Sunday, 13th June – OMAN

Sunday, 13th June – OMAN

Shore Excursion Today – Mytical MUSCAT  [Early start – need to meet at 7.30am in Princess Theatre]
In OMAN today and the ship’s position has been notified to NATO because we are in an area notorious for pirate attacks. We will be having Pirate Drill soon. The Captain has access to all NATO Intelligence reports. Today a naval vessel monitored our departure from Oman and this afternoon a fighter jet flew over. In the next hour or so we will be turning towards Dubai and will be close to Iran.


OMAN is very interesting – totally undemocratic – run by Sultan – no crime, everything clean and modern although their history dates back centuries. The Scenery was dramatic with huge stark mountains of rock surrounding the shoreline.

Very modern buildings – great roads, drive on RHS

We visited the Grand Mosque – enormous, built of marble and sandstone – we had to do the full cover up thing to go in but well worth it. Guide said they don’t put a monetary value on it – whatever it requires is done – but someone else said it has cost them $6 billion so far. The inside has magnificent stained glass, fantastic mosaics, handwoven carpet that we weren’t allowed to walk on, gold everywhere, gigantic chandeliers that guys climb into and walk around when a light bulb needs changing.   Reflecting now that we are home - this Mosque was truly amazing - I still can't get over the opulence of it all.

Temperatures were 43 deg plus. Shopped in Muttrah Souq – bargained for everything and had lots of fun.

Also went to Private Museum where Oman’s history is chronicled. Interesting - most of the exhibits were open, not enclosed in glass. Very interesting artifacts.

Also saw Sultan’s Palace (one of his five).  The Palace is sandwiched between two forts.  This Palace looked even more amazing as we sailed out of Oman and we could see its full extent.  One of the Sultan's yachts (more like a liner) was parked next to us in the Harbour.
Only short stop here because we are heading to Dubai tomorrow. Due to depart at 1pm today – although it probably ended up nearer to 2pm.    Near midnight tonight we make a turn and will pass close to IRAN.

Hose nozzles have been installed dockside in preparation for Pirate Attack.  Apparently there is something near the front of the ship that is capable of making a sonic boom.