Beauty has an address ~ Oman

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1 Beauty has an address ~ Oman Arabia s authentic cruise destination

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3 Oman Marhabah (Welcome) Oman is a country of outstanding cultural heritage and natural beauty, renowned for its warmth of hospitality. It is a country with an extraordinary heritage and natural values that make it a must see cruise destination of choice and an ideal pre and post touring destination. Oman s major port is Muscat, with its port (Port Sultan Qaboos) having a commanding view of the Mutrah Corniche with its heritage souq, Mutrah Fort, and the watch towers and hidden harbour of the Muscat Palace precinct. It is an unforgettable vista that encapsulates authentic Arabia. Oman is undergoing a rapid, but managed, tourism growth with cruise shipping being a major component. Since the mid 1990s, cruise ship activity to Oman began its steady rise to its key ports: Salalah, Oman s southern capital facing the Arabian Sea continues to attract cruises doing world trips or Indian Ocean voyages. Muscat, Oman s capital and an ancient trading port on the Sea of Oman and the gateway to the ports of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. Khasab, a small town on the western side of Musandam Peninsula, a landscape of cliffed coasts and deep, long narrow inlets rich in corals and marine life, including hump back dolphin. In some 220 cruise visits will be made to Muscat with the number likely to Contacts increase in coming years as more companies discover Oman. There are other factors that make Oman a compelling destination, especially Muscat. The first factor is Oman Air s transformation into an international carrier with non stop services to over 41 international destinations. Improved air connections makes it easier for passengers to consider Oman as a pre and post cruise holiday experience, or an add on to cruises that end in other regional ports. The airline operates over 135 services per week to other Gulf cities. The second factor underlying growth is improved handling capacity of Port Sultan Qaboos (PSQ) and the cruise industry s discovery of Khasab as a niche destination, especially for smaller vessels looking to offer its passengers Arabian nature at its best. In the last year, the Government of Oman has announced that Port Sultan Qaboos will be redeveloped into a dedicated cruise ship port. Oman s Ministry of Tourism sees the project as internationally significant in giving Muscat a unique and authentic cruise destination in the heart of Old Muscat. Master planning for the port is well underway. The Ministry is also seeking to attract a cruise company to base port a midsized vessel to operate from PSQ. The third factor is the growth in cruise specialists and tour companies now able to service a growing cruise sector. This adds to Oman s other supporting assets including world class resorts and hotels. The final factor is Oman s beauty which is backed by cultural, heritage and natural dimensions that fascinate many visitors. Everywhere you go, Oman s distinctiveness is evident. It is not in a race with anyone it is moving in a direction style and pace that is determined by Oman. Whether you walk Mutrah Corniche, take a day visit to Nizwa or visit an ancient castle, you will release that beauty has an address. H.E Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary Ministry of Tourism, Oman Ministry of Tourism, Oman PO Box 200, Post Code 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Ali Al Khaburi Director General, Tourism Promotion akhaburi@omantourism.gov.om Khalid Al Zadjali Director, Events and Cruise kalzadjali@omantourism.gov.om Published by Seatrade Communications Ltd global.com 1

4 Cruise Oman The Middle East s fastest growing cruise destination With cruise ships stopping either on round the world voyages (in April 2012, Cunard Line s Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria will all call), or repositioning voyages to and from Asia deployments (such as Silver Whisper next April), or in recent years as a key feature of itineraries operated by ships based seasonally in Arabian waters, Oman is firmly on the cruise map. In 2011, 210 ships brought 200,000 passengers to Oman s three ports of Port Sultan Qaboos (Muscat), Khasab (Musandam), and Salalah (Dhofar). In 2003, the number of cruise passenger arrivals was just 3,500. Between October 2011 and May 2012, Muscat s dedicated cruise terminal (opened 2010) will receive regular calls from Royal Caribbean International s Brilliance of the Seas (overnight), MSC Cruises MSC Lirica, Costa Cruises Costa Favolosa and AIDA Cruises AIDAblu. With a full season of 19 sailings offering departures both from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, MSC Lirica has introduced Khasab in the north of Oman to the mass market. Also in the mix will be TUI s Mein Schiff 2 that starts cruising Gulf waters on November 4, 2012 while Variety Cruises has announced an innovative one way Muscat/Abu Dhabi schedule, set to run November through to March 2013 with the 36 cabin mega yacht, Variety Voyager. Plans to turn Port Sultan Qaboos Port into a dedicated cruise and passenger port has further fuelled the next stage in Oman s Oman is a fascinating destination In natural terms, Oman hosts diverse landscapes and environments, including unique flora and fauna, and among the world s largest nesting sites for five turtle species including the Giant Green Turtle. Oman s northern mountain range (Hajar Mountains) that runs from Musandam to Sur rises to over 3,000m above sea level, among Arabia s highest ranges. In the south (Dohfar), moist monsoon clouds hug the mountains turning the landscape lush green while the rest of Arabia experiences the heat of summer. In heritage terms, its World Heritage Listed sites include some of the largest concentrations of Iron and Bronze Age settlements. Between the 1st and 7th centuries its ancient trading ports at Salalah were the focus of the frankincense trade to China and Africa and the Mediterranean, while ancient cities in the north (Qalhat) were rich trading ports for the whole of Arabia. Building on its maritime heritage, Oman is now emerging as a destination of choice for a growing number of cruise itineraries. 2

5 Cruise Oman cruise development, with the search begun to secure a mid sized cruise ship to base in the Port as well as attracting more cruise companies to embark and disembark passengers in Muscat. Muscat International Airport is 25km from Muscat city centre and the home of Oman s national airline Oman Air. The airline has undergone rapid growth and now operates non stop services to an expanding network of cities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India and South East Asia with a fleet of new Airbus A300 aircraft. Flight times between Muscat and European centres are around 6 to 7 hours, with early morning arrivals into Muscat. This timetable allows for smooth connections to other Gulf cities. If you are flying business class on Oman Air to another destination than Muscat, see if you qualify for a free Muscat stop over. Muscat Airport is also serviced by all major carriers. Oman Air operates daily flights from Muscat to Salalah and Khasab, as well as Salalah flights from Dubai. In addition to Oman Air, most major international airlines operate to Muscat including Gulf Air via Bahrain, Etihad Airways and British Airways via Abu Dhabi, Emirates Airlines via Dubai, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Thai Airlines and Swiss Air. Oman currently offers over 10,000 hotel rooms including many four, five and six star properties. This is set to increase to over 15,000 by 2015, so plenty of choice for pre and post cruise stays. For pre and post cruise holidays, as well as for day stop overs, Oman offers a wide range of attractions and experiences. A day ashore can include a: casual stroll through the Mutrah Souq and onto the Muscat Palace precinct. This will lead you to a number of museums and art galleries. trip to Nizwa Souq and Fort, once Oman s capital. trip to a Bedoiun Camp in the Ash Sharqiyyah Desert drive along the coast of the Oman Qatar Sea to Sur where the tradition of Dhow building continues. In Salalah, the Old Souq includes many fankinsence and perfume vendors, products that are unique to Oman. The coolest time to visit Oman is between October and April with temperatures averaging between 25 0 C and 35 0 C during the day a perfect fit for the cruise industry. The following pages of this supplement describe just some of the shore excursions and tour options available to cruise passengers visiting Oman. l United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Khasab Salalah Oman Iran Gulf of Oman Muscat Indian Ocean Souk Oman s three main cruise ports 3

6 Muscat The Sultan s Alam Palace, Muscat Capital attraction Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a perfect blend of old and new. The city enjoys a dramatic setting with mountains on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. Port Sultan Qaboos, where cruise ships dock, is within walking distance of the old town and Mutrah Souq. The number of cruise ship arrivals in Muscat has grown Port Sultan Qaboos In February 2010, Oman opened its first dedicated cruise terminal at Port Sultan Qaboos, where six multi user berths are available for handling cruise ships of any size and length. The two storey terminal, spanning 160 sq mtr floor space, has an interior of black and white marble. The terminal has a waiting area, immigration desks, Internet café and money exchange on the ground floor. On the top floor there is a restaurant and shopping area where passengers can buy local crafts and souvenirs. Immigration is conducted upon arrival at anchor outside significantly in the past five years, rising from 25 vessels bringing 7,683 passengers in 2005 to 109 vessels and over 170,000 passengers in During the 2011/12 season Royal Caribbean International s Brilliance of the Seas, AIDA Cruises AIDAblu, Costa Cruises Costa Favolosa and MSC Cruises MSC Lirica will be amongst a growing number of regular callers at Sultan Qaboos. Many passengers choose a half day tour the port so once the ships tie alongside embarkation can begin straight away, says Manohar Kannoly, commercial manager of Port Services Corporation. On the top floor there are rest rooms, restaurant and shopping area. Currently in the planning stage, Port Sultan Qaboos is to convert from a commercial port into a dedicated cruise port and cultural entertainment centre. Present day commercial port activities will transfer to the Sohar Industrial Port, located about 260km west. The Ministries of Transport and Communications, and Tourism are overseeing master planning for the Port, which is regarded as an internationally significant project in its own right. In January 2010, Cunard s 345mtr Queen Mary 2 became the largest cruise ship to visit Muscat. Omani ports are one of the most user friendly ports in the region. Oman has a rich which encompasses a visit to the Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq (pictured above), Al Alam Palace, official palace of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos (for a photo stop) and Bait al Zubair museum, informs Khalid Al Zadjali, Director of Events and Cruise at the Oman Ministry of Tourism. Outside of the city the most popular excursions are tours to the ancient capital of Nizwa and the forts of Bahla and Jabrin, as well as four wheel drive safaris to the desert. maritime heritage and Muscat is the only port in the region where authentic Arabian heritage combines with the magnificent natural harbour which makes it an ideal cruise destination, remarks M.C Jose CEO, Projects & Logistics Group Khimji Ramdas LLC, offering vessel husbanding for cruise calls. 4

7 Muscat Grand Mosque Construction began in 1995 and took just over six years to complete. The Mosque is built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone. The main musalla (prayer hall) is square with a central dome rising to a height of fifty metres above the floor. The dome and the main 90mtr high minaret and four flanking minarets are the building s major visual features. Inside the main Muscat continues to retain traditional values while boasting modern shopping complexes, world class highways, a host of international hotels, an international airport and a major seaport. Muscat, Muttrah and Ruwi form its core districts home to 500,000 people, the grand mosque and many forts, castles, souks, traditional houses, museums and watchtowers. With its many hotels and solid tourism infrastructure, Muscat can cater to both the adventurous thrill seeker and those looking for rest and relaxation. The city s long coastline and temperate waters are ideal for almost every type of water sport, while the bustling souks never fail to fascinate with mind boggling displays of fine silver jewellery, antiques, frankincense, carpets, musalla can hold over 6,500 worshipers, while the women s musalla can accommodate 750 worshipers. rugs and other Omani souvenirs. Muscat, the old port area, is the site of the Sultan s palace. Two forts, Jalali and Mirani, which were built by the Portuguese in 1587 and 1588 respectively, dramatically guard the entrance to Muscat and serve as sentinels to the Sultan s palace. The forts were constructed on hills commanding a view of the city from the seaward side, as Royal Opera House The Royal Opera House Muscat is the first of its kind in the Gulf States with over 1,000 seats in its main hall, occupying an area of 80,000sq mtr and set among swathes of beautiful landscaped gardens, opened in October The design combines modern with traditional styles in keeping with Omani heritage, boasting impressive decorative lighting and breathtaking sculptures. Musical, operatic and dance performances from local and international artists are being staged here, establishing Oman as the classical music epicentre of the Gulf States. Tickets are reasonable priced making a Night at the Opera a new experience for any cruise passengers on ships opting to stay overnight in Muscat. All seats are fitted with personal screens depicting subtitles in Arabic and English. In the opening season the Royal Opera House featured concerts by Plácido Domingo and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, with the participation of the well as overlooking the old harbour. They were once vital points of defence for the city. Oman s rich cultural heritage is well preserved in Muscat s many museums. The Oman Museum in the Madinat Sultan Qaboos covers the entire sweep of Oman s 6,000 year history with displays on shipbuilding, Islam and fort architecture. Bait Al Zubair Situated in Old Muscat, Bait Al Zubair is a private museum located in a traditional Omani house that opened its carved wooden doors to the public in The museum gracious dancer Nuria Pomares; the renowned soprano Renée Fleming and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Andrea Botchelli and the world s greatest living cello player Yo Yo Ma with the London Philharmonic Orchestra; and New York s Lincoln Centre s 15 piece Jazz Band. Situated in a newly developed urban district, the Royal Opera House is ideally located in Oman s growing capital city, perfect for both business and leisure visitors. A shopping mall, selling international designer labels, recently opened. 5

8 Muscat displays the Zubair family s collection of Omani artefacts giving amazing glimpses of the lifestyle and traditions of ancient and modern Muscat. It is also available for private hire and provides a unique venue for cocktail parties or dinners. The Natural History Museum in Muscat has four main exhibit sections. These are: Oman, a country of varied physical features; Oman through geological ages; diversified wildlife of Oman; and whales and other sea creatures. Bait Al Baranda located in a historic building on Muttrah seafront, this new museum traces the story of Muscat from over 100 million years ago to the present day through innovative, interactive exhibits. Muscat s third Portuguese fort, the Muttrah Fort, is located on a hill and was also built in the sixteenth century. To the east is a restored watchtower that overlooks Muttrah and the 100 step climb to the top is steep but well worth the effort for breathtaking views. The National Museum in Ruwi charts the ruling dynasty and has amazing displays of Omani silverwork. It contains valuable collections of Omani heritage treasures such as silver ornaments, copper crafts and samples of known Omani ships. In addition, it is also home to a holy relic in the form of a letter dating back to the 8th century, sent by Prophet Mohammed to the rulers of Oman, A'bd and Jaifer, sons of Al Julanda, inviting the people of Oman to Islam. There is also a special section displaying the belongings of the Al Busaidi dynasty, rulers of Zanzibar. Muttrah is a suburb of the capital city and is home to the traditional souk. Here, visitors can find everything from spices to houseware, fabrics, toys, antiques, gold and silver. The Sur Al Lawatiya district in Muttrah offers an authentic view of Oman, as it features a labyrinth of tightly packed traditional houses surrounding the Al Jami Mosque, the district is marked by a network of narrow lanes that can only be accessed by one of the main gates through the old city wall. l Nizwa Full day tours to Nizwa, capital of the interior and birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman are possible from Muscat, taking around nine hours, informs Zahara Tours. Located in Nizwa is the famous Round Tower Fort (below left), built in the 17th century, and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction. Jabrin, the finest of Oman s castles build in the last 17th century, displays painted ceilings and intricate woodcarvings. Then onto Al Hoota Caves and a guided tour past the stalactites and stalagmites and underground lake. On returning to Muscat a stroll through the pretty village of Birkat Al Mawz, situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain), with its oasis and dense date plantations (pictured left). Traditional bread making 6

9 Salalah Salalah naturally different Situated at the extreme south of the country is Dhofar, a region dramatically different from the rest of Oman, or for that matter anywhere in the Gulf, mainly because it benefits from the annual Indian Ocean monsoon, locally known as Khareef. With the abundance of water, the landscape features lush greenery, cascades, streams and an ethereal misty ambience. The coast blends with the mountains and the desert in wonderful harmony so that the mountains look like a fertile crescent, rising to a height of 1,500mtr and then descending into a flat plain that embraces sandy beaches stretching for hundreds of kilometers. Dhofar covers a third of the country and has a varied terrain. The high dunes of the Empty Quarter are found here as well as unexplored caves and numerous sinkholes in the steep mountain vales. Situated on the coast is Salalah, Oman s second largest city and busiest cruise port. The Port of Salalah is situated in the southern region of Oman, located 15km south of Salalah city. It is a deepwater port with berths totalling over 2,000mtr that can accommodate large ships up to 16mtr draft. The port offers a sheltered harbour Dhofar attractions Mirbat (below), the ancient capital of Dhofar, was an important town as early as the 9th century for its trade in frankincense, horses and slaves. Mirbat has a spectacular landscape, from its coastline to the impressive peaks of Jebel Samhan, the highest of which stands at 1,450mtr. The Citadel of Mirbat was built in the traditional Omani style of defensive architecture, which is typical of many of the structures built in the area. Mirbat is rich in natural springs, caves and grottos. The old houses are famous for their woodcarvings. One of Dhofar s best known historic sites is Bin Ali s Tomb (left). The twin domed structure; tomb of Mohamed bin Ali who died in 1135 AD is a fine example of medieval architecture. 7

10 Salalah At Al Husn Souq (pictured), frankincense crystals and typical Dhofari frankincense burners are sold. Walk along the city s promenade (waterfront corniche) where single storeyed houses are dwarfed by tall, swaying palms. Al Husn Palace, summer residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos stands at one end of the promenade. protected by a breakwater. Tidal range averages 1.0mtr to 2.0mtr however, during monsoon season (June to August) waves are up to 4.0mtr. Salalah's ideal geographical position not only provides convenient access to the Middle East but is also a suitable channel for the sub continent, Red Sea, Upper Gulf and the East African markets with over 1.6 billion consumers. Even though Salalah is the second biggest city of Oman it still remains with a traditional village character. The frankincense produced here is regarded as the finest in the world. Salalah was historically the centre of the frankincense trade and the souk is packed with merchants selling incense, perfumes and traditional artefacts. A popular half day tour includes a visit to Nabi Ayoub Prophet Job s Tomb (right), perched high up in the Jebels (mountains). Enroute are spectacular views of the plains, mountain landscape and emerald green pastureland. At Mughsail Beach (right) The ruins at Khawr Rawri are reputed to be that of the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Another distinct connection of the region to biblical times is the presence of frankincense trees in Dhofar. For most of the year, the unspoiled beaches of Salalah are ideal for scuba diving, canoeing, sailing, jet skiing and diving. Mughshayl, an immaculate stretch of beach, features a blowhole that displays Half day tour to Job s Tomb and Mughsail Beach there are blow holes (perforations in the limestone rock) through which sea water gushes during high tide. The hairpin bend roads weave for approximately 20km, towards a wadi. dramatic bursts of water and foam sometimes reaching 15mtr in the air. Taqah on the Dhofar coastline was once a prosperous port and has been a significant trading centre of the ancient world. Remains are found at Samhuran, capital of ancient Arabia s frankincense trade, which is thought to date back to 3,000 BC. Inscriptions are still visible on the walls and columns of the citadel. Excavations at the site have produced evidence of an ancient city with trade links by sea to Far Eastern destinations and Greece. It is also purported to be the site of the palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba, which is now in ruins and undergoing restoration. Modern day Taqah has silver white beaches, fresh water springs, caves and grottos. 8

11 Salalah Al Balid archaelogical site A city known as Dhufa grew between the 12th & 16th centuries and the ruins of this magnificent city can be seen at the Al Balid archaeological site in the Haffa district of Salalah. It was once surrounded by water and a massive wall complete with gates and turrents. There is evidence of a grand mosque, palace, houses and tombs that indicate the historical standing of the area. There was a thriving export of frankincense and Arab horses to India and the Far East from Al Balid. Al Balid Museum is open Saturday to Wednesday from 9.00 to and to and closed on any national holidays. For a full day tour experience it is possible to combine some of the places of interest mentioned, with a relaxing lunch at some of the top quality hotels in Salalah, such as the Crowne Plaza, Hilton and Marriot. Salalah Marriot Frankincense tree and camel Some cruise lines offer passengers a chance to stay overnight in the desert and the rejoin the ship at their next Omani port of call. Zahara Tours, which handles around 150 calls in Omani ports each year providing pre and post arrangements, shore excursions and passenger exchanges, for example, offers two options: an overnight at Rub Al Khali, where passengers would embark from the ship and proceed to Rub Al Khali on Day One, arrive back at Salalah for connecting flight to Muscat on Day Two and overnight at a Muscat hotel, tour of city before rejoining the ship on Day Three. An alternative is embark from the ship in the morning, take a connecting flight to Muscat and stay overnight, then on Day Two proceed to Wahiba Sands and desert camp for overnight stay and then return to Muscat on Day Three. l 9

12 ADVERTISING FEATURE Khimji Ramdas Shipping does it all Khimji Ramdas is a 140 year old Omani company with business activities in distribution, manufacturing and services. We are one of the leading corporate houses in the Sultanate of Oman. Khimji Ramdas started its shipping agency business in We are pioneers who were instrumental in attracting cruise ships to Oman by participating in various cruise trade fairs held around the world. Khimji Ramdas Shipping has been successful in drawing port calls from the world s most celebrated passenger ship and are clear market leaders of cruise traffic into the Sultanate. The first breakthrough that we got was through ARKONA which arrived on 4th January, The unification of Germany witnessed the merger of DSR & Senator to form a large shipping company with container as well as cruise operations. ARKONA s Muscat call gave the opportunity to Khimji Ramdas Shipping s division to illustrate our operational excellence in Omani ports. It was not difficult for Khimji Ramdas Shipping to convince AIDA Cruises to also call in Muscat. AIDAblu made its first call to Muscat on 29th Nov, 2004 followed by Seven Seas Voyager and Costa Allegra in 2005 and 2006 respectively. On 2nd January, 2010 the legendary port call of Cunard s flagship RMS Queen Mary 2 gave Muscat a well deserved place on the cruise map. Even though the turning basin is 300 meters, the proactive approach of Port Service Corporation permitted Queen Mary 2 with its overall length of 345 meters to come alongside. Omani ports are one of the most-user friendly ports in the region. Authentic Arab heritage, Arab architecture, hygiene & safety are the main selling points for Oman. Oman s topography has deserts, mountains, wadis which make it an exotic Arab destination. Oman has a rich maritime heritage and Muscat is the only port in the region where authentic Arabian heritage combines with the magnificent natural harbour which makes it an ideal cruise destination. Oman is a Well Kept Secret in the Arabian Peninsula with many attractions to visit. The tourists who get their first glance of Oman during their short cruise stopover often make repeat visits to Oman. Khimji Ramdas Shipping is vessel husbanding agents for AIDA CRUISES, COSTA CROCIERE, CARNIVAL UK, P&O CRUISES, ALL LEISURE GROUP PLC, SILVERSEA CRUISES, PHOENIX REISEN GMBH, PRINCESS CRUISES & V.SHIPS LEISURE. For details please visit To fully cater to growing cruise tourism Khimji Ramdas Shipping decided to upgrade its services: for the safety of the passengers we now have a large fleet of own buses which provide safe, dedicated and timely mode of travel to cruise passengers. We also have our own fenders and security fences. Khimji s has also started a separate Ship Spares and Ship Chandelling Company which offers superior quality of Ship Supplies, Spare parts etc to the cruise vessels calling Omani ports. Khimjis House of Travel is an IATA approved Travel & Tourism solution provider and are at the forefront of bringing a new dimension to tourism and travel in the Sultanate. Leveraging its vast experienced human resources in the industry and drawing on the strength of modern technologies, Khimjis House of Travel strives to give an edge in dimension of tourism. In a two year span, Khimjis House of Travel is regarded as one of the leading DMC/consolidator s in travel related services for both inbound & outbound in Sultanate, and is registered with the Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman. The company has also played a key role in supporting tourism growth initiatives of the Sultanate. The growth of Khimjis House of Travel in the last couple of years has been led by the concerted efforts of all members in the organization and the company s commitment to adhering to professional standards. The acknowledged performance in terms of customer satisfaction and dedicated focus to provide the finest tourism and travel experience has placed Khimjis House of Travel in the top league of inbound /outbound tour operators in Oman. Inbound Division (Exotic Oman) Specialising in Destination Management services for the Sultanate, the inbound division of Khimjis House of Travel has got its own infrastructure by having 4WD, coasters and luxury cars. We have appointed our own representatives in Europe to ensure that we deliver our results within targeted time frame. All our inbound products are showcased/distributed through our dedicated portal or which can be accessed only by our B2B registered partners. The real-time booking engine is also integrated with a payment gateway that accepts all major credit cards.

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14 Musandam Khowr Najd Still deep water inlets and bays rich in marine life The Musandam Peninsula is a rugged and starkly beautiful region with its main attraction being its towering cliffs and deep inlets that form the entry to the Straits of Hormuz one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The name Musandam actually refers to just one island in the extreme north of the peninsula, but the name has now covers the whole area. Musandam s natural beauty is breathtaking with the cliffs of the Hajar Mountains falling steeply into the Arabian Sea from a height of almost 2,000mtr. Musandam is accessible by internal flights operated by Oman Air, by road and fast passenger ferry. The focus of most tourists to the area is the 17km long Khor (inlet) Ash Sham, which can only be reached by boat from Khasab. Half and full day dhow cruises offering dolphin watching, swimming and snorkelling are the most popular excursions. Until the 2011/12 season, cruise ships visiting Khasab have mainly been those of luxury brands such as Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, Hapag Lloyd and Compagnie du Ponant, said Ahmed Jaber, gm of Khasab Travel & Tours, founded 19 years ago and specialising in cruise and land tours. At the beginning of November 2011, MSC Lirica was the first large vessel to visit the port on a regular basis, calling every Thursday until March Costa Favolosa began a weekly stopover in December and will visit every Wednesday through to April Last season Khasab welcomed around 30 cruise ships at its 300mtr long berth with 10.5mtr plus tidal range draft. The arrival of MSC and Costa will see that number rise to over 60 calls in the 2011/12 season. To view the striking scenery in Musandam the best mode of transport is wooden dhows, seating between 100 to 120 passengers on a carpeted deck. Dates, fruit, Omani coffee and soft drinks are often offered during the voyage. The boat trips, normally lasting two to three hours, pass by tiny fishing villages where the stone houses blend into the cliffs. Madifi has around 100 inhabitants, mainly fishermen. There is no land access so many of the villagers take their children to school in Khasab by wooden speed boats, leaving them to stay in the town from Saturday to Wednesday. In the mountain village of Maqlab, the people living in around 10 houses, earn their living by goat herding and fishing. The most famous landmark in the inlet is 12

15 Musandam Telegraph Island (Jazirat al Maqlab). Here the British laid the first telegraph cable in It ran from India to Basra in Iraq and carried the first telegraphic message between Karchi and London in The island was manned for 10 years and the old cable line can still be seen on the sea bed. The shallow waters off this island are very popular for snorkelling. Musandam is also considered a dolphins playground with many sightings in the area. Two species of dolphin, humpback and bottlenose stay in the fjords during the summer months and playfully follow the dhow cruises as they ply up and down the clear, crystal waters. A shuttle bus to Khasab town centre is also an option for independent travellers. Khasab is the principal town in the region with around 18,000 inhabitants. The Khasab Fort is a picturesque stronghold situated on the inner cove of Khasab Bay in Wilayat Khasab Musandam. The fort was built in the 17th century by Portuguese seeking dominion over regional maritime trade. In May 2010, Khasab Fort was awarded a prestigious award for excellence, the Museums & Heritage Awards aim to recognise and celebrate best practice within the world of museums, galleries and heritage visitor attractions. Traditional Musandam boats (battil, zaruqah and mashuwah) and houses are on display in the castle s courtyard, and additional exhibits in the central tower and residential wings showcase the heritage and culture of the region with tableaus featuring traditional medicine, costume and jewellery together with a woman s majlis, a wedding room and a Qur an school (pictured above). The old and new souq are worth visiting to bargain for a souvenir. Popular buys are the Musandam axe known as a jerz, or the clay incense burner with traditional decorations. Nearby are the villages of Qada and Tawi reached by a coastal road. Qada is located in a calm and sheltered bay with backdrop of palm tress at the foot of the mountains. Along the wadi is the next village of Tawi, where there are prehistoric rock carvings depicting camels, ships and warriors, said to be more than 2,000 years old. Other places of interest include the Bukha Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and renovated in The main watchtower is an unusual pear shape, believed to repel canon balls and other projectiles more 13

16 High quality supplements and yearbooks from Seatrade Cruise Review produces supplements, commemorative company publications and yearbooks for a variety of clients in the global cruise market. Whether it is a yearbook, insight into a major cruise destination or a new vessel, we can provide the perfect platform for promotion. Beauty has an address ~ Oman Arabia s authentic cruise destination For full details, contact Ian Vernau on ivernau@seatrade-global.com

17 Musandam Khasab s 300mtr long berth readily than conventional, straight sided towers. The tower s commanding view of both land and sea ensured that no invader could approach unseen and a shallow moat surrounding the fort on three sides served as an added deterrent. Striking as Musandam is, it is even more beautiful and packed with attractions underwater. Very few areas in the world can still claim to provide virgin diving and the Musandam Peninsula is one of them. The amazing diversity of marine life includes exotic reef fish to schooling barracuda, turtles, sunfish, reef sharks and even whale sharks. Diving excursions in the Kumzar area are available for smaller groups of cruise passengers on transit calls if booked in advance. All divers should be qualified to at least PADI Advanced Open Water status. Novices and snorkellers can participate in underwater discovery in the area s many khawrs or bays. Other offerings include a 4x4 Mountain safari to the barren interior of Musandam. From Khasab, the vehicles head towards 2,087mtr high Jebel Harim, or Mountain of Women. Climbing steadily the vehicles wind along the ridge with breathtaking views down into the wadis and foothills. Small settlements balance on the mountain sides where every piece of land is utilised and farmers manage to catch every drop of water that runs off the rocky surfaces to irrigate their crops. At the Sayh Plateau, situated 1,100mtr above sea level, there are large tracts of arable land under cultivation. At Khawr Najid there is a stunning view overlooking the Indian Ocean side of Musandam where the road drops steeply from 480mtr to sea level. On a full day jeep safari from Khasab it is also possible to visit Rawdah village where there is an old Islamic graveyard with engraved headstones depicting horsemen, palm trees and jewellery. At the nearby Rawdah Bowl there is further evidence of early settlements. This area is surrounded by mountains on three sides and here are found stone dwellings and storehouses, livestock pens and the distinctive bait al qufl, house of the lock, unique to Musandam. These are minature storehouses built from stone. The roofs are made from acacia trees covered with a mix of earth and gravel. Inside, the floors are about a metre below ground level and there are raised slabs for storing goods. Entry is difficult as the heavy doors extend to the sunken floor, opening inwards and deeply recessed. The buildings are secured by an elaborate locking system enabling each house to safely store grain, dates and other items during the inhabitants periods of seasonal migration. Lima is a remote village on the east coast of the Musandam Peninsular, accessible only by sea where traditional artisans continue to practice ancient crafts. Hand forged axes and knives can be purchased here, as well as pottery and goatskin drums. The trip from Khasab currently takes three hours by boat but there are plans to build a tunnel and road through the mountains, which will make accessibility to Lima easier and quicker from Khasab. l 15

18 Sultanate of Oman ~ fast facts Location: The Sultanate of Oman is the second largest country in the Arabian Peninsula with the United Arab Emirates dividing a small section in the northernmost tip. The country s entire East Coast is fringed by the Indian Ocean and its land neighbours include Yemen to the south, and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates on its western border. Local Time: GMT +3 hours Currency: The rial (RO) is the Omani currency and is divided into 100 baisas. The rate of conversion is US$1 = RO 0.38 as of November 28, Banks and exchange bureaux are found throughout Muscat. Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Customs: No customs duty is levied on personal effects brought into Oman. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic material. Videos, books and magazines are occasionally checked. Climate: The coolest time to visit Oman is between October and April with temperatures averaging between 25 C and 35 C during the day and between 17 C and 19 C at night. Summer is between April and September when the weather is hotter and humid. Mild weather is experienced in the mountains and in the Dhofar region all year round. Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing in cottons or blends is ideal for most of the year. Sweaters, a light jacket or a shawl may be needed for the cooler evenings. Religion: Islam is the official religion; other religions are also respected. Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted in main hotels, stores and larger shops, but in traditional souks, cash is mostly used and bargaining power is increased with the ready availability of currency. ATM machines are available. Business hours: The weekend starts on Thursday afternoon and Friday although government offices are closed the whole of Thursday and Friday. Most shops and malls open from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm. Banks, embassies and consulates are open from 8am to noon, Saturday to Thursday. Hotels: Oman currently offers over 8,000 rooms including many four, five and six star properties. This is set to increase to 15,000 by Cruise Ports: The ports of Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Salalah and Khasab fall under the direction of the Ministry of Transportation & Communications, PO Box 684, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel: , Port Sultan Qaboos Muscat, Port Services Corporation (S.A.O.G), PO Box 133, Post Code 100, Sultanate of Oman Tel: , Port of Salalah, PO Box 369, Salalah, Post Code 211, Sultanate of Oman Tel: , Airports: Muscat International Airport is located 25km from Muscat city centre and cruise berth and also serves domestic flights. Oman Air flies non stop to Muscat from London, Munich, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich and Moscow. Brand new and spacious Economy Class, Business Class and First Class cabins, together with state of the art in flight entertainment and delicious new menus, are all offered aboard superb Airbus A aircraft, ensure an unrivalled travel experience. In addition, Oman Air serves as the domestic airline, offering 42 flights a week to Salalah, and daily flights to Musandam (Khasab Airport). Many international airlines fly into Muscat including Gulf Air via Bahrain, Etihad Airways and British Airways via Abu Dhabi, Emirates Airlines via Dubai, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Thai Airlines and Swiss Air. German Speaking Countries and Scandinavia Karl Marx Allee 91a Berlin, Germany Tel: Fax: info@omantourism.de UK & Ireland 11 Blades Court 121 Deodar Rd London SW15 2NU, UK Tel: Fax: oman@representationplus.co.uk Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) Office th floor, AlWarsan Building Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE PO Box Dubai, UAE Tel: Fax: Oman PO Box 200, PC 115 Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat Sultanate of Oman French Speaking Countries Embassy of Sultanate of Oman 90, Rue de Courcelles Paris France Tel: +33 (0) Fax : +33 (0) info@omantourisme.com Russia Embassy of The Sultanate of Oman Moscow, Russia Tel: russia@omantourism.ru Australia & New Zealand Level 6, 117 York Street, Sydney Tel: Australia New Zealand Fax: Australia info@tourismoman.com.au

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