(Oman Flag)


(Oman Map)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015:

Wednesday morning we docked in Oman for an overnight stay.



Click on the images below for the original full-size image.

 Wednesday morning we sailed into the harbor of Muscat, Oman.


After docking in the harbor I took a tour of the city.
Our first stop was at the Grand Mosque.


This glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to
the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of reign.


After leaving the Grand Mosque it was back to the waterfront.


We made a stop at the Muttrah Souk.


Also along the waterfront is the Mosque of the Great Prophet.


Docked in the harbor is the yacht of Qaboos bin Said al Said.


Our last stop was at Al Alam Palace.


After our half-day tour we returned to our ship docked in the harbor.



MY DAILY EMAIL SENT ON DECEMBER 23, 2015
Hello,

This morning was docked in Muscat, the capital of Oman. It was another beautiful day. Below is a picture of us sailing into the harbor.



I took a tour of the city shortly after our arrival here this morning. This is really a beautiful modern city. All the buildings here are white, the streets are lined with flowers and every place is very clean. Pictured below is one of the government buildings we saw from the bus.



The most striking place in the city is the huge Grand Mosque. Unfortunately we were rushed through so quickly we got to see very little of it. Pictured below is one of the five minarets.



And below is the mosque itself. I had to snap the picture while walking because we literally didn't even pause once the entire time we were there.



The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the main Mosque in the Sultanate of Oman. The main musalla's (prayer hall) central dome rises to a height of 165 feet above the floor and can hold over 6,500 worshippers.



A major feature of the design of the interior is the prayer carpet which covers the floor of the prayer hall. It is the world's second largest hand-woven carpet and contains 1,700,000,000 knots and weighs 21 tons.



After the mosque it was back to the waterfront.



We were dropped at the Muttrah Souk. This is where I purchased a bottle of water.



Our last stop was at the spectacular Al Alam Palace. Again we were rushed in and out with hardly enough time to frame a picture.



We returned to the ship along the beautiful coastal road.



Our guide told us what the picture below was, but I don't remember what he said.



We are spending the night here in Muscat, we are not leaving. We will be in port all day tomorrow and then leave in the evening. We will then spend all day Christmas as sea.



This ship Internet is really awful. It takes forever to do anything. Reminds me of my 300 baud modem back in the 80's. I will write more later if I can stand the aggravation of this connection.

Tim
Click on email photos for the large full-size photograph.
(Note: Screen grabs can not be enlarged.)

THURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015:

We spent a second day in Muscat on Christmas Eve.
My shore excursion for the day was cancelled so I spent a relaxing day on the ship.
We sailed away just after sunset.
Watch the video below for all my activities during my two days in Muscat.

32 minute video of my visit to Muscat, Oman.


MY DAILY EMAIL SENT ON DECEMBER 24, 2015
Ho Ho Ho,

It was sunny and 81 degrees in Muscat on this Christmas Eve. My tour for the day was canceled leaving me nothing to do but hang around the ship all day. I was supposed to have taken a boat cruise, but they said the waters were too choppy. They looked fine to me. We pulled in the gangway just after sunset and sailed away from Oman.



Tomorrow is a sea day as we'll spend Christmas day cruising in the Persian Gulf. This evening on the ship we gathered in the Centrum and sang Christmas carols.



At the end of the evening snow began to fall and Santa descended through the atrium.



It is now Christmas day here as it is just past midnight. I put a Christmas dvd into the dvd player. Now if only the Christmas tree had fit into my suitcase it would be just like home. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Tim
Click on email photos for the large full-size photograph.
(Note: Screen grabs can not be enlarged.)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015:

I spent Christmas Day at sea.


38 minute video of my Christmas Eve & Christmas Day at sea.


Click on the arrow above for my adventures in ABU DHABI, UAE.

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