Muscat to Jeddah Expedition Cruise
20 Apr – 3 May 2023
14 Days / 13 Nights
This Middle Eastern journey is packed with unique cultural encounters and fascinating individuals. You'll set sail from Muscat for Zighy Bay, Khasab, and Masirah Island, three of Oman's lesser-visited ports. Soon after, the tiny African country of Djibouti will appear, and with it, the chance to sail the Khawr Rawri in a Dhow boat. The Farasan Islands' plankton-rich waters are only one of three Saudi Arabian ports unlike any you've seen before.
Itinerary in a Nutshell
9
Ports
3
Countries
Silver Cloud
Expedition Cruise
Routes
Oman: Muscat - Zighy Bay - Khasab - Masirah Island - Khawr Rawri
Djibouti: Djibouti
Saudi Arabia: Jazan - Frasan Island - Jeddah
Day 01 | Muscat
Muscat has kept its old-world Arabian appeal. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is Muscat's main mosque and a famous landmark. There are more than 20,000 people inside the mosque, which has a 90-meter-tall minaret that is a sight to behold. At night, lights shine on the outside, and the dome glows like a mirage floating above the city's rooftops.
Day 02 | Zighy Bay
Zighy Bay is just north of the border town of Dibba al-Bayda, and it's the perfect place to start exploring the dramatic Musandam Peninsula. Be amazed by the khors, which are fjord-like inlets surrounded by steep, rocky mountains that are 2000 meters (6500 feet) high.
Day 03 | Khasab
It's called the Norway of Arabia because of the beautiful fjords that cut and shape the Musandam Peninsular, but Khasab's hot sun and desert landscape are constant reminders that you're a long way from Europe. This small city on the northern coast of Oman is cut off from the rest of the country by a piece of the United Arab Emirates' territory.
Day 04 | Day at Sea
The time spent at sea is ideal for unwinding and relaxing. These blue sea days are the perfect counterpoint to active days spent exploring the ships
Day 05 | Masirah Island
Masirah Island charms visitors with its secluded desert island atmosphere, palm oasis, and sandy beaches. The island has just been accessible to visitors within the past decade, thus it retains much of its natural beauty despite the influx of visitors.
Day 06 | Khawr Rawri
Also known as Khor Rori, is a stunning, off-the-beaten-path destination. You will be transported back in time as you explore one of the Sultanate's most sacred sites, the pleasant aroma of the incense entrancing you. Founded in the 4th century BC, this city can be found around 25 miles away from Salalah.
Day 07-08 | Day at Sea
The time spent at sea is ideal for unwinding and relaxing. These blue sea days are the perfect counterpoint to active days spent exploring the ships
Day 09 | Djibouti
Djibouti isn't well-known as a tourist destination, but it used to be an important trading route between Africa and Arabia. When the Suez Canal opened, it became a strategic location as well. Because of this, the country has become a true melting pot of different people and cultures.
Day 10 | Day at Sea
The time spent at sea is ideal for unwinding and relaxing. These blue sea days are the perfect counterpoint to active days spent exploring the ships
Day 11 | Jazan
Jazan is known as the "pearl of the south" of Saudi Arabia and is a good place to start exploring the country's many different landscapes. Once known for fishing for pearls, the city's main industries are now aluminum smelting and oil refining.
Day 12 | Frasan Islands
Dive into a different world full of lively wildlife. This protected marine sanctuary of 84 coral islands is a must-see for anyone interested in wildlife. It is only 40 kilometers from the coast of the city of Jazan. On May, the island's best-tasting resident, the longnose parrotfish, is honored with music and dance at the Harid Festival.
Day 13-14 | Jeddah
The main gateway to Mecca, Jeddah has strong spiritual traditions. Eve, the mother of mankind, is claimed to be buried in the city center (though skeptics maintain there is no actual proof), and archeological digs in the old city reveal pre-Islam (700 BC) activity.
