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 nice and some shops do have some amazing & unique stuff/items. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 30k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Oman Avenues Mall Ample parking spaces, direct access to IKEA oman etc are other attractions. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 25k Closed · Opens 10 AM
City Centre Muscat Great place for shopping, wish to see more traditional omani restaurants Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 20k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Mall of Oman Mall of Oman offers an excellent range of shops with something for everyone. Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 11k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Al Araimi Boulevard Nice place, A lot of well known brands, restaurants, and coffee shops. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 7k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Markaz Al Bahja Has a Lulu hypermarket and brands like Redtag, Matalan and Brands for less. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 6k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Rozna Restaurant All you can eat·Outdoor seating·Private dining room Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 5k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Ramssa Omani Restaurant One of the best restaurants in Oman with a unique atmosphere and concept. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 5k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant - Mutrah Reservations required·Outdoor seating·Private dining room Middle Eastern restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Thalassa Restaurant All you can eat·Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Greek restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Imperial Kitchen - Muscat All you can eat·Private dining room·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closes soon · 1 AM
Cowboy Steakhouse مطعم كاوبوي ستيك هاوس Great cocktails·High chairs Steak house · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
مطعم مشاوي عروس البحر - Aroos Al Bahar Fish Restaurant Outdoor seating·Private dining room Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant Excellent food, superb service and stunning views of the sun set too. Indian restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Ubhar Restaurant Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options·Kids' menu Arab restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Sultan Qaboos Port Large fish market, several meat shops and a great coffee store. Marina · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open 24 hours
Nabu Cafe So nice to find a Iraqi restaurant in oman that serves amazing breakfast. Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Mesa Restaurant Outdoor seating·Private dining room·Vegan options Fine dining restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
La Brasserie Restaurant Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 2 AM
China Mood Food quality was excellent and we loved the ambience. Chinese restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 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