SALALAH — Excitement is in the air as the port city of Salalah welcomes luxury cruise liner The World on its maiden port call here. This beautiful vessel,  

SALALAH — Excitement is in the air as the port city of Salalah welcomes luxury cruise liner The World on its maiden port call here. This beautiful vessel, arrived yesterday, will be in Salalah till tomorrow. This follows port calls made to Port Sultan Qaboos and Salalah by two other world-famous cruise liners, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Seven Seas, last month.

Ever since Oman had opened up and revealed to the world its tourist potential, visitors have been flocking to this fascinating and unique land.

Visits by such cruise liners will help boost tourist arrivals in the country and there is already a buzz in tourism circles here what with these luxurious and magnificent ships making Oman one of their favourite destinations in their yearly itineraries.

The maximum capacity of The World is 657 passengers and also an international complement of approximately 250 experienced crew members.

The ship's local agent is Towell Barwil Co LLC, one of Oman's leading shipping agents and the shipping arm of the renowned W.J. Towell Group of companies.

According to C.M. Najeeb, general manager of Towell Barwil, the company has had experience in dealing with similar cruise liner calls in the past and in coordination with all the authorities concerned is pulling out all stops to make this visit also an unforgettable and cherished experience for all concerned.

The World is the only private community at sea where a refined atmosphere awaits those who look forward to enjoy a lifestyle of adventure and discriminating luxury.

"This strikingly beautiful ship is elegant and intimate and promises gracious and personal service in a warm and inviting ambience akin to that of a private yacht, seaside villa or exclusive country club," says Najeeb.

The concept of The World was the brainwave of Knut U. Kloster Jr whose family has been a pioneering force and major contributor to the development of the modern cruise industry.

In 1997, Kloster gathered together a team of experienced professionals in shipping, design, hospitality, finance, sales and marketing to plan for his dream. Innovatively designed by the world-renowned duo of Petter Yran and Bjorn Storbraaten, this dream of a ship was built by Fosen Mek. Verksteder A/S, Rissa, Norway and delivered on March 13, 2002.

The gross registered tonnage of The World is 43,000, 644.2ft length overall and 97.8ft beam (width). The draft registered is 22ft and the ship runs at a maximum speed of 18.5 knots.

This cruise ship has a total of 12 decks and some of the most sophisticated and luxurious facilities guaranteed to dazzle even the most jaded of travellers.

Truly a global village at sea, The World offers an exclusive lifestyle to residents.

This includes 106 spacious private apartments, 19 studio apartments and 40 studios, two swimming pools, a jet pool, a jogging track, a paddle tennis court, a full-size tennis court, unique golf facilities, a 7,000sq. ft spa, health and fitness centre and beauty saloon operated by the renowned Swiss specialist, Clinique La Prairie.

Other attractions on board are aerobics, workout areas and in addition, private rooms for training, saunas and treatment.

Guests may also turn to the spa's professionals for guidance on diet and nutrition.

For the gourmand on board, The World's dining opportunities include an exotic array of cuisine ranging from French fusion to Mediterranean and Oriental delights served in swank and state-of-the art restaurants and cafes. Chefs are also available for in-home dining entertainment, private parties and events.

A selection of lounges and bars, including the Marina Bar, Quantum nightclub, the Cigar Club, the pool bar also exist for those who revel in their evening drink.

The 106 private apartments consist of spacious living and dining areas, 2/3 bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, completely equipped kitchen, terrace with an optional jet pool and advanced audio/visual equipment.

Nineteen one/two bedroom studio apartments and 40 studio apartments have been designed to provide occupants with the luxury and comfort of a hotel suite.

The services provided are among the best in the industry and nothing has been overlooked in this regard whether it is daily housekeeping services, laundry/dry cleaning, hair and beauty salon, arranging transportation to and from the ship and tickets to events during port visits, shore excursions via a dedicated tour office, special dinners and more.

For the business traveller, The World is a place to conduct business as though they were in their own offices ashore.

The ship has its own business and conference centre with state-of-the-art telecommunications, office equipment and secretarial services. Each apartment has modem access and fax capability.

"This will be the forerunner of many future voyages and expose more travellers to the unique heritage and history of the Sultanate of Oman," says Najeeb.