Port Qaboos

Port Qaboos

Oman

Explore the striking architecture of the Royal Opera House and wander through the atmospheric souks brimming with frankincense and traditional crafts.

💱 Currency Omani Rial (OMR)
🗣 Language Arabic
🕐 Time Zone GST (UTC+4)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Nov–Apr
🚢 Typical Duration 54-115 nights
💰 Price Range From $1,279 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Oman's rich cultural heritage and Arabian Peninsula exploration, offering access to historic Muscat and traditional souks.

Cruises that visit Port Qaboos

Build Your Day in Port Qaboos

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Mutrah Souq The souq is quite large, so there’s a ton to explore. Traditional market · ★ 4.4 · 30k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Oman Avenues Mall The stores are well-maintained and offer a pleasant browsing experience. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 25k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a breathtaking mix of beauty and peace. Mosque · ★ 4.8 · 16k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Mall of Oman From local offering to international brands like gucci. Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 10k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Al Araimi Boulevard Nice shopping centre with good choices and fair prizes Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Al Alam Palace You can see sultan al qaboos palace Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 7k
Riyam Park حديقة ريام Visitors can hike up to the incense burner, and the effort is well worth it. Park · ★ 4.3 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Mutrah Corniche Lovely walk with easy access to museum, cafes, restaurants, souk. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k
Oman Aquarium really amazing experience.. affordable price and must visit place in Oman Aquarium · ★ 4.3 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Ramssa Omani Restaurant We got to experience the best food we have had in Oman. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Mutrah Fort Beautiful place, they have cute cafe and artists booth inside fort. Fortress · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Hay Al-Ward Park Best for families for picnics or gatherings on weekends. Park · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant - Mutrah One of the best restaurants in Oman! Middle Eastern · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Thalassa Restaurant Truly one of the best restaurants I have tried in Oman. Greek · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Smokehouse The best restaurant I visited in Oman. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Jungle Restaurant One of the best restaurants in Muscat. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Sabco Shopping Centre A cozy shopping center You can find multiple different shops and a caffe Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Bandar Al Khairan Viewpoint Recommend to take a boat ride with Mr. Fahad for 1 hr. Campground · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Snow Oman Nice place to escape from Heat and spend quality time with Family Indoor snowcenter · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Sun & Sand Sports Factory Outlet Good offers, friendly employees, A lot variety,good price Sportswear store · ★ 3.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Qantab Heights Boat rides take you through some really scenic waters and rocky formations. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Trader Vic's at InterContinental Muscat Good drinks, great food (I had a lovely steak) and good atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Takara Muscat Beautiful place, perfect service and food quality and taste is top in Oman. Japanese · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Qantab Beach Emerald green sea and cheap boat rides to explore the coastal cliffs. Cruise agency · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Sultan Qaboos Port Port Sultan Qaboos is the largest port in Muscat, Oman. Marina · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Duke's Nice drinks, relaxing atmosphere and good food. Gastropub · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Ghamdan Palace Restaurant & Cafe Our best dinner in Oman. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
La Brasserie Restaurant Good place on the Corniche for a formal/informal meal. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k
Fish and Seafood Grills Mutrah Highly recommended for anyone looking to savor the best seafood in Muscat. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Al Sansool Legendary fishing trip, beautiful views. Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k
The Edge The best restaurant in Oman. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Irishman New great place in Muscat with very tasty food, fresh beer and live music! Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Darsait Beach Good place for friends/family hangout during weekdays/Weekend Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Arches Fountain As its an open area, there is no ticket and entry is free of cost. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Piano Lounge at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Great cocktails and service, well made and very much appreciated. Lounge bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
BLU Pool & Garden Bar Thank you for Utsav for the drink service on the beach chairs Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Mutrah View Point Great free activity to do from the cruise ship port. Park · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Mutrah Vegetables and Fruit Shop Superb, fresh and quality products available here, spacious parking lots Store · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Mutrah Pier Absolutely lovely place to go for a stroll or stop for a Chai. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Maidan View Good view point of port Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Port Qaboos

About Port Qaboos

Port Qaboos in Muscat, Oman, serves as a port of call on some of the world's most ambitious voyages. MSC Cruises operates extended itineraries calling here, with sailings typically spanning 115 nights and connecting the Arabian Gulf to Mediterranean and South American destinations. Whether you're embarking on an epic world cruise or joining for a segment of the journey, this port offers a fascinating stop along routes that include Dubai, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Alexandria, and Callao. The port sees peak activity during the cooler months of November, January, and April, making those ideal times to experience Oman's unique blend of Arabian culture and maritime heritage.

Stepping ashore at Port Qaboos, you'll find yourself in Oman's cosmopolitan capital, where modern cruise facilities meet the charm of the Arabian Gulf. The port's proximity to Muscat's attractions means you can explore the city's elegant waterfront, historic architecture, and vibrant souks, or venture into the dramatic landscapes of the surrounding region. Whether you have a few hours or a full day in port, Oman's warm hospitality and distinctive character make this a memorable stop on any extended cruise itinerary.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Marvel at one of the world's largest mosques, featuring stunning Islamic architecture with intricate marble work and a breathtaking crystal chandelier. Non-Muslim visitors can explore the exterior courtyards and gardens during designated hours, experiencing Oman's spiritual heart and architectural grandeur just minutes from the cruise terminal.

2

Mutrah Souq's Aromatic Spice Markets

Wander through Oman's most vibrant traditional marketplace, where vendors sell fragrant frankincense, saffron, and exotic spices that have traded here for centuries. Haggle for souvenirs, sample local dates, and immerse yourself in authentic Omani commerce in this atmospheric labyrinth of narrow alleyways.

3

Muscat's Dramatic Coastal Cliffs

Discover dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine beaches framing Muscat's coastline, offering stunning photo opportunities and refreshing sea breezes. The scenic Corniche promenade provides easy walking access to panoramic vistas where rugged mountains meet turquoise waters, perfect for capturing Oman's natural beauty.

4

Al Alam Palace & Harbor Views

Photograph the iconic turquoise and gold Al Alam Palace, the Sultan's official residence, set against the picturesque natural harbor. The waterfront area offers excellent vantage points for capturing traditional dhow boats and colonial-era architecture that define Muscat's historic character and charm.

5

Omani Seafood & Coffee Culture

Savor fresh grilled hammour and traditional seafood dishes at harborside restaurants, then experience authentic Omani hospitality over cardamom-scented coffee and dates. Local eateries near the port serve genuine regional cuisine that reflects centuries of Arabian Gulf maritime traditions and flavors.

Cruise Lines at Port Qaboos

Cruises Departing From Port Qaboos

Cruises Visiting Port Qaboos

Ship Schedule at Port Qaboos

Port Qaboos Location

Other Cruise Ports in Oman