MY Emperor Elite dive boat review
Emperor Elite: choose the itinerary, then the cabin
Emperor Elite offers a broad Red Sea programme, from northern wrecks to the southern reefs and offshore walls. Its thirteen-cabin layout includes conventional twins and two substantially larger suites, making it useful for couples who want a double bed without giving up a dedicated dive-boat routine.
The route matters as much as the accommodation: a northern wreck week and Southern Solitude involve different ports, crossings and experience requirements. Compare the complete week before choosing a headline fare.
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Thirteen cabins, with two upper-deck suites
The current layout accommodates twenty-six guests. All thirteen cabins have air-conditioning and private bathrooms. This replaces the older twenty-four-guest description.
| Category | Layout | Decision to make |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-deck twin | 8 cabins, around 10 m² each | The starting shared-cabin category. |
| Main-deck twin/double | 1 flexible cabin, around 12 m² | Confirm the requested bed configuration. |
| Upper-deck twin | 2 cabins, around 9 m² each | A higher deck does not automatically mean more floor space. |
| Upper-deck Junior Suite | 1 double suite, approximately 18 m² | Compare the extra space against the standard twin fare. |
| Upper-deck Executive Suite | 1 double suite, approximately 28 m² | The largest listed cabin; ask for current photographs. |
The wooden boat measures 38 metres long and 8 metres across. Booking specifications list construction in 2006 and refurbishment in 2015. A newer whole-boat refit was not verified, so an old annual-refit claim should not determine your expectations.
Emperor advertises same-sex sharing, with no supplement if it cannot arrange a matching roommate. Requested sole occupancy requires a separate quotation.
Space to relax between dives
The air-conditioned salon and dining room provide an indoor retreat. Outdoor seating, an upper-deck bar area and a top sun deck offer different places to spend a surface interval. Buffet meals and standard soft drinks are included, with complimentary red wine at dinner; other premium drinks remain extra.
Discuss dietary requirements in advance. Wi-Fi is advertised, but data allowances and offshore reception make it unsuitable as a dependable work connection. Camera facilities include rinsing and charging arrangements; ask about available storage if travelling with a large system.
Seven dated programme families
These advertised seven-night examples were checked on 24 October 2026. They establish boat-specific programmes, not an exhaustive calendar or a promise of availability. The last example is in 2028; the others are in late 2026 or 2027.
| Programme | Dates and ports | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Reefs & Wrecks | 31 December 2026–7 January 2027 Hurghada round trip |
Northern wrecks, Ras Mohammed and Tiran; a varied reef-and-wreck week. |
| Safaga, Brothers & Elphinstone | 26 November–3 December 2026 Port Ghalib → Hurghada |
Safaga and exposed offshore walls. This example starts and finishes at different ports. |
| South & St John’s | 4–11 March 2027 Port Ghalib round trip |
Southern reef systems and Fury Shoals, with Elphinstone subject to conditions. |
| Daedalus, Fury & Elphinstone | 18–25 March 2027 Port Ghalib round trip |
A mix of offshore walls and southern reefs. |
| Southern Solitude | 8–15 April 2027 Port Ghalib round trip |
A longer-ranging southern programme, with Rocky and Zabargad among the proposed areas. |
| Simply the Best | 24 June–1 July 2027 Confirm both ports |
Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone: exposed diving for experienced guests. |
| Famous Five | 24 February–2 March 2028 Confirm both ports |
Northern wrecks and Brothers, with Safaga on the sample programme. This example is in 2028. |
Reefs & Wrecks advertises twenty-one or more dives, subject to conditions. Southern Solitude uses a different rhythm, with more time offshore and a changed final-night arrangement. Obtain the current boarding sheet rather than assuming every seven-night trip follows the same port schedule.
Select programme areas
The layers locate programme areas and individually verified reefs and wrecks, including Rosalie Moller and the four Abu Nuhas wrecks. They are geographic references, not a day-by-day sailing track. Ports identify an area rather than your berth. Unnamed check dives and sites whose precise position is unverified remain outside the map. The southern layers now include Rocky and Zabargad, while the Safaga layer includes Panorama, Middle Reef, Abu Kafan and Salem Express.
Daedalus marker: southern reef reference from Red Sea Diving, checked 4 November 2026. This is a geographic reference, not a dive-entry point.
Dive-site references
This separate map shows the selected reefs and wreck areas independently of the programme filters. Weather, access and the cruise team’s decisions determine the actual stops.
Map references: named places and coordinates
Decimal degrees, north and east. These locate the named places for trip planning; they are not navigation, entry or mooring instructions. Regional reference points do not identify every reef in a system.
| Place | Latitude N | Longitude E |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Shaab El Erg | 27.43861 | 33.82583 |
| Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference | 27.72500 | 34.25917 |
| Small Brother | 26.30111 | 34.86417 |
| 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 requirements and daily routine
Two tenders support the diving. Standard cylinders are 12-litre aluminium and nitrox is included for certified users. Larger 15-litre cylinders cost extra in the checked current listings; the old promise of free 15-litre tanks should not be used for budgeting.
Emperor requires twenty logged dives for Thistlegorm. Its marine-park guidance requires Advanced Open Water to thirty metres or equivalent and fifty logged dives. Confirm the qualification, recent experience and depth requirements for your actual route before paying.
Bring the required computer, SMB and appropriate equipment. Although boat listings mention technical or rebreather capability, a standard recreational itinerary does not automatically allow specialist diving. Obtain written agreement for those arrangements.
A look aboard Emperor Elite
This boat video appeared in the original review. It provides an impression of the spaces; the current cabin comparison above takes priority over older footage.
Watch the Emperor Elite video on YouTube
Non-diving companions
Non-diving companions are welcome on suitable Emperor Elite departures. South & St John’s is worth considering for a mixed group: Emperor specifically identifies this programme as offering snorkelling. Water access depends on suitable conditions and an available guide, with the crew informed of your location and a flotation aid worn throughout. Snorkellers complete a medical form before boarding and a self-assessment before entering the water. A private snorkelling guide can be arranged in advance at extra cost; request the companion fare for your cabin and departure.
Who should consider Elite?
Elite is worth comparing for its wide choice of Red Sea programmes and two larger suites. Check the route and cabin separately: an upper-deck twin is smaller than a lower-deck twin, and a suite premium does not guarantee a quieter room. For a first safari, discuss the northern programme before committing to exposed offshore diving.
Compare cabins on the same New Year week
For 31 December 2026–7 January 2027, Reefs & Wrecks, the checked UK agent listings advertised the following per-person, shared-occupancy fares. The same date matters: a cheaper cabin on a different week is not an equivalent upgrade comparison.
| Cabin | Advertised price | Difference from lower twin |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-deck twin | £1,189 | Starting category |
| Main-deck twin/double | £1,326 | +£137 |
| Upper-deck twin | £1,326 | +£137 |
| Junior Suite | £1,449 | +£260 |
| Executive Suite | £1,691 | +£502 |
The operator and LiveAboard.com separately advertised a starting fare of €1,300 for that departure. The sterling table is an agent comparison, not a currency conversion or a guarantee that every cabin remains available. Request a fresh quotation before choosing.
Park, port and fuel charges are included in the checked cruise offer, with full board, standard drinks, diving, qualified nitrox and eligible scheduled transfers. Budget separately for flights, entry documents, insurance, equipment, premium drinks and optional gratuities. A 15-litre cylinder was listed at €35–€46 depending on type; confirm availability and the exact charge.
Check the complete price for your cabin
Match your flights to both ports
The northern example uses Hurghada; the checked southern departures use Port Ghalib. The 26 November 2026 Safaga, Brothers & Elphinstone trip runs from Port Ghalib to Hurghada, so do not book a return transfer on the assumption that the ports match.
Shared airport transfers run at scheduled times. Confirm pickup, boarding, disembarkation and the final night in your booking instructions. Follow the operator’s twenty-four-hour no-fly interval after the last dive.
Guest feedback: service praised, cabin comfort worth checking
What guests appreciated
Patricia S’s July 2026 review praised the crew, cooking and relatively quiet dive sites, with Elphinstone the exception. Tobias P’s March 2026 account also highlighted helpful staff, meals and flexibility over dive sites.
What could be better
Christina B’s August 2025 review praised the crew and food but described noisy air-conditioning in cabin 11. Thomas L, in November 2025, enjoyed the route and staff but felt his suite’s condition did not justify its price.
These are individual dated experiences, not proof of a continuing defect. Ask for recent photographs and the exact cabin allocation, particularly when paying a suite supplement.
Emperor Elite: booking questions
How many guests does Elite carry?
The current layout is twenty-six guests in thirteen cabins, including a Junior Suite and an Executive Suite.
Does the upper deck always give more space?
No. The listed upper twins are around 9 m², compared with approximately 10 m² for lower twins. The suites provide substantially more room.
Are 15-litre cylinders free?
No: current checked listings charge extra for them. Standard 12-litre cylinders and nitrox for qualified divers are included.
Are park and fuel fees extra?
They are included in the checked offer. Confirm the complete quotation and personal extras.
How experienced must I be?
Thistlegorm requires twenty logged dives. Marine-park routes require Advanced Open Water to thirty metres or equivalent and fifty logged dives.
Does every trip return to the same port?
No. The checked November 2026 Safaga, Brothers & Elphinstone example runs from Port Ghalib to Hurghada.
Can I book alone without a supplement?
The operator offers same-sex sharing and no supplement if it cannot arrange a match. Deliberately reserving sole occupancy requires a separate quotation.
Are the map markers guaranteed stops?
No. The maps are partial geographic references, and the actual diving depends on conditions and the cruise team.
Checked 24 October 2026. Programmes, availability and prices can change.
Been aboard Elite? Share your cabin, itinerary and onboard experience below.
Editorial review: 2 November 2026. The operator still advertised the 31 December 2026 Reefs & Wrecks sailing from €1,300. The sterling cabin comparison retains its 24 October observation date and is not a current quote.
Meals and non-diver arrangements checked 4 November 2026. Earlier fare examples keep their stated observation dates.
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 Marsa Alam & 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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