Emperor Asmaa dive boat review
Photographs: Emperor Asmaa gallery on LiveAboard.com.
Emperor Asmaa: a smaller group, twin cabins and a new family week
Emperor Asmaa is worth considering if you prefer a smaller group to the larger Red Sea yachts. Its current eighteen-guest configuration gives this thirty-metre boat a different feel from vessels carrying twenty-six or twenty-eight divers. The choice ranges from northern wrecks to southern reefs and offshore marine parks.
A dedicated Southern Red Sea Family Adventure begins in August 2027, giving families with divers and snorkellers a more relevant option than simply adding a non-diver to a demanding offshore safari.
Compare Asmaa dates and cabins
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Nine twin cabins for eighteen guests
The present operator layout has five lower-deck and four upper-deck twin cabins, all with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. This replaces the older ten-cabin, twenty-passenger description. Asmaa measures 30 metres long and 7 metres across; the booking specifications list construction in 2003 and refurbishment in 2015.
| Category | Number | Bedding | Booking decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower-deck twin | 5 | Two separate beds | Request the current cabin plan and photographs. |
| Upper-deck twin | 4 | Two separate beds | Compare the supplement and cabin position for your date. |
Couples should be comfortable with twin beds: a double-bed category is not listed. Emperor offers same-sex sharing; if it cannot provide a same-sex roommate, its stated policy is no single supplement. This does not mean every solo booking includes a private cabin.
A sociable salon and open-air resting places
The air-conditioned salon combines dining and lounge space, with sofas and a television. Between dives, the upper outdoor seating and top sun deck provide alternatives to staying indoors. This is a practical dive boat where conversation over meals and relaxed time on deck are part of the appeal.
Wi-Fi includes a limited allowance for one device; extra data costs more. Treat it as an occasional convenience, especially away from shore. Discuss dietary needs before booking.
For families and non-divers
The first advertised Southern Red Sea Family Adventure runs 21–28 August 2027. Children can join from age eight. The programme uses later starts, shorter sailing legs and a mix of diving, snorkelling and marine-life activities. Around sixteen or more dives are envisaged, subject to conditions, rather than the intensive rhythm of a standard safari.
The operator describes roughly 85% of the proposed sites as suitable for snorkelling. Introductory scuba experiences can be arranged, but this is not an onboard Open Water certification course. Families should confirm supervision, swimming ability, cabin allocation and the exact price for each traveller. Those arrangements should not be assumed to apply to every Asmaa departure.
Seven confirmed programme families
The official itinerary pages list the following seven-night departures for Emperor Asmaa. These dated examples establish boat-specific programmes, but do not constitute a complete inventory of the interactive calendar. Check availability, ports and the final programme before booking flights.
| Programme and ports | Dated example | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Reefs & Wrecks Hurghada round trip · 7 nights |
31 October–7 November 2026 Already under way on 2 November; check later sailings. |
A northern wreck-and-reef week including Abu Nuhas, Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed. Twenty logged dives are required for Thistlegorm; discuss the planned dives and your experience before booking. |
| South & St John’s Port Ghalib round trip · 7 nights |
15–22 January 2027 | Southern reef systems and Fury Shoals; Elphinstone depends on weather and experience. Rocky and Zabargad may be alternatives rather than guaranteed stops. |
| Safaga, Brothers & Elphinstone Ports to confirm for this sailing · 7 nights |
5–12 March 2027 | Safaga reefs and the Salem Express are combined with offshore walls. The map includes Panorama, Middle Reef, Abu Kafan and Salem Express, plus the Brothers, Abu Dabab and Elphinstone. |
| Famous Five Hurghada round trip · 7 nights |
16–23 April 2027 | Northern wrecks and Ras Mohammed, then Brothers and Safaga before returning to Hurghada. Rosalie Moller, Panorama and Salem Express are included as geographic references. |
| Simply the Best Ports to confirm for this sailing · 7 nights |
15–22 May 2027 | Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone: exposed walls, currents and possible pelagics. The operator requires Advanced Open Water or equivalent and fifty logged dives. |
| Southern Solitude Port Ghalib round trip · 7 nights |
14–21 August 2027 | The sample travels via Elphinstone and Daedalus to Rocky and Zabargad, then St John’s and Fury Shoals. Rocky and Zabargad are included as geographic references; the actual stops depend on conditions and permissions. |
| Southern Red Sea Family Adventure Port Ghalib round trip · 7 nights |
21–28 August 2027 | A coastal family programme with Abu Dabab, Fury Shoals and Sataya among the possibilities. Abu Dabab is included; Shaab Sharm remains outside this partial map. |
Compare programme areas
Select routes independently. The maps show partial geographic references, not day-by-day tracks or navigation instructions. Individual wrecks, Safaga reefs, Rocky, Zabargad and Abu Dabab are now included. Sites without a verified position and unnamed check dives remain omitted; markers do not promise a visit or establish the final marina.
Daedalus marker: southern reef reference from Red Sea Diving, checked 4 November 2026. This is a geographic reference, not a dive-entry point.
31 October–7 November 2026 — dated example already under way on 2 November. Hurghada round trip. A northern wreck-and-reef week including Abu Nuhas, Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed. Twenty logged dives are required for Thistlegorm; discuss the planned dives and your experience before booking. 15–22 January 2027. Port Ghalib round trip. Southern reef systems and Fury Shoals; Elphinstone depends on weather and experience. Rocky and Zabargad may be alternatives rather than guaranteed stops. 5–12 March 2027. Ports to confirm for this sailing. Safaga reefs and the Salem Express are combined with offshore walls. The map includes Panorama, Middle Reef, Abu Kafan and Salem Express, plus the Brothers, Abu Dabab and Elphinstone. 16–23 April 2027. Hurghada round trip. Northern wrecks and Ras Mohammed, then Brothers and Safaga before returning to Hurghada. Rosalie Moller, Panorama and Salem Express are included as geographic references. 15–22 May 2027. Ports to confirm for this sailing. Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone: exposed walls, currents and possible pelagics. The operator requires Advanced Open Water or equivalent and fifty logged dives. 14–21 August 2027. Port Ghalib round trip. The sample travels via Elphinstone and Daedalus to Rocky and Zabargad, then St John’s and Fury Shoals. Rocky and Zabargad are included as geographic references; the actual stops depend on conditions and permissions. 21–28 August 2027. Port Ghalib round trip. A coastal family programme with Abu Dabab, Fury Shoals and Sataya among the possibilities. Abu Dabab is included; Shaab Sharm remains outside this partial map.Reefs & Wrecks · 7 nights
South & St John’s · 7 nights
Safaga, Brothers & Elphinstone · 7 nights
Famous Five · 7 nights
Simply the Best · 7 nights
Southern Solitude · 7 nights
Southern Red Sea Family Adventure · 7 nights
Main diving areas
This second map locates the referenced diving areas independently of the selected programmes. Conditions, access and the captain’s decisions can change the itinerary.
Named map references and coordinates
Decimal-degree positions are planning references, not navigation instructions or guaranteed stops. Programme descriptions above remain available if the maps do not load.
| Reference | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dabbab — reef-system reference at reef 1 | 25.34611 | 34.77167 |
| Abu Kafan | 26.65333 | 34.10806 |
| Abu Nuhas — reef | 27.57278 | 33.92444 |
| Big Brother | 26.31111 | 34.84806 |
| Carnatic | 27.57889 | 33.92556 |
| Chrisoula K | 27.57972 | 33.92833 |
| Claudia | 24.21944 | 35.61167 |
| Daedalus Reef | 24.93117 | 35.87039 |
| Dunraven / Beacon Rock | 27.70306 | 34.12167 |
| Elphinstone | 25.30611 | 34.86139 |
| Fury Shoals — regional reference at Claudia Reef | 24.21944 | 35.61167 |
| Giannis D | 27.57694 | 33.92306 |
| Gordon Reef | 27.98472 | 34.45417 |
| Habili Ali | 23.41556 | 35.98778 |
| Hurghada — port-area reference; exact marina to confirm | 27.22568 | 33.84214 |
| Jackson Reef | 28.00583 | 34.47111 |
| Kimon M wreck | 27.58139 | 33.93000 |
| Kingston / Shag Rock | 27.77389 | 33.87056 |
| Marsa El Shouna | 25.46917 | 34.68278 |
| Middle Reef | 26.70500 | 34.09972 |
| Panorama Reef | 26.74861 | 34.08250 |
| Port Ghalib — port area | 25.53528 | 34.64056 |
| Rocky Island | 23.56139 | 36.24444 |
| Rosalie Moller | 27.65083 | 33.77111 |
| Salem Express / Safaga area | 26.63944 | 34.06111 |
| Sataya — southeast reef reference | 24.15694 | 35.71250 |
| Shaab El Erg | 27.43861 | 33.82583 |
| Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference | 27.72500 | 34.25917 |
| Small Abu Galawa | 24.25278 | 35.53944 |
| Small Brother | 26.30111 | 34.86417 |
| Small Gota | 23.42944 | 35.90417 |
| Small Gubal — island reference | 27.67778 | 33.80444 |
| St John’s reefs — Gota Kebiera area reference | 23.41028 | 35.93000 |
| Thistlegorm | 27.81306 | 33.92056 |
| Thomas Reef | 27.99056 | 34.46056 |
| Zabargad Island | 23.59139 | 36.19667 |
Diving from Asmaa
The boat has two dive guides, a preparation platform and two tenders. Standard cylinders are 12-litre aluminium; request 15-litre cylinders or rental equipment ahead of departure. Nitrox is free for certified users. Standard Emperor Egypt itineraries do not permit technical, decompression or solo diving; dives remain within certification limits and the operator’s maximum depth of forty metres.
Bring a computer and SMB for every dive, plus a torch for night dives. Emperor’s current pre-departure document requires Advanced Open Water certification to thirty metres, or equivalent, and fifty logged dives for marine-park itineraries visiting Brothers, Daedalus, Rocky or Zabargad. Thistlegorm requires twenty logged dives; this is not a blanket minimum for every route.
Declare recent inactivity and discuss any refresher requirements. Guides can restrict unsuitable dives. The operator requires appropriate dive and travel insurance, including evacuation cover, and its onboard briefing explains the equipment and emergency procedures specific to the boat.
A look aboard Emperor Asmaa
Boat-tour video: Dive The World. This older tour illustrates the boat; the current cabin layout is described above. The preview uses an illustrative boat photograph.
Watch the boat video on YouTube
A dated €1,200 week, with compulsory cruise charges included
For 15–22 January 2027, South & St John’s, the operator and booking listing checked on 24 October 2026 showed a starting price of €1,200 per person. This is a departure-level starting quote, not a guaranteed same-cabin offer. The first family week, 21–28 August 2027, was advertised from €1,300.
Emperor’s inclusive pricing covers marine-park, port, harbour and fuel charges, plus Nitrox for qualified divers. Do not add a generic Red Sea park-fee supplement to an offer that already includes it.
| Compare | Before paying |
|---|---|
| Cabin | Same date, deck, twin arrangement and occupancy. |
| Transfers | Confirm your airport and eligibility for the scheduled shared transfer. |
| Extras | Budget separately for flights, entry formalities, insurance, rental gear, courses, premium drinks, additional data and gratuities. |
| Solo or family booking | Obtain the applicable sharing terms and a quotation for each traveller. |
Check Asmaa’s complete departure price
Ports, transfers and the last diving day
Northern Reefs & Wrecks and Famous Five use Hurghada. South & St John’s, Southern Solitude and the family programme use Port Ghalib. Confirm both ports for the particular offshore departure; the generic programme page alone does not establish your transfer.
Emperor offers scheduled shared transfers on arrival and departure days, so waiting for other flights may be involved. Follow the booking confirmation for pickup and boarding times. Its pre-departure instructions specify no diving on arrival or departure day and a minimum twenty-four-hour interval before flying.
Guest feedback: crew and food stand out
What guests loved
Diego M’s May 2026 report praised the crew, meals and value. Maximilian L’s October 2022 account of a first liveaboard highlighted attentive staff and the guides’ ability to time dives around other boats.
What could be better
That older October 2022 review also described an ageing boat and unreliable Wi-Fi. It is historical feedback, not proof of current condition. Ask for recent cabin photographs and plan around limited connectivity.
Paraphrased from dated LiveAboard.com guest reviews; experiences relate to individual sailings.
When another boat might suit you better
Asmaa’s smaller group is appealing, but its twin-only accommodation will not suit someone set on a double-bed suite. Compare other boats if a large private cabin matters more than group size. Families should choose the dedicated family departure; an offshore shark-focused itinerary is a different holiday.
Emperor Asmaa: booking questions
How many guests does Asmaa carry now?
The current operator layout is eighteen guests in nine twin cabins, replacing older twenty-guest descriptions.
Can I book a double bed?
The current categories are twins. Confirm bed arrangements before booking if travelling as a couple.
Will a solo traveller pay a supplement?
Emperor offers same-sex sharing and states there is no supplement if it cannot provide a same-sex roommate. Deliberately booking sole occupancy requires a separate quotation.
Is there a family departure?
Yes: the first advertised Southern Red Sea Family Adventure is 21–28 August 2027, for families with children aged eight and over. Confirm supervision, activities and individual prices.
How experienced must I be?
Requirements depend on the itinerary. Marine-park routes require Advanced Open Water or equivalent and fifty logged dives; northern Reefs & Wrecks recommends twenty. Discuss your recent experience before booking.
Are park and fuel fees extra?
The operator’s advertised cruise pricing includes park, port, harbour and fuel charges. Check the complete offer and its personal extras.
Which airport should I use?
Match your flights to the actual embarkation and disembarkation ports, then confirm the shared transfer. Do not assume every week uses Hurghada.
Can I rely on Wi-Fi?
A limited allowance is included for one device, but offshore connectivity is not dependable.
Have you sailed on Emperor Asmaa? Share your experience below, including your trip date and route, to help other divers choose.
Updated 24 October 2026 using operator specifications, the boat-specific schedule, booking details and dated guest feedback. This is an editorial review, not a first-hand inspection; departure documents take precedence for the final programme and price.
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
Hamata gives land-based divers access to Fury Shoals: coral gardens, small wrecks and exposed outer reefs, with outings matched to experience and sea conditions.
Eilat
Eilat offers mainly shore-based Red Sea diving, with coral gardens, the Satil wreck and sites for different experience levels. Check recent-dive and insurance requirements before arrival.
Aqaba
Aqaba combines coral gardens and shore diving with the Cedar Pride, aircraft wrecks and underwater military displays. A land-based stay can also include Petra and Wadi Rum.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam combines shore-access bays such as Abu Dabbab with boat trips to offshore reefs including Elphinstone. Choose the base and dive profile to suit your experience; wildlife sightings vary.
Nuweiba
Nuweiba suits unhurried shore diving and underwater photography, with coral gardens and small marine life to explore with a local guide.
Dahab
Dahab combines shore-access reefs and training sites with advanced profiles at the Canyon and Blue Hole. Choose the dive to match your experience.
Hurghada
Hurghada combines day-boat reefs, beginner training and longer wreck excursions. Match the site, transfer and dive profile to your experience.
Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm combines local reef diving with Ras Mohammed, Tiran and separately planned wreck excursions. Match the route and dive profile to your experience.
Red Sea
Red Sea diving ranges from shore reefs and northern wrecks to exposed offshore walls. Choose the base and route around your experience and travel plans.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Egypt & Hamata & Hurghada & Red Sea, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
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