MV Blue Melody dive boat review
Photos: Blue Melody gallery supplied through LiveAboard.com.
Blue Melody: a lively diving week, with space between the dives
Blue Melody suits divers who enjoy the rhythm of a shared diving holiday: breakfast after the first dive, a long conversation over lunch, then time outside before the next briefing. The outdoor bistro and shaded seating are part of the attraction, with thirteen cabins for a group of up to twenty-six.
Choose the itinerary first. A northern wreck week and a Brothers–Daedalus–Elphinstone trip have very different diving priorities, even though you sleep on the same boat.
Blue Melody is a 38-metre wooden liveaboard with an 8.3-metre beam. The current operator specification gives a 2005 build and 2025 refit; older booking specifications still give 2007 and 2016. Master Liveaboards markets the current programme, while older reviews use the Blue O Two name.
Ten lower-deck twins or three upper-deck doubles
| Category | Layout | Choosing a cabin |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Classic Twin | Lower deck; two single beds | The option for friends or solo travellers sharing |
| 3 Premium Double | Upper deck; double bed and sea views | For couples wanting a higher position |
All cabins have private bathrooms and individual air-conditioning. Ask for the precise cabin number and sharing terms. An upper-deck double changes your position on the boat; it does not automatically mean every comfort preference is met.
Device charging: a February 2026 operator notice says cabin sockets and USB ports were removed. Confirm the communal arrangements for cameras, phones and essential devices.
A bistro outside, a cool salon inside
The original Divezone review highlighted the dining room, salon and outdoor relaxation spaces. They remain useful things to compare alongside the cabins: a liveaboard holiday involves plenty of time out of your room, drying off, discussing the last dive or sorting photographs.
The upper-deck bistro and shaded seating offer a change from the air-conditioned communal rooms. Meals are buffet-style with snacks between dives. Discuss dietary requirements beforehand. Wi-Fi is advertised when available, so allow for time offline.
A non-diving companion should confirm acceptance, fare and suitable activities on the selected departure.
Eight programmes, with different reasons to go
Seven route families appear in Blue Melody’s departure filters checked on 24 October 2026. Ultimate Red Sea is also described in its itinerary section, but no current dated Blue Melody departure was verified for that longer option. Most scheduled trips are seven nights; the Ultimate outline is ten.
Northern Red Sea Wrecks & Reefs
A northern week combining wrecks with reef dives. The published overview names Abu Nuhas, Gubal, Dunraven, Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed; their daily order remains flexible.
7 nights · Hurghada round trip. Published entry requirement: Open Water + 10 logged dives; 20 for Thistlegorm.
Red Sea Wrecks
The sample heads north to Abu Nuhas and Thistlegorm, then south to the Safaga wrecks before local Hurghada dives. Salem Express is pinned; Al Kafain, El Minya and Mohamed Hassabella are named in the programme but not pinned here.
7 nights · Hurghada round trip. Published entry requirement: Open Water + 30 logged dives.
Strait of Tiran & North
Northern wrecks and Ras Mohammed combine with the four Tiran reefs. The exact daily order and selection depend on conditions. The 28 November 2026 example was listed as full; check later dates independently.
7 nights · Hurghada round trip. Published entry requirement: Open Water + 10 logged dives; 20 for Thistlegorm.
Northern Red Sea & Brothers
A compromise between the northern wrecks and the exposed walls of the Brothers. This layer shows the named areas, not a fixed sailing sequence.
7 nights · Hurghada; confirm your sailing. Published entry requirement: Open Water + 30 logged dives.
Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone
Offshore walls and possible shark encounters. Departure ports vary with the actual sailing. Both possible port areas appear for orientation; they do not imply a one-way trip.
7 nights · Hurghada or Port Ghalib; check both ends. Published entry requirement: Open Water + 30 logged dives.
Daedalus & St Johns
Sample order: Port Ghalib check dive → St Johns → Cave Reef area → Fury Shoals → Daedalus → Elphinstone → Port Ghalib. Regional pins simplify the programme; unnamed coastal dives are omitted.
7 nights · Port Ghalib sample round trip. Published entry requirement: Open Water + 30 logged dives.
Rocky, Zabargad & St Johns
Three days around Rocky, Zabargad and St Johns are followed by Fury Shoals, then Elphinstone and local Port Ghalib diving. The order within the southern group is not fixed here.
7 nights · Port Ghalib sample round trip. Published entry requirement: Confirm the departure-specific certification and experience requirement.
Ultimate Red Sea
A longer programme connecting northern wrecks, Ras Mohammed and Tiran with Safaga and a day in each of the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone areas. This is an area map: no complete daily order is established.
10 nights · Hurghada or Port Ghalib; confirm both ends. Published entry requirement: Open Water + 30 logged dives.
Compare the itineraries on the map
Select each programme independently. Dotted connections appear only for the published Daedalus & St Johns sample order; all other layers show areas without inventing a daily sequence. Pins represent reef, island or port areas, not moorings. The exact marina, stops and order must be checked against your departure. Weather, permits and the captain’s decisions can change any itinerary.
Reef and wreck references
The separate map locates the named diving areas. St Johns uses a Gota Kebiera reference and Fury Shoals a Claudia Reef reference, without promising those individual sites. The wreck-focused programme also names Al Kafain, El Minya and Mohamed Hassabella, which are not pinned.
Match the diving to your experience
The northern Wrecks & Reefs and Tiran routes have the lowest published entry threshold in this selection, although visiting Thistlegorm raises the minimum to twenty logged dives. The offshore, combined and wreck-focused programmes listed above generally require thirty. These are entry criteria, not a promise that every dive is easy or within your certification depth.
For the offshore reefs, be comfortable with currents, blue-water ascents and boat pickups. Ask how groups are organised and how much individual guidance is available. The published programmes begin with check diving; technical and rebreather support must be confirmed in writing because the current feature badge and descriptive text disagree. The nitrox badge says included, while the extras table still prices it separately; confirm the terms of your particular offer.
Dated fares and the extras to add
The following advertised starting fares were checked on 24 October 2026. They are per person in shared accommodation; the cabin category and final inclusions still need confirming.
| Departure | Programme / nights | Advertised fare |
|---|---|---|
| 7–14 November 2026 | Red Sea Wrecks · 7 | US$980 promotional fare |
| 14–21 November 2026 | Northern Red Sea & Brothers · 7 | US$910 promotional fare |
| 19–26 December 2026 | Red Sea Wrecks · 7 | US$751 promotional fare |
Full-board shared accommodation, standard diving, air fills in a 12-litre cylinder, weights and scheduled local-airport transfers appear in the operator’s itinerary inclusions. Flights, private transfers, equipment rental, alcohol and gratuities are additional. Match the transfer airport and timing to the actual port.
| Extra | Planning allowance |
|---|---|
| Reef / park charges | US$90–200 per trip on the booking listing; the operator currently gives US$90 for seven nights, subject to change |
| Fuel surcharge | US$8 per night in the booking listing; US$56 for seven nights, subject to your final quote |
| Nitrox | Confirm inclusion: the operator badge says included, but its table and the booking listing still quote US$90–135 |
| Onboard extras tax | The operator lists 14%; ask whether each quoted extra already includes it |
Working example: a US$980 fare plus US$90–200 park fees and US$56 fuel allowance gives a provisional US$1,126–1,236 subtotal. Flights, equipment, tips and any applicable tax on extras remain additional. If nitrox is not included in the confirmed offer, add its quoted charge separately. Do not add both park figures together.
Compare the current fare and inclusions
Boarding and the final day
Check both ports on the booking confirmation before buying flights. Several northern programmes use Hurghada; the southern samples use Port Ghalib. Longer and offshore trips can vary.
Published sample programmes include time in port. A final morning of diving can be followed by an afternoon in the marina and the last night aboard; seven nights does not automatically mean seven full diving days. Ask for the actual final-dive and disembarkation times when arranging your onward travel.
A look aboard Blue Melody
This video was featured in the earlier Divezone review. Use it for an impression of the boat, alongside the updated cabin details above; it is not a verification of every feature after the latest refit.
Guest feedback: service and meals, with cabin noise to consider
What guests loved
Barry C’s September 2026 review praised the crew, meals and organisation. He appreciated diving in two groups with room to photograph at his own pace. Rudolph O, in June 2026, also valued the organisation and facilities.
Those are individual experiences, rather than a promise of identical group arrangements on your sailing.
What could be better
Ambra F, in June 2025, found cabin 10 noisy while sailing in rough seas, despite praising the crew and guides. Ask about cabin position if you are sensitive to noise.
Léo G’s October 2024 review found the cabins compact for two and noted signs of age. That account predates the refit now listed as 2025; it should not be presented as a current condition report.
Is Blue Melody the right boat for you?
It is worth considering if you want a sociable boat with several places to relax and a broad choice of Red Sea itineraries. If your priority is a smaller group, compare guest capacities as carefully as cabin photographs. If you need close individual guidance, establish that arrangement before choosing an offshore route.
Blue Melody: booking questions
How many guests does Blue Melody carry?
Up to 26 guests in thirteen two-person cabins. Check the cabin category and bed arrangement on your quote.
Which cabin should a couple choose?
The upper-deck Premium Double offers a double bed and sea views. A Classic Twin has separate beds below deck; compare the cabin position and supplement for your dates.
Can I charge devices in my cabin?
The operator’s 2026 notice says cabin sockets and USB ports have been removed. Ask about the shared charging facilities before travelling.
Which itinerary is best for wreck diving?
Red Sea Wrecks gives wrecks the main role and includes northern and Safaga areas. Northern Wrecks & Reefs offers a broader reef-and-wreck mix with a lower published minimum dive count.
Does every route require thirty logged dives?
No. Northern Wrecks & Reefs and Tiran & North list ten, rising to twenty for Thistlegorm. Several other programmes list thirty. Confirm your selected departure and any site-specific conditions.
Is nitrox included?
The current information is inconsistent: an included-nitrox badge sits alongside a priced extras table. Have your written quote state whether your cylinders and mix are included.
Are the displayed prices the complete trip cost?
No. Allow for the mandatory charges, any applicable taxes on extras and your travel costs. The budget example is provisional and explains its assumptions.
Are sharks guaranteed on the offshore routes?
No. Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone offer offshore diving where encounters are possible; the wildlife, conditions and accessible sites vary.
Information checked 24 October 2026. Offers, inclusions, cabin arrangements and route access can change.
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 Abu Dabbab & Aqaba & Dahab & Egypt & Eilat & Hamata & Hurghada & Marsa Alam & North Red Sea & Nuweiba & Red Sea & Safaga & Sharm El Sheikh & South Red Sea & Strait of Gubal, 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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