Set on the western headland of Muscat’s Muttrah district, Muscat Cruise Port—officially called Sultan of Qaboos Port—is one of the most scenic in the Middle East. As your ship arrives, you’ll enjoy stellar views of Muttrah’s mountain-backed corniche before disembarking just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from its souks and attractions.
After docking at Muscat Cruise Port, many travelers stick to the Omani capital, with city tours to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Opera House, the Al Alam ceremonial palace, Muttrah Corniche, and Muttrah Souk.
Other tours focus on Oman’s mountain towns and wadis (river gorges). Head to Nizwa Fort and the pottery town of Bahla; go dune bashing in the Wahiba Sands; explore the Al Hajar Mountains; or discover Wadi Shab’s rock pools. Other options include sailing along Muscat’s coast on a wooden dhow; taking a dolphin-watching trip; or cruising to Dimaniyat Island to swim and snorkel in its lagoons.
Muscat Cruise Port terminal building has minimal facilities and is not always open.
At Sultan Qaboos Mosque, women must cover their legs, arms, shoulders, and head.
Bring sunscreen—Oman is hot all year long and blazing in summer.
Oman’s wadis, mountain areas, and old towns are tricky for wheelchair users to navigate.
Walking around Sultan Qaboos Port is prohibited, so ships provide free shuttles to the port gate where taxis and tour vehicles sometimes wait. Oman’s taxis are unmetered but follow government-set rates, so ensure that you agree a price before traveling. Hop-on hop-off and public buses run from the corniche to Old Muscat and downtown Muscat.
Oman’s national language is Arabic, but most Omanis in the tourist areas also speak English. The national currency is the Omani rial, but many high-end stores, cabs, and souk vendors accept US dollars or euros—expect rials as change. Major credit and debit cards are accepted at bigger shops and hotels, and ATMs can be found along Muttrah Corniche.