Oman Set For Cruise Boost

Now that it has dedicated its Sultan Qaboos port in Muscat exclusively to cruise ships only, Oman is expected to become one of the most popular ports in the Middle East.

 

In 2013, Muscat, the port of Oman, had 13 cruise ships calls with 13,000 passengers; this year, it is expected to get a whopping 120-plus calls, with up to 250,000 passengers - a massive 1900 per cent increase.

 

Martin Tanner, marketing manager at Jetline Cruise, explained: “The biggest draw to the area has always been the allure of Dubai, with Oman being a bonus secondary port of call to visit. Now that the port in Muscat has been designated exclusively for cruise ships and, with the 2022 World Cup being held in Qatar, interest in the area is set to boom.

 

“Currently there are only a small number of cruise ships which visit Oman. However, now is the time to visit the country to experience the heritage and culture where unspoilt beaches and romantic sunset camel safaris in the desert makes a unique and memorable winter holiday.”

 

Jetline are currently featuring Oman, with a tempting fly-cruise from London to Dubai on March 20, including a stay for two nights room only in a 5-star hotel before embarking MSC Cruises' Lirica for a six-night Middle Eastern cruise to Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Fakkan and Muscat. This package costs from £999 per person based on two adults sharing accommodation and includes return flights, accommodation and full board cruise.

 

More info: visit www.jetlinecruise.com or call 0800 082 2186.

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Live Like A Sultan With MSC In UAE

Those looking for a luxurious sunshine break need look no further than  a Dubai cruise with MSC Cruises from just £699 per person, including return flights with Emirates from Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle or Manchester.

From November 23 until March 29, MSC Lirica is offering 18 8-day/7-night cruises from Dubai, calling in Abu Dhabi and Khor al Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates and Muscat and Khasab in Oman, with an exciting overnight stay in Dubai. For shopaholics, this incredibly rich itinerary is nothing less than the voyage of a lifetime

The region’s legendary shopping is every bit as eclectic, and whether bartering for traditional goods at a bustling souk or spending money in style in colossal malls, this glittering giant of the desert has truly perfected the art of shopping.

 

Glitz, glamour and retail therapy in Dubai

 

For instant immersion in the glitz, glamour and luxury goods of modern Dubai, Retail Therapy, Dubai Style is the perfect excursion. On this unique tour dedicated entirely to shopping, travellers will start with a leisurely amble through Souq Madinat Jumeirah, before visiting two of the world’s largest shopping centres, the Mall of the Emirates, strategically located in the heart of 'New Dubai', and the Dubai Mall, complete with Olympic-sized ice rink, huge aquarium and underwater zoo and the beautiful Dubai Fountain display.

 

Other excursions combine fascinating sight-seeing with serious shopping, including Sunset Dhow Cruise And Shopping and Dubai At Night From The Burj Al Khalifa, which starts with a fascinating 360-degree view of Dubai from the 124^th floor of the world’s tallest building and ends with a trip to the Dubai Mall, while the Discover Dubai & Lunch At The Burj Al Arab is a tour of old and new Dubai, includes stops at the aromatic spice market and the huge gold souk.

 

Bustling souks in mystical Muscat

 

Several MSC excursions in Muscat include visits to the magnificent Muttrah Souk, one of the country’s most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike. This mystical labyrinth of narrow, fragrant alleyways is bursting with shops offering a wide range of goods including typical Omani souvenirs and jewellery.

 

With return flights with Emirates, MSC guests will also enjoy the facilities of one of the world’s leading international airlines. The airline offers all the mod-cons, from spacious seating to a generous 30kg baggage allowance. Cruise prices start from just £699 per person for departures on December 14 and January 11, and from £799 for departures on January 4, 18 and 25.

More info:  visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844 561 1955.

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Try Some Arabian Nights With MSC

Having recently announced their return to the United Arab Emirates for the 2013/14 winter season, MSC Cruises are now offering a series of seven-night cruises from only £819 per person - plus up to £150 free onboard credit per cabin.

From November 23 until March 29, MSC will offer these 'Arabian Nights' voyages from Dubai on board MSC Lirica, calling in Abu Dhabi and Khor al Fakkan (UAE), and Muscat and Khasab (Oman), with an overnight stay in Dubai allowing guests to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of this glittering oasis of the desert.

On board, guests will appreciate Lirica's elegant surroundings, with traditional wood and brass features, while there is plenty to keep both young and old entertained, from a game of mini-golf to simply relaxing by the pool admiring the rugged Arabian coastline. Guests will also be able to indulge at the the superbly-equipped wellness centre, which offers a variety of tempting treatments.

With exciting ports of call, as well as a variety of new excursions, there is plenty to explore and discover ashore. Guests will be able to pick and choose from a range of activities, from an exhilarating experience of the Khor al Fakkan desert dunes in a 4x4 to a mystical tour of Muscat. For a spot of fun, experience the Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi, go backstage at the Yas Marina f1 circuit or take in an aerial view of Dubai by hydroplane.

The seven-night cruise, departing November 23 and 30 and December 7, including return flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow starts from just £819 per person. The free onboard credit applies to outside or suite cabins on a double occupancy basis.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's premier cruise-agent specialists.

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