Muscat cruise port: a guide to sightseeing right from your ship

Welcome to the Sultanate of Oman where cruise ships call at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muttrah – the oldest part of the capital, Muscat. In this cruise port guide I want to share everything you need to know before coming alongside, including things the cruise companies don’t necessarily share.

But before the good stuff, I’d like to thank you for visiting Oman Wanderlust and also encourage you to join our Facebook group Oman Unpacked. It’s a community to get even more personal recommendations from visitors and expats who love Oman.

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About your port of call in Muscat

Muscat is the capital city of Oman – the oldest independent state in the Gulf, yet one of the least well known. If you have started your cruise in Dubai you will notice it is a very different destination before you even step ashore.

There are no skyscrapers – the highest structures you might spot as you sail down the coast are the tallest minaret of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the 126m tall flagpole in Al Khuwair Square, which flies the Omani standard.

On the skyline are the Hajar Mountains, which stand between Muscat and its northern desert Wahiba Sands and climb to 3,000m above sea level at the peak of Jebel Shams.

Your berth is Muttrah, the oldest part of the city, which is famous as a hub for the fishing industry, historic forts and its bustling souq.

Oman is a country of rich culture and dramatic landscapes. I hope the taster that you experience during your short stay will inspire you to return.

And if it does, please remember Oman Wanderlust as a helpful and independent source of information.

Oman cruise ship schedule

In 2024, 134 cruise ships called in Muscat – two thirds of the number that sailed into Dubai, making this a lesser explored port in the Middle East.

Cruise ships visit the port of Muscat between November and April. This is when the weather is more comfortable in Northern Oman, so excursions from the ship are easier to do.

Visiting cruise lines include: Aroya Cruises, MSC, Nicko Cruises, AIDA, TUI Cruises, Celestial, Oceania, Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises and Costa Cruises.

You can find the latest cruise schedule for Muscat on Cruise Mapper.

Ships usually arrive at the cruise terminal, which is berth five, between 7am and 11am and depart between 5pm and 10pm.

Do you need a visa for a cruise to Oman?

Visitors from many countries such as the UK, USA, Germany and France can visit Oman visa-free for a period of 14 days. Here is where to find the full list of countries.

If you are a national of one of these countries, have a passport valid for six months and are departing again with your cruise ship, you do not require a visa.

What currency can you use?

Oman’s currency is the Omani Rial or OMR. Check the current exchange rate.

The equivalent denomination to the UK pence (p) or European cent is Baisa. There are 1,000 Baisa in one rial. Common notes include 100 Baisa, ½ Rial, one Rial, five Rial, 10 Rial, 20 Rial and 50 Rial. There are also Baisa coins.

You’ll find most shops and cafes in Muttrah accept cards or OMR.

Traders in Muttrah Souq will accept US dollars but you may not get a good exchange rate and you will get change in OMR.

My advice would be to pay by card where possible. We have a Revolut card which gives us great exchange rates and fee-free international spending and ATM withdrawals.

If you do want to get cash, the closest cash machine to the port entrance is this Bank Dhofar ATM located just in front of the fish market – it’s a big green kiosk. You can’t miss it.

Do you need to know Arabic for your visit?

No, English is the common language of the multi-cultural population of Muscat. You will also hear Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi and Pashto as well as Omani’s native Arabic.

Here are a few useful phrases to have ready.

Is it safe to walk around Muscat?

Oman is a very safe and peaceful country. Crime is low and Omani people are famously welcoming towards visitors.

From personal experience, I feel safer in Muscat than I have done in some UK cities. I don’t feel hassled or the need to guard my personal possessions closely.

I’m not saying pickpockets don’t exist, but you don’t need to take any special precautions.

The biggest risk to be aware of is crossing roads. Muscat is not a pedestrian-friendly city because most people choose to get around in their air conditioned cars.

Find out more about why Oman is such a safe place to visit.

Is it easy to go ashore?

Cruise ships come alongside in Sultan Qaboos Port which overlooks the oldest part of Muscat, Muttrah.

Once you have been through the cruise terminal at berth five there is a free shuttle bus to the port gate.

It is possible to walk from the port gate to Muttrah Corniche, the fish market, the souq and Muttrah Fort.

Turn right out of the port gates and walk along the narrow path lined with a white wall which takes you to the fish market and the start of Muttrah Conriche.

Tip: you may be more comfortable taking a taxi even if you don’t intend to explore far. The Arabian sun is harsh, even in the winter months.

Public transport at Muttrah port

Here are your options for public and hired transport from your ship:

Buses

These are run by Mwasalat and are a really budget-friendly way to explore the older side of Muscat. However, buses are not regular or reliable, which can be an inconvenience if you need to stick to a timetable.

The no. 4 bus stops just across the road from the entrance to Port Sultan Qaboos.

Stay onboard to travel along the Corniche, past the Riyam Censor to Al Alam Palace and the National Museum. The bus returns along the same route and continues to the business district of Ruwi which is less scenic.

You can change to other routes at Ruwi bus station, but if you are short on time a taxi would be more convenient.

The no.4 runs from 6.30am until 10.44pm Sunday to Thursday and 7pm to 10.53pm on Friday, Saturday and public holidays. Tickets cost 300 baisa (less than GBP£1/US$1.30).

Taxis

Taxis are the most convenient option for getting around. There are several licensed taxi services in Oman including orange and white Otaxis, and blue and white Marhaba taxis. 

Otaxis are the ones you’ll see most around Muttrah as Marhaba mostly serve the airport. You’ll find a rank of taxis outside the cruise port and can flag them down elsewhere.

Where to get WiFi in Muttrah

Let’s face it, cruise ship WiFi is expensive and intermittent. So if you want to update family and friends at home, here’s some places to log on:

• Cafe Anna on Muttrah Corniche under Naseem Hotel – free WiFi for customers
• The National Museum of Oman cafe – free WiFi but attraction entrance fee applies
• Al Mirani Fort cafe – free WiFi but attraction entrance fee applies

Self-organised excursions from Mina Sultan Qaboos Port

Tip: you want to venture outside the capital to see the mountains, desert or wadis I would recommend booking a cruise line organised tour to give you the assurance that the ship will wait if you are delayed. There are some large distances to cover outside the city and Muscat rush hour can be bumper to bumper.

However, a full day in port easily allows you to enjoy some of the sights of Muscat. And the good news is this can all be organised without booking a ship’s excursion.

Here are tours you can arrange yourself:

Book these before you arrive in Muscat

Here are some excursions you might want to book in advance because places are limited and you’ll need to check they fit into your ship’s time in port:

• A dhow cruise or dolphin watching from nearby Bandar Al Rowdha Marina. This is a short taxi ride from Muttrah and trip durations range from two to three hours. Buy tickets: Get Your Guide
• Authentic Omani cooking and craft workshops with the local community interest group Sidab Women. They live a short taxi ride from the port and experiences with them can be booked via the Sidab Woman Instagram profile.
• If your ship arrives late morning and leaves later in the evening, you could do an afternoon boat trip to the Daymaniat Islands (pictured above) where you can snorkel with turtles and tropical fish. You’ll need to arrange a taxi to and from the smaller ports of Al Mouj (30 minute drive) or Seeb (40 minute drive) unless this is included in the tour you book. Boat trips are usually five hours in length. Book a trip: Get Your Guide

You could also get in touch with my travel partner, The Travel Design Company, which works with local guides to book tours and day trips.

Pick and choose from these activities when you arrive

Below are some easy excursions you can arrange on the day you arrive in port.

Muttrah highlights walking tour

If your ship arrives early in the morning and you want to explore some of Muscat’s old city before the heat of the day, here’s a self-guided, walkable tour that I recommend:

Total distance 2.9km, walking time without stops 42 minutes but plan for an hour

What you’ll see along the way:

• The catch of the day being sold at Muttrah Fish Market. The market is a five minute walk (300km) from the port gate. It is free for your to observe the fishermen at work
• Walk along Muttrah Corniche to see the picturesque Masjid Al Rasool Al A’dham mosque (outside only), the historic Muttrah Souq and tourist shops set back from the sea front. Be aware that there is only one pedestrian crossing from the seaside of the Corniche to the shop side. This is by the souq. Take great care crossing the road anywhere else.
• The undercover souq is a 15 minute walk (1km) from the port gate. It is free to explore the maze of shops
• Next climb Muttrah Fort for a panoramic view of the port, old city and mountains. The fort is set back from the Corniche and is a 20 minute walk (1.3km) from the cruise terminal. The entrance fee for tourists is 3 OMR for adults and 2 OMR for children
• Step inside the Place & People Museum which is a heritage house containing a treasure-trove of culture and history from 20th Century Oman. This is a 25 minute walk (1.5km) from the cruise terminal, just below the fort. The entrance fee is 2 OMR per person.
• From here return to the cruise terminal along the shop side of the Corniche, crossing again at the souq if you wish.

You can read more about all of these places in my guide to things to do in Muttrah.

Take a taxi to these nearby attractions

• Al Alam Palace – the Sultan of Oman’s official residence and where he welcomes visiting international heads of state
• Al Mirani Fort – a historic castle overlooking the ministries district, ocean and royal palace
• The National Museum – a showcase of Oman’s history and culture with 15 beautiful galleries
• The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Muscat’s top attraction, open from 8am to 11am, Saturday to Thursday only
• Al Khuwair Plaza and Oman’s tallest flagpole
• Muscat Opera House – as well as touring the Opera House you can visit the music museum and window shop in the galleria. There’s some lovely cafes here for afternoon tea.

Find more about these attractions near Muttrah.

The hop on hop off bus

The Big Bus hop on hop off Muscat tour runs on days cruise ships are in port and gives you an overview of the oldest part of Muscat city.

It is a bit pricey at US$85.00 per adult, but takes the hassle out of sightseeing.

The bus departs from outside Muttrah Souq on the Corniche and takes you on a tour of the sea front, ministries district, royal palace and forts.

The souq bus stop is about a half hour walk from berth five but you may find the Big Bus comes to the cruise terminal for when your ship arrives.

You can also buy tickets in advance: Big Bus in Muscat

Places to stop for refreshments in Muttrah

Here’s some top places to stop for refreshments while sightseeing in Muttrah including linked Google Maps locations:

• Anna Cafe – one of my favourite Omani coffee shops serving hot and cold drinks, cakes and light lunches. It’s close to the Tourism Hub, has indoor, air conditioned seating and a decent customer toilet (not to be sniffed at)!
• Juice World – perfect for freshly squeezed juices and smoothies as well as shwarma (an aromatic Arabic meat wrap)
• The Fort Cafe – reward yourself for climbing the steps up to Muttrah Fort with a sweet, non-alcoholic mojito, tradiitonal Omani coffee or karak tea, or a rose flavoured latte. They also serve cakes and pastries
• Bait Al Luban – a traditional Omani restaurant where you can dine like a local on floor seating. It’s well known for its authentic cuisine and right near the port entrance so expect prices to reflect this.

Where to take a photo of your ship

If you want a good view of your cruise ship this is easily found by walking along the Corniche or climbing Muttrah Fort

You can even get a slightly elevated position by climbing up this set of steps in Riyam Park.

Shopping near Muscat cruise port

Muttrah Souq is your go-to for souvenir shopping, but if you want to visit modern and designer shops then the Mall of Oman – the largest in the Sultanate – is a 20 minute drive from the cruise port.

It opened in 2021 with hundreds of local and international retailers as well as a massive food court, 15 screen cinema with IMAX, creative play spaces and arcades. There’s also the largest snow park in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Mall is open from 10am to 10pm Saturday to Wednesday and 10am to midnight on Thursdays and Fridays. Some cafes and restaurants are open from 8am to midnight, seven days a week.

More reading about Oman

Here are some more helpful reads before your brief visit to Oman: