137,000 cruise and yacht tourists visit Oman in 2025

Oman’s maritime tourism sector saw strong growth in 2025, drawing more than 137,000 cruise and yacht visitors, reflecting the sultanate’s growing appeal as a key stop on regional itineraries.

 

Similar figures are expected for 2026, with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reporting that the 2025/2026 cruise season will feature multiple calls by several major international cruise lines at key Omani ports, including Salalah in the country’s far south on the Arabian Sea, Khasab, often dubbed the ‘Norway of Arabia’ for its fjord-like inlets and Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Port.

 

Nicko Cruises’ Vasco da Gama is set to arrive on 24 March, while Celestyal Cruises will make five calls to Khasab during this period. Saudi Arabia’s first-ever cruise line Aroya Cruises, which recently embarked on its maiden voyage of the Arabian Gulf, has also scheduled 16 visits to Muscat and Khasab. 

 

Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos hub has previously been recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful cruise ports, securing ninth place in a global ranking by the UK’s AllClear Travel Insurance in August 2025. 

 

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Building on such recognition, the Ministry is investing in the modernisation of seaports and marinas, introducing new incentive programmes to draw international cruise traffic and enhancing onshore visitor experiences to boost the country’s position in the global and regional cruise market. 

 

Oman also continues to play an active role in the Cruise Arabia Alliance, which expanded in November 2025 to include Cruise Saudi and Qatar Tourism, alongside founding members  Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The network aims to enhance the GCC’s profile as a global cruise hotspot by promoting integrated itineraries and collaborative marketing efforts.

 

Reflecting wider regional momentum, Dubai recorded a near 150% surge in yacht arrivals during H1 2025, attracting 97 international operators, reflecting the rising demand for marine tourism in the region. 

For more information, visit mht.gov.om