Day 43 - Halfway Through the Grand Voyage, A Magical Sail-In & A Day of Omani Adventures

 Today marks a big milestone — we are officially halfway through the Grand Voyage.

It feels as if the days have flown by, each one carrying us closer to new corners of the world, new experiences, and new stories. What a journey it has already been.

To celebrate reaching this halfway point, we sailed into Muscat, Oman early this morning — and what a spectacular arrival it was. The mountains surrounding the port glowed golden in the early light, rugged and majestic, and the water was smooth as silk. A truly unforgettable sail-in.

We docked beside a huge TUI cruise ship — thousands of passengers onboard — making our lovely Navigator feel even more intimate and special by comparison.

Morning Routines & Joe’s Change of Plans

I headed to the gym, which was perfectly peaceful with just a couple of others inside. Afterward, I picked up our veggie juices, then went back to wake Joe.

Joe decided not to join my planned tour on the Omani Dhow boat. Instead, he opted for a solo adventure: taking a taxi to the Al Bustan Palace Hotel — somewhere he insists is where we stayed around 25 years ago.

He was happy as could be, telling me:

  • The pool was huge — still the biggest he’s ever seen

  • The water was warm and perfect

  • The beach was rocky,  not to his liking or his memory from years gone by

  • He had a lovely lunch,

  • And — according to him — just “1 or 2 beers”,
    though later in the evening he asked me to check the receipt…
    which showed 4 beers.
    (Selective memory or artistic licence? We’ll never know!)

To top it off, he proudly reported that an older American lady chatted him up, telling me with great satisfaction that he “still has the charm.”
Clearly Muscat has been good for his ego.



Unexpected Excitement Onboard

While waiting for my tour, I had the perfect balcony view of an unexpected event:
A full Mass Casualty Evacuation Drill organised by the Omani Port Authority, using our ship as the training ground.

There were:

  • Fire engines

  • Ambulances

  • Military personnel

  • Port staff

  • Coordinated emergency teams everywhere

It was impressive to watch — efficient, well-organised, and fascinating. An unexpected highlight of the morning!

My Beautiful Dhow Cruise

My tour began with a scenic bus ride around Muscat, taking in landmarks and hearing fascinating history about the city.



Then we boarded the stunning Omani dhows, traditional wooden boats that look like something from a storybook. Sailing out along the coastline was pure magic. We saw:

  • The dramatic cliffs and coves of Muscat

  • The sparkling turquoise water

  • The royal super yachts belonging to the Sultan of Oman

  • And another belonging to the Prince of Qatar



Being on the water again reminded me how deeply I love the movement of the sea. It is truly my happy place. The gentle sway, the salt air, the horizon stretching endlessly — I felt completely at peace.

Soon it was time to head back to the ship, where Joe and I reunited and shared our adventures from the day.

Dinner & Early Night Ahead

Dinner tonight was in Prime 7, Joe’s absolute favourite, and he was in his element.

Afterwards, we headed back to our suite — I needed to finish the blog, and we also need to attempt an early night…

Because tomorrow, immigration wants everyone up and ready by 7am.

As I wrote that sentence, I could practically hear Joe mutter:
“7am? Not in my schedule.”

Tomorrow should be interesting.

Daily Reflection:

Halfway through this incredible journey, and my heart is full.
The world feels vast, the sea feels like home,
and every day reminds me how blessed we are to experience this adventure together.

Highlight of the Day:
✨ The breathtaking sail-in to Muscat — and the nostalgia of Joe revisiting Al Bustan Palace after 25 years.

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