The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) in Oman has signed an agreement with Singapore-based Resorts World Cruises to boost cruise tourism to Oman in the coming winter season, according to a press release. 

The partnership is intended to enhance the cruise sector’s economic returns, while also strengthening ties with the Asian cruise tourism market. 

As part of the deal, Resorts World Cruises will make 46 scheduled visits to Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat and 23 visits to Khasab Port aboard Resorts World One.

Resorts World One will make her first call to Oman on November 4th, 2024 at Khasab Port, followed by a stop at Sultan Qaboos Port on November 5th. 

On each call, around 2,000 passengers are expected to visit the country, with more than 90,000 expected over the entire season, highlighting the growing importance of cruise tourism for Oman’s economy.

Resorts World One will homeport in Dubai during the coming 2024/25 cruise season, offering three weekly departures – a 2-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise, a 3-night Oman (Khasab-Muscat) Cruise, and a 2-night Doha Cruise. 

These itineraries can also be booked as longer cruises, ranging from four to seven nights.

MHT continues to play a key role in the development of the cruise tourism sector, working closely with international operators and the private sector. 

Its aim is to position Oman as an attractive destination for cruise ships of all sizes, making its ports essential stops on global and regional cruise itineraries. 

By improving facilities and offering more services, the sultanate aims to grow the sector as a pillar of its tourism industry, contributing to increased income and economic diversification.

MHT is also working with a leading consultancy on a study to further develop the cruise sector. The study will provide a roadmap for attracting vessels of various sizes, with plans to improve port services to cater to cruise passengers from diverse international markets.

More than 320,000 cruise tourists visited Oman in 2023 aboard several dozen ships that made 202 calls at Sultan Qaboos, Salalah and Khasab ports. 

This year, with 102 visits recorded between January and May alone, the number of tourists arriving by cruise ships is expected to reach more than 380,000.