The history of the Sultanate of Oman goes back to the dawn of civilization.
Entwined with ancient ruins, fortresses, palaces, beaches, wadis, deserts, caves, fjords, and fringed with the waters of the Sea of Makran, Oman is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. A kaleidoscope of heritage, culture and scenic beauty.
Although it has opened more and more to tourism in the past years, Oman remains off the beaten track, pristine and safe, a hidden gem to be discovered by the few in the know.
Cruise dates: Departing January 7, February 18 & 25, March 11 2023
| January 7 |
February 18, 25 |
March 11 |
IMPORTANT: Please note itineraries are subject to change dependent on weather conditions, difficulties at docking or unforeseen circumstances. This decision will be solely made by the captain based on the safety of the passengers, the crew and the ship.
| CABIN CATEGORIES |
RATES PER PERSON 7 NIGHTS IN DBL/TWIN |
Relaxing & Fun:
Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, lounging, discovery walks, board games
Wellness & Fitness:
Yoga, pilates, spa treatments, gym, diving (third-party provider)
Cultural:
Exposure to local arts & customs, palaces & forts, Nizwa goat market experience, museums, UNESCO world heritage village, Nature Reserve
Educational:
Photography walk, cooking class
Nature:
Musandam and its spectacular fjords known as the “Norway of the Arabian Sea”, a rich underwater fauna, dolphin sightings, desert oasis, wadis (canyons)
Embarkation after 15:00hrs at Muscat port. Welcome onboard the Elysium! Enjoy our signature cocktail during a smooth check-in and meet your fellow passengers prior to the customary safety drill. Dinner onboard. Overnight at sea to Sohar.
Early morning arrival at Sohar, the ancient capital of Oman and birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. Optional half day tours to the Sohar and Liwa palaces, the spectacular natural rock pool at Wadi Al Qahfi or choose a full day tour to the oasis town of Al Buraimi and the Al Ain Oasis, the UAE’s first UNESCO world heritage site. Rejoin the vessel at Shinas port town. Overnight at sea to Musandam Peninsula, Oman’s Northern Territory.
Arrival at the unique isolated village of Kumzar, only accessible by boat, for a swim stop and Fish BBQ. In the early afternoon, we sail through the impressive fjords to reach Khasab by afternoon time. Join a short excursion to Khasab fort, located in the heart of town. Dinner on board and overnight at port.
Enjoy a full day in Khasab with optional excursions. Choose among a 4-wheel drive mountain tour with a more extensive visit to the ancient Khasab Fort/museum or a full day excursion sailing on a traditional Omani Dhow into a Musandam Peninsula fjord. We will most certainly have the company of dolphins before reaching the impressively barren Telegraph and Seebi islands for a swim-stop, fishing and some of the best snorkeling. Refreshments and lunch onboard. Return to Khasab late afternoon to enjoy a traditional Omani evening. Overnight at port.
Early morning sailing from Khasab along the West Coast of Musandam, passing by Kumzar and then along the East Coast fjords of Musandam. Swim stop on the way before lunch onboard. Short lecture about Omani history and next day’s places and activities. Overnight at sea to Al Suwaiq.
Morning arrival in Al Suwaiq, which means Market. Take a full day optional tour inland, including Rustaq the ancient capital of Oman and the towns of Al Am, Al Awabi and Nakhal to see forts, palaces, impressive rock formations with ancient writings, wadis and more. The ship will sail to Sawadi Sands, where you will rejoin in the afternoon, for a late afternoon swim and optional diving at the peaceful Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, known as the Maldives of the Middle East. After dinner, we leave Sawadi Sands for Muscat. Late night arrival in Muscat. Overnight at port.
Spend the day exploring the interesting region. Discover the beauty of Muscat with an optional half day tour or choose a full-day excursion to Nizwa, to attend the Friday Goat Market, a once in a lifetime experience. The tour will also take you to Jabreen castle, an ancient center for learning astrology and medicine, the Tanuf ancient ruins, Bahla home to the oldest fortress in Oman and around the main attraction of Muscat. Farewell dinner onboard. Overnight at port.
Disembarkation at Muscat Port between 09.00-10:00hrs, after breakfast.