The Cruise Report With Cruise Specialists Cruise Reporter Ralph Grizzle

Arriving cruise visitors will notice the three forts the Portuguese built on the rocky shoreline during their 16^th century occupation. Oman’s distinguishing feature, however, are its wadis, which are lush oases of palm trees, colorful flowers and green grasses. Some wadis have year-round running water, with deep, cool pools where you can swim if currents are slow.

Attractions worth the visit include an aquarium displaying native specimens, the history-heavy Oman Museum, the National Museum and the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum. Optionally, it would be easy to spend a full day browsing the fish market and shopping in the souk, where you’ll find woven palm fronds and silver. Silversmithing has a long proud tradition in Oman, with its intricately handcrafted silver products, such as jewelry and coffee pots that could be heirlooms as well as souvenirs.Visitors must make a point of getting a nighttime view of the sultan’s palace, which is lit spectacularly.

Who cruises there? Costa,Crystal, Cunard, Discovery, Fred Olsen, Oceania, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea