{"id":9363,"date":"2026-02-25T05:56:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T01:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/tourism\/aroya-cruise-calls-muscat-khasab\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T11:30:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T07:30:25","slug":"aroya-cruise-calls-muscat-khasab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/tourism\/aroya-cruise-calls-muscat-khasab\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Aroya&#8217; Cruise Ship Visits Muscat and Khasab Ports: What This Means for Oman&#8217;s Maritime and Tourism Business Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitv3sogw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitv3soga{display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,system-ui,sans-serif;position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#111118 0%,#080808 100%);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border-radius:14px;gap:20px;padding:20px 40px;transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hitv3soga:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitv3sogg1{position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>This milestone highlights the expanding regional collaboration in the cruise tourism sector and reinforces Oman\u2019s reputation as a premier maritime destination in the region.<\/p>\n<p>The inclusion of Muscat and Khasab in Aroya Cruises&#8217; itinerary offers tourists a unique opportunity to explore the Sultanate\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Khaled bin Mohammed Al Azri, Director of the Department of Tourist Patterns at MHT, stated, \u201cAroya Cruises\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He further remarked, \u201cAroya Cruises\u2019 emphasis on Arab culture provides an excellent platform to attract tourists eager to discover Oman\u2019s natural beauty and warm hospitality. We anticipate a sustained partnership that proudly showcases our heritage to the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lars Claassen, CEO of Cruise-Saudi and President of Aroya Cruises, commented, \u201cOur arrival in Oman is a significant milestone for Aroya Cruises, as Oman\u2019s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage form the foundation of the authentic Arabian experience we provide our guests.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p>Claassen added, \u201cOnboard, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Aroya\u2019s 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\u2019s most prominent cities and coastlines.<\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitl8gakw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/p>\n<p>The inaugural visit of Aroya Cruises to Muscat and Khasab signals <strong>Oman&#8217;s rising prominence as a key player in Gulf cruise tourism<\/strong>, offering fresh opportunities to boost local tourism revenues and extend tourist stays. For businesses, this means <strong>increased demand for hospitality, cultural tours, and local crafts<\/strong>, 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 <strong>innovative, culturally authentic experiences<\/strong> that highlight Oman&#8217;s unique heritage and natural beauty to attract this upscale, culturally curious cruise market.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism celebrated the cruise ship Aroya\u2019s first visit to Oman, docking at Port Sultan Qaboos and Khasab Port. This marks growing regional cooperation in cruise tourism, enhancing Oman\u2019s status as a key maritime destination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9364,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[481],"tags":[2762,2753,1356],"class_list":["post-9363","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tourism","tag-arabian-gulf","tag-cruise-tourism","tag-oman-travel"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3305976.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9363"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9365,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9363\/revisions\/9365"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9363"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}