The brilliant beauty of Khasab fjords in northern oman.
DOTTED with craggy mountains and rocky islands, Khasab town in northern Oman seems to be in a world of its own.
This coastal exclave is renowned for its turquoise fjords, where dolphins often trail along traditional dhow boats ferrying tourists.
I recently had the pleasure of exploring the scenic landscape and immersing myself in its tranquillity, while enjoying warm Omani hospitality.
The experience was part of the optional excursion offered by Resorts World Cruises (RWC) in its just-introduced cruise packages in the Arabian Gulf.
A zebra up-close on Sir bani yas Island.
Passengers may visit Khasab during the three-night cruise departing Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Oman.
We were also taken to see the Khasab Castle, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and used as a fortress to defend against maritime incursions.
Located in the Musandam Peninsula, the surrounding area was strategically significant due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
There is another excursion when the ship docks 530km away in Oman’s capital Muscat.
Visitors take photos inside Royal Opera House Muscat
This stunning coastal city facing the Arabian Sea hosts landmarks such as the Royal Opera House Muscat and Mutrah Souq which is one of the oldest markets in the Arab world.
The opera was the brainchild of Oman’s 14th Ruler Sultan Qaboos Said Al Said, as a testament to his passion for classical music and arts.
It has hosted acclaimed artistes like Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Russian soprano Anna Netrebko.
At the souq, which is Arabic for market, endless Omani trinkets line the winding alleyways where a strong scent of frankincense wafts about.
The local currency is Omani riyal, but most traders accept dirham and credit cards.
Cruise options include a two-night trip from Dubai to Sir Bani Yas Island.
Sited 170km off Abu Dhabi, the 87sq km island is a nature reserve established in the 1970s, aimed at preserving endangered species and regional biodiversity.
Stunning Oman capital facing the Arabian Sea.
A safari trip winds across the savannah to see zebras, antelopes, ostriches and giraffes roaming freely.
There are also isolated patches of greenery and pockets of mangroves – contrasting sharply against the sandy landscape.
As the Oman and Sir Bani Yas trips are scheduled back-to-back, guests may combine the itineraries to enjoy a longer holiday.
I also enjoyed my time on the 1,800-passenger cruise ship.
My balcony stateroom on Deck 11 featured stunning views of the sea each morning, while there are plenty of entertainment and dining options across the ship’s 13 decks.
Khasab Castle.
A highlight for me was the Zodiac Theatre, where cruise entertainers brought magic shows, comedic skits and acrobatic acts to life each night.
Then there are parties and barbecue dinners which are perfect for unwinding.
I occasionally headed to Deck 13 for a casual stroll and to soak in the scenery.
In terms of food options, the cruise has a wide array of cuisines from various cultures and traditions.
Ingredients are sourced from Dubai to ensure they are Muslim-friendly, while there are also vegetarian options.Visit www.rwcruises.com for more information.
