MSC Musica to homeport in Abu Dhabi

The ship will be homeporting at the UAE Zayed port for the duration of the season, in-between taking guests on a series of seven-night cruises across the Gulf region.

16 cruises leaving from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi are planned for the season on the 3,200-guest ship, running from 19th December to the end of March 2016.

The seven night cruises will include stops at the bay of Khor al Fakkan, Muscat, and Khasab – the northernmost tip of the Sultanat of Oman.

Groups visiting Khor al Fakkan can explore the town, which is part of the Sharjah emirate. Set around a large bay, the seafront boasts a large fish market and views of a popular diving spot, Sharq Island.

Don’t miss the chance to take a photo of the Fujairah Fort, which is a sixteenth century fort framed by a backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.

Muscat, Oman’s port capital, sits on the Gulf of Oman surrounded by mountains and desert. Visitors can mix exploring upscale shopping malls with two sixteenth century Portuguese forts, Mirani and Jalali, which loom over Muscat Harbor.

Khasab, meanwhile, offers visitors a series of different excursions, including dolphin tours, explorations of the Oman fjords, and road tours through the Hajar Mountains. Khasab Castle is also worth visiting; groups can get an insight into local history, and its many rooms display jewellery, clothes, weapons, kitchen equipment, and wedding decorations.

For further information you should e-mail groups@msccruises.co.uk or visit www.msccruises.co.uk.

Photo credit: Abu Dhabi Ports.