few areas in the world can
overlooking the Indian Ocean side of
items during the inhabitants periods of
still claim to provide “virgin diving” and the
Musandam where the road drops steeply from
seasonal migration.
Musandam Peninsula is one of them.
480mtr to sea level.
The amazing diversity of marine life
Lima is a remote village on the east coast
On a full day jeep safari from Khasab it is
of the Musandam Peninsular, accessible only
includes exotic reef fish to schooling
also possible to visit Rawdah village where
by sea where traditional artisans continue to
barracuda, turtles, sunfish, reef sharks and
there is an old Islamic graveyard with
practice ancient crafts. Hand­forged axes
even whale sharks. Diving excursions in the
engraved headstones depicting horsemen,
and knives can be purchased here, as well as
Kumzar area are available for smaller groups
palm trees and jewellery.
pottery and goatskin drums. The trip from
of cruise passengers on transit calls if booked
At the nearby Rawdah Bowl there is
Khasab currently takes three hours by boat
in advance. All divers should be
but there are plans to build
qualified to at least PADI
a tunnel and road through
Advanced Open Water status.
the mountains, which will
Novices and snorkellers can
make accessibility to
participate in underwater
Lima easier and quicker
discovery in the area’s many
from Khasab. l
khawrs or bays.
Other offerings include a 4x4
Mountain safari to the barren
interior of Musandam. From
Khasab, the vehicles head
towards 2,087mtr high Jebel
Harim, or Mountain of Women.
Climbing steadily the vehicles
wind along the ridge with
breathtaking views down into
the wadis and foothills. Small
www.omantourism.gov.om
15
Sultanate of Oman ~ fast facts
Location: The Sultanate of Oman is the
the mountains and in the Dhofar region all
& Communications, PO Box 684, Muscat,
second largest country in the Arabian
year round.
Sultanate of Oman
Tel: +968 24685000, www.motc.gov.om
Peninsula with the United Arab Emirates
dividing a small section in the
Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing in
northernmost tip. The country’s entire East
cottons or blends is ideal for most of the
Port Sultan Qaboos Muscat, Port Services
Coast is fringed by the Indian Ocean and its
year. Sweaters, a light jacket or a shawl may
Corporation (S.A.O.G), PO Box 133,
land neighbours include Yemen to the
be needed for the cooler evenings.
Post Code 100, Sultanate of Oman
Tel: +968 24711205, www.pscoman.com
south, and Saudi Arabia and United Arab
Religion: Islam is the official religion; other
Emirates on its western border.
religions are also respected.
Local Time: GMT +3 hours
Port of Salalah, PO Box 369, Salalah, Post
Code 211, Sultanate of Oman
Credit cards: All major credit cards are
Tel: +968 23219500, www.portofsalalah
Currency: The rial (RO) is the Omani
accepted in main hotels, stores and larger
currency and is divided into 100 baisas. The
shops, but in traditional souks, cash is
Airports: Muscat International Airport is
rate of conversion is US$1 = RO 0.38 as of
mostly used and bargaining power is
located 25km from Muscat city centre and
November 28, 2011. Banks and exchange
increased with the ready availability of
cruise berth and also serves domestic flights.
bureaux are found throughout Muscat.
currency. ATM machines are available.
Oman Air flies non­stop to Muscat from
London, Munich, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich and
Language: Arabic is the official language,
Business hours: The weekend starts on
Moscow. Brand new and spacious Economy
but English is widely spoken.
Thursday afternoon and Friday although
Class, Business Class and First Class cabins,
government offices are closed the whole of
together with state­of­the­art in­flight
Customs: No customs duty is levied on
Thursday and Friday. Most shops and malls
entertainment and delicious new menus, are
personal effects brought into Oman. It is
open from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm.
all offered aboard superb Airbus A330­300
forbidden to import drugs and pornographic
Banks, embassies and consulates are open
aircraft, ensure an unrivalled travel experience.
material. Videos, books and magazines are
from 8am to noon, Saturday to Thursday.
occasionally checked.
In addition, Oman Air serves as the
domestic airline, offering 42 flights a week to
Hotels: Oman currently offers over 8,000
Salalah, and daily flights to Musandam
Climate: The coolest time to visit Oman is
rooms including many four, five and six­star
(Khasab Airport).
between October and April with
properties. This is set to increase to 15,000
temperatures averaging between 25°C and
by 2015.
Many international airlines fly into
Muscat including Gulf Air via Bahrain, Etihad
35°C during the day and between 17°C and
Airways and British Airways via Abu Dhabi,
19°C at night. Summer is between April
Cruise Ports: The ports of Sultan Qaboos,
Emirates Airlines via Dubai, Qatar Airways,
and September when the weather is hotter
Muscat, Salalah and Khasab fall under the
Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Thai Airlines and
and humid. Mild weather is experienced in
direction of the Ministry of Transportation
Swiss Air.
Oman
PO Box 200, PC 115
Madinat Sultan Qaboos,
Muscat
Sultanate of Oman
www.omantourism.gov.om
www.mot.gov.om
16
German Speaking Countries
and Scandinavia
Karl­Marx­Allee 91a
10243 Berlin, Germany
Tel: +49 30 42088012
Fax: +49 30 42256286
info@omantourism.de
www.oman.travel
UK & Ireland
11 Blades Court
121 Deodar Rd
London
SW15 2NU, UK
Tel: 0208 877 4524
Fax: 0208 874 4219
oman@representationplus.co.uk
Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
(GCC)
Office 1005 10th floor,
AlWarsan Building
Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE
PO Box 73477 Dubai, UAE
Tel: + 971 4 283 0400
Fax: + 971 4 283 0330
French Speaking Countries
Embassy of Sultanate of Oman
90, Rue de Courcelles
75008 Paris ­ France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 47 20 56 06
Fax : +33 (0) 1 47 20 55 80
info@omantourisme.com
www.omantourisme.com
Russia
Embassy of The Sultanate of Oman
Moscow, Russia
Tel: +7­499­230­1587
russia@omantourism.ru
Australia & New Zealand
Level 6, 117 York Street, Sydney
Tel: Australia +61 2 9286 8930
New Zealand +64 9 977 2222
Fax: Australia +61 2 9266 0815
info@tourismoman.com.au
www.tourismoman.com.au
www.omantourism.gov.om