Muscat Cruise Guide

Overview

'One great distinguishing feature of Muscat,' noted James Silk Buckingham, an English traveller writing in 1816, 'is the respect and civility shown by all classes of its inhabitants to Europeans.'  The same observation could be made today towards all visitors of this cosmopolitan port.

The name 'Muscat' is derived from a term meaning 'safe anchorage' and is an apt description of its protected harbours, ringed by serrated mountains and watched over by 17th-century forts. This is the real Arabia - the Arabia that has neither buried its head in the sands nor thrown out its heritage in the rush to modernise.

Sightseeing

The sea is at the heart of Oman's capital, lapping around the city's two harbours and shaping the country's history. Cruise ships dock at Mutrah Harbour, ringed by a beautiful crescent of merchant houses with overhanging balconies.

The harbour of Old Muscat, a few kilometres along the coast, protects the Sultan's Palace. Scan the harbour cliffs for a ‘log book' of visiting vessels, whose crews scratched the names of their ships in the rocks here.

Highlights
• Mutrah Souk: Feel the pulse of Arabia in this labyrinth of shops and alleyways.
• Mutrah Corniche: Stride along the coast with Muscat's residents.
• Bait al-Baranda: Put Muscat's sea-faring past into context in this modern museum.
• Beyt az-Zubair: Trace Oman's rich heritage through the displays of traditional artifacts.

Tourist Information

Oman Tourism in the UK
c/o Representation Plus, 11 Blades Court, 121 Deodar Road, London SW15 2NU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20887 74508.
Website: www.omantourism.gov.om

Shopping

Oman has a rich craft heritage and is famous for the purity of its silver. You can buy silver items such as khanja, the ceremonial dagger worn by Omani men, in Mutrah Souk. This is also where fine pieces of Bedouin jewellery, using Maria Theresa dollars (coins previously used in Omani currency), can be found. Frankincense, an aromatic resin grown in southern Oman, makes another fun purchase, together with traditional coffeepots, basketry and, of course, 22kt gold.

Eating Out

You can't stop off in Arabia and not drink coffee. Coffee shops are the hub of Omani social life so spare some time to sip Turkish qahwa and mint tea over a kebab or two.

When To Go

From May to September Muscat is intensely hot and humid and best avoided. Beautiful blue skies and warm evenings make September to early April the best time to visit. Rain is minimal but there are some clouds in December.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Muscat Old Town.

Transfer Distance

2.8km (1.7 miles).

Transfer Time

10-15 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Oman

Time Zone

GMT + 4.

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR) = 1,000 baiza.

Language

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken.

Location

On the Gulf of Oman, in the northeast of Oman.

Population

3.3 million (Oman).

Government

Sultanate since 1744.

Religion

Predominantly Muslim, including Shi'ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and facilities for the worship of other religions.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting, though some Omanis knock noses. To avoid giving offence, visitors (male and female) must dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders. Muscat is very clean and dropping litter is forbidden. It is polite not to smoke in public. Homosexual behaviour is illegal.

Tipping:
Becoming more common; 10% should be given in hotels and restaurants with licensed bars but is not expected in more casual restaurants.
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