Emirates Cruise – ports of call.

The main reason these cruises are so popular is the amazing winter climate along with the vastness of Dubai and Abu Dhabi but what else is there to see other than sky scrapers, fancy shopping malls and fast posh cars ? Two of the smaller ports on most cruise itineraries are very different all together and are seeped in local culture and history.

Muscat.

Muscat is located in northeast Oman, Three Tropic of Cancer passes south of the area. It is bordered to its west by the plains of the Al Batinah Region and to its east by Ash Sharqiyah Region. The interior plains of the Ad Dakhiliyah Region border Muscat to the south, while the Gulf of Oman forms the northern and western periphery of the city. The water along to coast of Muscat runs deep, forming two natural harbours, in Muttrah and Muscat. The Western Al Hajar Mountains run through the northern coastline of the city.

Volcanic rocks are apparent in the Muscat area, and are composed of serpentine and diorite, extending along the Gulf of Oman coast for ten or twelve kilometres

On arrival in the port you are faced with old and new with a brand new cruise terminal nearing completion it is a gentle stroll into the old town where you discovered a lively souk selling everything you would expect on the Middle East from spices to exotic jewellery.

We then had a local taxi that took us to the Al Alam Palace, through the Muscat Gate and a tour of the Harbour where you could see the Sultan of Oman’s Yacht. Our guide loved his Country and told us so many interesting tales and stories.
On leaving the Old Town we passed many luxury hotels and shopping malls and took a short tour of a very impressive Opera House.

We then arrived in Khasab which is in an exclave of Oman built by the Portugues in the 17th century. It is named the Norway of Arabia because of its
extensive fjord like craggy inlets and desolate mountains. The ship was offering a 4 hour Dhow tour to experience these views and so see dolphins swimming along side. However they were charging 85 euros each so we decided to go again with a local guide at 25 euros and had an amazing time.

My family jumped off the Dhow into the sea and really enjoyed the day while I just sat and marvelled at the beautiful views.