
All Star Scuba Scene dive boat review
A look aboard All Star Scuba Scene






All Star Scuba Scene: room to settle into an Egyptian diving week
All Star Scuba Scene brings a pool, a top-deck hot tub and generous indoor lounges to Egypt’s Red Sea. The current boat measures 48.5 metres by 10.5 metres and accommodates up to 28 guests in 14 cabins. Its appeal is the combination of comfortable time aboard and a broad choice of diving programmes, from northern wrecks to the offshore reefs of the south.
This is the purpose-built vessel launched in April 2023. It is not the earlier Scuba Scene that was lost following a fire in April 2022. Older descriptions of a 43-metre boat with 13 cabins do not describe the ship pictured here.
A cabin choice that matters for couples and solo travellers
All guest rooms are on the main deck or above, with private bathrooms and adjustable air conditioning. The larger rooms have broad sea-view windows and a seating area. Cabins 7 and 8 are smaller, but can be a useful choice if having a room to yourself matters more than extra floor space.
| Cabin numbers | Deck | Bed arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Main / B | Twin beds |
| 3–6 | Main / B | Convertible king or twins |
| 7–8 | Main / B | Smaller rooms with a twin and a full bed; sole or double occupancy |
| 9–12 | Upper / C | Convertible king or twins |
| 13–14 | Upper / C | Twin beds |
The operator lists an 80% supplement for sole occupancy of a standard room and 50% for the two smaller rooms. A “single cabin” here describes an occupancy option, not a room containing only one bed. The quote should name the cabin and configuration, especially when two friends need separate beds.
Life between dives
The boat gives guests several places to spend the surface interval: a shaded pool bar, a TV lounge, an air-conditioned saloon and open deck seating. The pool and hot tub add a different way to unwind, while the photographs show the light wood finishes and blue upholstery more clearly than a general luxury label. Wi-Fi is available in port; offshore connectivity is not something to build a working holiday around.
Meals with an Egyptian flavour
The lower-deck restaurant serves international dishes alongside Egyptian staples. Sample menus include fava beans and falafel at breakfast, fish with rice and vegetables at lunch, and dinners with salads, a main course and dessert. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free arrangements are possible with advance notice; specific allergies need a clear agreement with the kitchen before departure.
A practical dive deck
The stern platform has freshwater rinsing facilities and outdoor showers. Equipment storage, a camera work table and laundry facilities help keep the repeated cycle of diving and drying organised. Tenders take divers to many sites, while some dives start from the boat when conditions and moorings allow.
Experience, equipment and the diving rhythm
The operator calls for Advanced Open Water or an accepted equivalent; its joining information also recognises Deep Diver certification. Marine-park trips require at least 30 logged dives. For the more demanding central and southern routes, the operator suggests at least 50, with 100 preferred. These are different thresholds: meeting the minimum does not make every offshore dive suitable.
A surface marker buoy and reel are required, and dive accident insurance is part of the operator’s joining conditions. A refresher is requested if your last logged dive was over a year ago. Nitrox, larger cylinders, rental equipment and technical support need advance arrangement. Rebreather and sidemount capability does not mean that specialist equipment or gases are automatically included.
Most weeks offer several dives a day, with night dives where permitted and practical. A BDE week has fewer night opportunities than a northern wreck circuit. Drift entries, blue-water waiting and tender pickups depend on the particular site and conditions; they are not a fixed procedure for every dive. Certification and personal limits continue to govern depth and any overhead environment.
The operator describes a steel hull, interconnected fire alarms, engine-room suppression, emergency oxygen, an EPIRB and an ENOS diver-location system. These are published equipment details, not an independent safety rating. The onboard briefing is the time to locate the exits and understand the crew’s emergency procedures.
See the current Scuba Scene aboard and underwater
Watch Scuba Scene on the operator’s website
Video: All Star Liveaboards. The film is in the “Experience All Star Scuba Scene” section of the operator’s page.
Nine documented programme families
The first eight choices below are one-week sample programmes; Ultimate lasts fourteen nights. They concern the Egyptian Red Sea. Selecting the boat alone does not select the diving: North, North & Tiran and North & Brothers are distinct trips, with different distances and compromises.
The BDE line follows the published dive sequence, with repeated stops grouped in the popups. Other layers show selected verified locations, not a complete sailing track. Small Gubal, Rocky and Zabargad are area references rather than precise entry points; the Marriott marker identifies the joining area, not a berth. Conditions, permits and the crew’s plan can change any sample programme.
Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone
Hurghada round trip. Offshore walls and time around Daedalus. Longer open-water crossings and fewer night-dive opportunities are part of the trade-off.
- Gota Abu Ramada (three dives, including night).
- Small Brother (two), Big Brother.
- Daedalus (three).
- Daedalus (three).
- Elphinstone, Marsa Shouna, Mangrove Bay.
- Small Giftun (two).
North
Hurghada round trip. A varied reef-and-wreck week, with Ras Mohammed as well as the northern wrecks. It does not include Tiran.
- Poseidon, Chrisoula K, Abu Nuhas (night).
- Giannis D, Carnatic, The Alternatives (day and night).
- Shark & Yolanda (two), Thistlegorm (day and night).
- Thistlegorm, Shag Rock, Small Gubal: Barge and night dive.
- Bluff Point, Malak, Siyul Kebir, Shaab El Erg (night).
- Shaab El Erg, Umm Gamar.
North & Tiran
Hurghada round trip. Adds the Tiran reefs to the northern circuit. More distance across the northern sea means weather can reshape the planned mix.
- Poseidon, Dunraven, The Alternatives (night).
- Shark & Yolanda, Jackson, Gordon (day and night).
- Thomas, Shark & Yolanda, Thistlegorm (day and night).
- Thistlegorm, Small Gubal: Barge and another dive.
- Bluff Point, Malak, Siyul Kebir, Shaab El Erg (night).
- Shaab El Erg (two).
North & Brothers
Hurghada round trip. Combines wrecks with the Brothers’ offshore setting. This is a compromise between two regions, rather than the extended Daedalus stay of BDE.
- Shaab El Erg, Chrisoula K, Abu Nuhas (night).
- Giannis D, Kingston, Thistlegorm (day and night).
- Thistlegorm, Small Crack, The Alternatives (day and night).
- Shark & Yolanda (two), Dunraven.
- Small Brother (two), Big Brother.
- Small Giftun (two).
Wrecks of the North
Hurghada round trip. A wreck-focused circuit that also reaches the Safaga area. Salem Express is a place of loss; any visit should follow the guide’s respectful site protocol.
- Shaab El Erg, Chrisoula K, Abu Nuhas (night).
- Giannis D, Carnatic, Barge (day and night).
- Ulysses, Kingston, Thistlegorm (day and night).
- Thistlegorm, Dunraven, Beacon Rock (day and night).
- Salem Express, Panorama, Tobia Arbaa (day and night).
- Fishing Trawler, El Minya.
Daedalus, Rocky & Zabargad
Southern programme; confirm the dated ports. Island walls and two days around Daedalus, with a longer southern reach. Rocky Island can be exposed even when the boat provides a comfortable base.
- Abu Dabbab III, Shaab Marsa Alam.
- Rocky east and south, Zabargad south (day and night).
- Zabargad south, Paradise Reef, Sataya (day and night).
- Daedalus northwest (two), southeast.
- Daedalus northwest (two), southeast.
- Elphinstone, Marsa Shouna.
Daedalus & St John’s
Southern programme; confirm the dated ports. Pairs offshore reef diving with the varied southern reef formations. A cave name does not make an overhead dive appropriate for every guest.
- Abu Dabbab II–III, Shaab Marsa Alam.
- Habili Ali, Umm Aruk, Dangerous Reef (day and night).
- Small Gota, Cave Reef, Sataya south (day and night).
- Daedalus northwest (two), west.
- Daedalus southeast, two further Daedalus dives.
- Elphinstone, Marsa Shouna.
Daedalus, Fury Shoal & Elphinstone
Southern programme; confirm the dated ports. A mix of Daedalus walls and the Fury Shoal reef maze. There are more sheltered reef options than on a purely offshore week, but not a promise of easy conditions.
- Abu Dabbab III, II–III, III (night).
- Daedalus northwest (two), west.
- Daedalus southeast, northeast, south.
- Shaab Maksur north, El Malahi, Claudia (day and night).
- Small Abu Galawa, Shaab Hamam, Shilineat (day and night).
- Elphinstone, Marsa Shouna.
Ultimate Red Sea · 14 nights
Port Ghalib to Hurghada. A two-week journey through southern and northern Egypt, requiring different arrival and departure arrangements. The named areas are established; the full day-by-day order is not.
The published route moves from the southern reefs through Elphinstone and the Brothers to northern wrecks, Ras Mohammed and Tiran. It ran 13–27 July 2026; the next listed edition is 5–19 July 2027. The extra week allows a much wider geographical range, with more travel time and a larger overall holiday budget.
Shark Weeks and other special departures
Selected sailings feature Dr Elke Bojanowski’s shark presentations and research perspective. They add a specialist focus to the trip; they do not guarantee encounters. Late spring and early summer programmes often look for hammerheads, while autumn trips focus more on oceanic whitetips. The dated itinerary still determines the actual route.
“Deep South” is also used as a broad description covering several of the southern combinations above. The operator advertises separate group kitesurfing weeks, but those are custom arrangements rather than an extra activity included with every diving departure.
Dive-site reference map
The northern routes favour wreck variety and Sinai reefs. The offshore islands add walls and open-water exposure, while St John’s and Fury Shoal introduce different reef formations. Exact positions for Poseidon, Paradise Reef, Fishing Trawler and the programme’s Shilineat stop are not established here, so no invented markers have been added. The full sample lists above retain those stops.
What goes into the trip budget?
As a dated example, the partner listing showed the seven-night BDE departure of 9 November 2026 from £1,735 per person when checked on 14 October. This is a departure-level starting fare, not a confirmed price for every cabin. Compare the same date, room and occupancy before deciding that one offer is cheaper.
| Item | Planning detail |
|---|---|
| Standard weekly package | Accommodation, meals and snacks, water and soft drinks, diving, standard tanks and weights, scheduled Monday transfers |
| Mandatory onboard fees | US$250 per person in the operator’s weekly information |
| Nitrox | US$100 for the listed weekly package; not free as older descriptions stated |
| Other extras | Rental equipment, courses, alcohol, gratuities, flights, personal insurance and pre/post stays |
A two-week trip needs its own fee and nitrox quote; a weekly supplement should not simply be assumed to cover fourteen nights. Gratuities are separate from mandatory fees. The operator lists a 3% credit-card surcharge for onboard payments, so payment method can also affect the total.
Getting to the right departure point
For Hurghada trips, the operator’s joining instructions name the Marriott Beach Resort, with Monday boarding from 6pm and disembarkation by 9am after breakfast. Southern dates may use Port Ghalib, and the Ultimate journey finishes at a different port from where it starts. Match flights and transfers to the dated booking confirmation before buying them.
Air travel after the final dive needs a suitable surface interval; a Monday checkout time alone does not establish when you can fly. Entry formalities and travel advice should be checked for Egypt and your nationality, rather than assumed to apply across every Red Sea country.
Travelling with a non-diver?
Non-divers are accepted at the same fare as divers. Activities during the cruise are limited: some routes allow occasional snorkelling, but there are no regular shore excursions. A companion who enjoys reading, the pool and time at sea may value the boat; someone wanting daily sightseeing would be better served by a separate land stay. The operator offers Egyptian tours before or after the cruise as additional arrangements.
Our Red Sea diving guide, travel guide and liveaboard planning guide help connect the boat choice with the rest of your trip.
What guests appreciated — and the compromises
LiveAboard.com displayed 9.4/10 from 88 verified reviews on 14 October 2026. Individual accounts are useful for understanding the experience, but sightings and weather vary between trips.
Attentive service and detailed briefings
Anthony H’s December 2025 review praised the dive-deck team, spacious rooms, comprehensive briefings and warm towels after diving. Josef L, writing in June 2025, particularly appreciated the crew’s attentive welcome.
Weather and wildlife remain variable
Stephen I reported in March 2025 that strong wind substantially changed the itinerary. Mateusz P’s November 2025 account praised the crew but described only brief shark sightings and said he would choose a northern trip next time.
An operator-hosted July 2025 trip report adds a useful cabin detail: its solo guest found cabin 8 comfortable alone but felt it could be tight for two. That is one traveller’s impression, and the report was published by the operator rather than an independent review platform.
When another boat might suit you better
Scuba Scene’s facilities and specialist weeks are attractive if you want a substantial boat and a full diving holiday. For a shorter commitment, Carlton’s mini-safaris offer a different northern option. A non-diving companion seeking daily land activities may prefer a resort-based holiday. For anyone mainly interested in wrecks, choosing the right northern itinerary matters more than booking a shark-focused week because it happens to be available.
Questions about All Star Scuba Scene
Is this the boat involved in the 2022 fire?
No. The current vessel was launched in April 2023. The earlier Scuba Scene was lost in April 2022; its cabin layout and older photographs should not be used to choose a room on today’s boat.
Which rooms can have one large bed?
The rooming chart lists cabins 3–6 and 9–12 as convertible king or twins. Cabins 7 and 8 contain a full bed and a twin. Your booking should specify the requested arrangement.
Does “single cabin” mean a single bed?
No. Rooms 7 and 8 can be sold for sole occupancy or for two guests. Their smaller size is the main distinction.
Does every trip include Thistlegorm and Daedalus?
No. They belong to different route combinations. The two-week Ultimate programme brings northern and southern areas together; an ordinary week should be chosen for the sites you most want to explore.
Is nitrox included in the advertised fare?
The current published weekly information charges for it separately. A particular promotion may differ, so the inclusion must appear in your own booking confirmation.
Will a Shark Week guarantee sharks?
No. Its distinctive benefit is the specialist focus and presentations. Wildlife sightings, visibility and conditions remain variable.
Can I take a non-diving partner?
Yes, at the same fare. The key decision is whether a week aboard with limited snorkelling and no regular shore excursions matches their idea of a holiday.
Do all trips start and finish in Hurghada?
No. Southern departures can use Port Ghalib, and Ultimate is a one-way journey to Hurghada. The dated joining instructions take priority over the boat’s general location.
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Reviewed 14 October 2026. Booking links are affiliate links; Divezone may earn a commission. Image capture dates are not confirmed.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
Hamata
Diving in Hamata offers unspoilt dive sites and access to the best part of the Red Sea far, and best of all - it's away from the tourist crowds.
Eilat
Eilat in Israel offers pristine diving conditions: warm, calm water, excellent visibility all year round, few or no currents, and a huge variety of corals and beautiful marine life!
Aqaba
Aqaba has all the beauty that the Red Sea has to offer but with out the usual crowds of Eilat and Egypt. Aqaba is also a great base for exploring the other historical sites around Jordan.
Marsa Alam
Excellent Scuba Diving with great chances of spotting Dolphins, Dugongs, Oceanic Whitetip Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks. Access to famous dive sites of Elphinstone Reef and Abu Dabbab! Very Good Visibility.
Nuweiba
Nuweiba is the Red Sea’s Macro and Muck diving paradise and is home to a variety of marine life not seen elsewhere.
Dahab
The Dahab Blue Hole is one of the most famous dive sites in the World. Beautiful hard and soft coral and excellent visibility.
Hurghada
Lots of good wrecks to dive and good place for Underwater Photography. Starting Point for Liveaboards to the South Red Sea. Very Good Visibility and good place to learn scuba diving.
Sharm El Sheikh
Magnificent Reefs at Ras Mohammed and one of the best dive site in the World, the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm.
Red Sea
The Red Sea is home to an array of amazing reefs with a teeming marine life, pelagic fishes, Reef Sharks, Dolphins and even the very rare Dugong!
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