Oman's Port Salalah has become a popular cruising destination, as 3500+ tourists arrived on 2 ships over 2 days - April 6th and 9th.
Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reported that on April 6th, the Port welcomed Cunard's MS Queen Victoria, which carried 2613 tourists, including 1623 passengers of different nationalities. Meanwhile, on April 9th, Seabourn's luxury ship Seabourn Encore arrived with 945 tourists, including 514 passengers.
The local sightseeing program for these cruises included tours to major archaeological and historic landmarks in the Governorate of Dhofar, as well as visits to beaches and traditional markets in Salalah. This unique mix of cultural and natural attractions makes Oman an increasingly popular destination for cruise tourists, with over 85,000 visitors arriving in 2022 alone. The sultanate expects this number to rise to 100,000 this year, with Oman's cruise ports set to receive 142 port calls in 2023.
The Port of Salalah, in particular, is well-equipped to handle cruise ships of all sizes, offering world-class facilities and services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for both passengers and crew. With its strategic location on the Arabian Sea, the port is an ideal gateway to Oman's many attractions, from stunning beaches and rugged mountains to ancient fortresses and bustling souks. As Oman continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure, the Port of Salalah is poised to become an even more popular destination for cruise ships in the coming years.