‘Aroya’ Cruise Ship Visits Muscat and Khasab Ports: What This Means for Oman’s Maritime and Tourism Business Growth
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) recently celebrated the inaugural visit of the cruise ship Aroya to the Sultanate of Oman. The vessel docked at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat and Khasab Port in Musandam, marking the beginning of its first cruising season in the Arabian Gulf.
This milestone highlights the expanding regional collaboration in the cruise tourism sector and reinforces Oman’s reputation as a premier maritime destination in the region.
The inclusion of Muscat and Khasab in Aroya Cruises’ itinerary offers tourists a unique opportunity to explore the Sultanate’s rich geographical and cultural diversity. Visitors can experience historic landmarks and breathtaking natural landscapes across Muscat and Musandam, enhancing tourism appeal, prolonging stays, and boosting tourist expenditure.
Khaled bin Mohammed Al Azri, Director of the Department of Tourist Patterns at MHT, stated, “Aroya Cruises’ arrival in Muscat and Khasab exemplifies the increasing cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, aligning with ongoing efforts to advance the cruise tourism industry.”
He further remarked, “Aroya Cruises’ emphasis on Arab culture provides an excellent platform to attract tourists eager to discover Oman’s natural beauty and warm hospitality. We anticipate a sustained partnership that proudly showcases our heritage to the world.”
Lars Claassen, CEO of Cruise-Saudi and President of Aroya Cruises, commented, “Our arrival in Oman is a significant milestone for Aroya Cruises, as Oman’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage form the foundation of the authentic Arabian experience we provide our guests.” He stressed that this stop is a key step toward developing an integrated cruise network that strengthens ties among Gulf countries and celebrates their shared heritage.
Claassen added, “Onboard, tourists enjoy the distinctive Aroya experience infused with Arabian character, where the spirit of Arabian hospitality is evident in every detail, delivering an unforgettable maritime journey.”
Aroya’s Arabian Gulf season runs from February 21 to May 8, offering various options ranging from short two-night trips to seven-night cruises. The itinerary includes stops in Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Doha, as well as Muscat and Khasab, providing guests with a comprehensive exploration of the Gulf’s most prominent cities and coastlines.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The inaugural visit of Aroya Cruises to Muscat and Khasab signals Oman’s rising prominence as a key player in Gulf cruise tourism, offering fresh opportunities to boost local tourism revenues and extend tourist stays. For businesses, this means increased demand for hospitality, cultural tours, and local crafts, while investors should consider expanding services and infrastructure to capitalize on growing GCC regional integration in maritime tourism. Smart entrepreneurs would do well to focus on innovative, culturally authentic experiences that highlight Oman’s unique heritage and natural beauty to attract this upscale, culturally curious cruise market.
