Muscat - Oman

Cruise ships dock at the Muscat port close to the neighbourhood of Mutrah. Find your shore excursion busses on the pier or take the shuttle bus to the local market. For the full information on your transportation options read the Muscat cruise port guide.

This is what the official taxi’s look like. White with orange. They do not have a meter. The taxi driver often speaks English and will take US dollars.

Sailing into Muscat is spectacular. Make sure to be on the outside deck about an hour before you dock because it will give you a spectacular view over the town and its surrounding landscapes.

The Corniche is the promenade in the sheltered harbour. It is really nice to have a leisurely stroll here for the fact that you’ll pass the old style buildings, large commercial harbour, overlooking the dhows in port and get acquainted with the true Omani heritage and style in the many forms of art on the street and surrounding area. The corniche is where the shuttle bus drops you off.

In Old Muscat you’ll find the Royal Palace also known as Qasr Al Alam Palace. It serves as the official seat of the government and as the official office of Sultan Qaboos. It is mainly being used for high end visitors and special occasions. From port it is 4,5 km / 10 min drive to the east.

This is the absolute must see in Muscat: the Sultan Taboos Grand Mosque. Visit this magnificent mosque and see the world’s second largest hand-woven carpet and chandelier. The mosque is open to the public (non Muslim) between 8 AM and 11 AM every day except Thursday and Friday. The entry is free. No shorts is allowed for men. Women must cover their arms, head and the ankles. Find the mosque about 25 km / 15.5 miles away from the cruise port.

There is wi-fi at the terminal building on the dock although this is not always open. If you take the shuttle bus to the Mutrah Corniche you will see a small billboard with the purple wi-fi logo on it like the picture above. Get connected here.

Oman is flexible when it comes to excepting dollars. Most shops will except US dollars but will change you in Omani Rial.

This is one of the best museums of Muscat. It tells you all about the countries history and geology through interactive exhibtions. The museum is in Muttrah. It is best to walk from the shuttle bus drop off point.

The most impressive hotel of Muscat. You’ll notice that cruise lines often offer a high tea shore excursion to it. If this is the case go for it. Independent visitors often get turned down. The hotel is known as the modern legend of Oman with its Arabian and Indian design. From port it is 13 km / 15 min drive to the south east.

Muscat is quite stretched out and therefore renting a bicycle is not a bad idea. You’ll find this bicycle spot at the end of the Corniche, about 1 km walk from the shuttle bus drop off location. Check its location on the map.

You’ll find the parliament buildings close to the Al Bustan Palace. Make a photo stop here if you are in the neighborhood to admire the beautiful, modern and Arab building of the parliament. From port it is 10 km / 15 min drive to the south east