MY Odyssey Egypt dive boat review
MY Odyssey: Egyptian reefs, wrecks and room to unwind
MY Odyssey is a 40-metre Egyptian Red Sea liveaboard operated by Seafari, carrying up to 26 guests in 13 cabins. Her appeal is the combination of a substantial diving programme and comfortable places to spend the intervals: a windowed lounge, shaded outdoor seating and a top-deck jacuzzi. Seven-night trips cover distinct northern and southern circuits; longer expeditions bring more of Egypt’s coast into one holiday.
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The Egyptian Odyssey
Built in 2012, this wooden-hulled vessel measures 40 metres by 8 metres; her latest documented dry dock was in 2025. She is the Egyptian Odyssey, distinct from other liveaboards carrying the same name elsewhere. The current programme includes dated sailings from Hurghada and Port Ghalib, with both return and one-way trips.
A cabin for two friends, a couple or a small family
The cabins are all equipped with a private bathroom, air-conditioning and storage space. The choice is more useful than a simple “standard or suite” distinction: separate beds are available on the lower and upper decks, while the main deck has doubles and cabins that can accommodate a third person. Bed layout and deck should therefore be part of the cabin selection.
| Deck and category | Cabins | Documented beds |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-deck twin | 7 | Two 90 × 200 cm singles |
| Main-deck double | 2 | One 160 × 200 cm double |
| Main-deck double/triple | 2 | One 140 × 200 cm double and one 90 × 200 cm single |
| Upper-deck twin | 1 | Two 90 × 200 cm singles |
| Upper-deck double/triple | 1 | One 140 × 200 cm double and one 90 × 200 cm single |
The detailed layout totals 13 cabins, matching the current 26-guest description. A separate booking specification still gives fourteen cabins, so the assigned category and current deck plan matter when reserving. Triple beds do not establish a higher overall passenger capacity.
A shared double-occupancy place is the normal price basis. Sole use carries a 70% supplement, while the stated triple-occupancy reduction is €50 per person. Solo-sharing availability depends on the actual departure: for example, the remaining space on the 24 October 2026 sailing was specifically a female shared berth.
Life between dives
The main deck of the ship is where you will find the indoor dining area with snacks and drink counter. On the upper deck, a large indoor lounge and bar provide another place to settle. Panoramic windows keep the Red Sea in view even while indoors, and the sofas and low tables make this a comfortable setting for conversation or reviewing the day’s photographs.
Just outside the indoor lounge, you will find an outdoor lounge, shielded from the sun. Higher up, the solarium combines loungers, covered seating and a jacuzzi. That choice of shade, open air and air-conditioned space is especially useful on a holiday with several dives a day: everyone can find their own way to spend the interval.
Meals and practical comforts
Meals are served buffet-style, mixing local and international cooking, with full board and soft drinks included. Snacks and the drinks counter help bridge the gaps between meals; alcoholic drinks cost extra. Vegetarian options are listed, while allergies and other dietary requirements need advance agreement with the galley.
Bath and deck towels are supplied, and the travel guide also lists bathrobes. Wi-Fi is offered without a charge, but a connection at sea depends on coverage. European-style 220 V sockets are documented; charging needs are worth considering alongside camera equipment and other electronics.
Film: Bienvenue sur Odyssey — Seafari International (French).
Diving from Odyssey
Odyssey was built for diving, and her organised dive deck remains central to the day aboard. Individual equipment spaces, storage bins, separate rinse tanks and a camera area help keep the preparations manageable. Two tenders handle entries and pickups; the current operation describes diving from these boats rather than making every entry from the main vessel.
A standard seven-night package lists 16 dives over six diving days, including a night dive, with additional dives when the programme and conditions allow. Twelve-litre aluminium cylinders, DIN/INT arrangements and weights are included. Nitrox is free for certified divers when available; it is not a guarantee of supply on every sailing.
Which experience level fits?
The 2026 travel guide lists Open Water or equivalent for North and Fury Shoals programmes, and Advanced Open Water, French N2 or equivalent, plus 50 logged dives for the more demanding Tiran, Golden Loop, BDE and southern island routes. These are operator entry requirements, not a promise that every site suits every qualified diver. Currents, exposed water and tender handling can make the practical experience as important as the card.
Some departure widgets and general conditions show lower logged-dive thresholds than the boat guide. Anyone close to the minimum needs written acceptance for the selected route before committing. The guide also requires certification and logbook records, a medical certificate less than a year old, and diving/repatriation insurance. The stated 40-metre operating ceiling never overrides a diver’s qualification or the limits of the actual dive.
Choose the route before choosing the week
Odyssey’s programme is entirely within the Egyptian Red Sea in the departures reviewed here. Northern wrecks, Tiran and Dahab are different holidays from the remote southern islands. The ten programme families below distinguish the remaining 2026 sailings from routes documented in the 2027 calendar; a future listing is not a 2026 departure.
| Programme | Nights and ports |
|---|---|
| Brothers–Daedalus–Elphinstone | 7 nights · Hurghada return or Hurghada–Port Ghalib in either direction |
| Golden Loop: North–Brother–Safaga | 7 nights · Hurghada return or Hurghada/Port Ghalib combinations |
| Treasures of the North | 7 nights · Hurghada return |
| Best of Tiran | 7 nights · Hurghada return |
| Best of Dahab and Tiran | 7 nights · Hurghada return |
| Daedalus–Rocky–Zabargad–Elphinstone | 7 nights · Port Ghalib return |
| Zabargad–Rocky–St. John’s–Elphinstone | 7 nights · Port Ghalib return |
| Fury Shoal | 7 nights · Port Ghalib return |
| Premium Expedition | 10 nights · ports depend on departure |
| Marine Park: Simply the Best | 14 nights · Hurghada–Port Ghalib or reverse |
Brothers–Daedalus–Elphinstone
The offshore choice, combining island walls with Daedalus and Elphinstone. Open-sea passages, currents and tender entries make experience important. The 24–31 October 2026 sailing is Hurghada return; November includes one-way port combinations.
Golden Loop: North–Brother–Safaga
Northern wrecks and reefs meet the Brothers and the Safaga area. It offers variety but adds offshore travel to a northern week. The 31 October–7 November 2026 departure runs Hurghada–Port Ghalib; 28 November–5 December runs the other way. Named places are regional references, not a confirmed daily order.
Treasures of the North
A northern reef-and-wreck week, with less geographical spread than the long north-to-south expeditions. The December 2026 departures leave and return to Hurghada. Wreck depth, current and any penetration plans still need to match the diver; a northern label does not make every dive easy.
Best of Tiran
Tiran brings a different emphasis from a wreck-centred week: reef slopes, walls and the currents of the strait. The calendar includes 27 March–3 April 2027. The layer identifies the strait and principal reefs, without assigning an unverified day-by-day sequence.
Best of Dahab and Tiran
This northern extension reaches Dahab as well as Tiran, adding distance and a different coastal setting. The 17–24 October 2026 departure was closed to bookings when checked; further dates appear in 2027. A Blue Hole visit does not imply diving through its deep arch.
Daedalus–Rocky–Zabargad–Elphinstone
A southern island circuit with substantial offshore travel. Daedalus, Rocky and Zabargad give the trip its remote character, while Elphinstone adds another exposed reef. The 7–14 November 2026 departure is Port Ghalib return. This is a deliberate choice for offshore diving, not a sheltered alternative to BDE.
Zabargad–Rocky–St. John’s–Elphinstone
Island walls are combined with the southern St. John’s reef region. Departures on 10 and 24 April 2027 document this distinct family. Individual St. John’s reefs and their order depend on the sailing; the map uses a regional reference rather than promising a particular cave or plateau.
Fury Shoal
A southern reef-focused option, with the Fury Shoals area offering a different balance from the offshore islands. The 10–17 July 2027 departure was available when checked; May and September examples were full. Sataya, Claudia and Abu Galawa are area references here; a booked programme must establish the actual stops and any companion activities.
Premium Expedition
The extended circuit links northern wrecks, Tiran and Dahab with the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone. Its brochure describes 28 dives over nine diving days. The 17–27 July 2027 departure runs Hurghada–Port Ghalib; 28 July–7 August runs Port Ghalib–Hurghada and was full. The older brochure’s Hurghada-return sequence is not a sailing plan for these one-way trips. Jackfish Alley, Police Station and Erg Somaya also appear in that brochure but remain unpinned here pending coordinate verification.
Marine Park: Simply the Best
A two-week north-to-south programme, extending from Dahab and northern wreck country towards Abu Fandira, with offshore islands along the way. The 6–20 November and 20 November–4 December 2027 departures were full. The trip detail lists about 32 dives. The extra time allows broad coverage, but there are substantial passages and no guarantee of the complete advertised circuit.
The map shows verified geographic references for each family, not navigation tracks or an agreed order of dives. The captain and guides adapt the route to conditions and access. Longer expeditions in particular may use different ports and omit advertised places.
Daedalus marker: southern reef reference from Red Sea Diving, checked 4 November 2026. This is a geographic reference, not a dive-entry point.
Geographic references: CDWS. Programme checked 16 October 2026. References are not navigation tracks or guaranteed stops.
Programme places in text
Brothers–Daedalus–Elphinstone
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm · Port Ghalib — port area · Big Brother · Small Brother · Daedalus Reef · Elphinstone
Golden Loop: North–Brother–Safaga
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm · Port Ghalib — port area · Big Brother · Small Brother · Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef · Thistlegorm · Abu Nuhas — reef · Panorama Reef
Treasures of the North
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm · Thistlegorm · Dunraven / Beacon Rock · Abu Nuhas — reef · Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef
Best of Tiran
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm · Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef · Jackson Reef · Thomas Reef · Gordon Reef
Best of Dahab and Tiran
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm · Jackson Reef · Thomas Reef · Gordon Reef · Blue Hole, Dahab — site reference, no deep arch route implied · Canyon, Dahab
Daedalus–Rocky–Zabargad–Elphinstone
Port Ghalib — port area · Daedalus Reef · Rocky Island — reef reference · Zabargad — island reference · Elphinstone
Zabargad–Rocky–St. John’s–Elphinstone
Port Ghalib — port area · Zabargad — island reference · Rocky Island — reef reference · St John’s — regional reference at Habili Ali, exact reef not fixed · Elphinstone
Fury Shoal
Port Ghalib — port area · Sataya — southeast reef reference · Claudia Reef · Small Abu Galawa
Premium Expedition
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm · Shaab El Erg · Dunraven / Beacon Rock · Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef · Jackson Reef · Gordon Reef · Blue Hole, Dahab — site reference, no deep arch route implied · Canyon, Dahab · Gabr el-Bint · Thomas Reef · Thistlegorm · Giannis D · Carless Reef · Big Brother · Small Brother · Daedalus Reef · Elphinstone · Marsa El Shouna · Abu Kafan · Panorama Reef · Port Ghalib — port area
Marine Park: Simply the Best
Hurghada — embarkation area, exact marina to confirm · Blue Hole, Dahab — site reference, no deep arch route implied · Tiran — strait reference at Jackson Reef, exact reef not fixed · Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef · Thistlegorm · Big Brother · Small Brother · Daedalus Reef · Rocky Island — reef reference · Zabargad — island reference · Elphinstone · Abu Fandira — reef-system reference, eastern reef · Port Ghalib — port area
Principal dive-site references
These locations help place Odyssey’s northern and southern programmes. They are site or reef references, not recommended entries, moorings or a guarantee of a visit.
- Thistlegorm: A northern wreck visit; depth, current and penetration choices depend on experience and the dive briefing.
- Ras Mohammed — reference at Shark & Yolanda Reef: Ras Mohammed reef walls at the meeting of the gulfs; the entry, drift and exit change with conditions.
- Jackson Reef: A Tiran reef reference, with coral slopes and potentially strong currents.
- Blue Hole, Dahab — site reference, no deep arch route implied: Dahab’s Blue Hole site reference. The deep arch is not part of an ordinary recreational visit.
- Big Brother: Offshore Brother Island walls; exposed water and tender entries favour experienced divers.
- Small Brother: A separate Brother Island reef with offshore walls; sightings are never assured.
- Daedalus Reef: An isolated offshore reef with walls and open-water exposure, reached on suitable southern or long circuits.
- Elphinstone: An elongated reef with walls and plateaus; current and depth shape the actual dive.
- Rocky Island — reef reference: Southern island reef reference, used on remote itineraries rather than a northern wreck week.
- Zabargad — island reference: Southern island reference; the exact reef and entry are chosen for the conditions.
- Sataya — southeast reef reference: Fury Shoals reef reference; snorkelling or diving access depends on the actual programme and conditions.
What an Odyssey trip costs
These examples were checked on 16 October 2026 in euros per person, sharing a cabin. They are dated starting fares, subject to availability and cabin selection; flights are additional.
| Departure | Route and ports | From, per person |
|---|---|---|
| 24–31 October 2026 | BDE · Hurghada return · 7 nights | €1,480 |
| 31 October–7 November 2026 | Golden Loop · Hurghada–Port Ghalib · 7 nights | €1,480 |
| 7–14 November 2026 | Daedalus–Rocky–Zabargad–Elphinstone · Port Ghalib return · 7 nights | €1,560 |
| 5–12 December 2026 | North · Hurghada return · 7 nights | €1,470 |
| 17–27 July 2027 | Premium Expedition · Hurghada–Port Ghalib · 10 nights | €2,150, plus €300 government taxes |
The 2026 package includes shared accommodation, full board, soft drinks, the dive package, standard cylinders and weights, Nitrox when available, collective airport transfers and government taxes. From 1 January 2027, the listed government charge is €150 for seven nights or €300 for ten nights, payable in cash aboard. The fourteen-night example also lists €300, but its complete quote should be checked separately.
| Extra or choice | Planning allowance |
|---|---|
| Crew gratuity | Recommended minimum €70 per week; guide gratuity separate and discretionary |
| Full equipment rental, 7 nights | €140 per person |
| 15-litre cylinder, 7 nights | €40 |
| Private guide, 7 nights | €470 for up to four people |
| Single cabin use | 70% supplement on the individual rate |
| Non-diver or triple-occupancy reduction | €50 per person under the respective policy; combined reductions not established |
Longer-trip rentals, optional chamber cover and some course charges differ between published documents, so those extras belong in the departure-specific quotation. Flights, alcoholic drinks and any required entry documentation are outside the basic cruise fare.
Getting aboard
Hurghada and Marsa Alam airports serve the operation, but the useful airport depends on the actual marina and included transfer. Port Ghalib and Hurghada are not interchangeable flight choices, especially on a one-way cruise. The standard guide gives boarding from 18:00 and checkout at 08:00, while individual departure details can differ.
The last night may be aboard or in a three-star hotel according to the operating schedule. A stay before or after the cruise is a separate planning choice; a hotel transfer arrangement does not automatically include a later airport transfer.
Travelling with a non-diver?
Non-diving companions are welcomed, with a stated €50 per-person reduction that also applies to groups and full charters. Odyssey’s lounge, shaded seating and jacuzzi offer time aboard between activities. Snorkelling appears in some programme descriptions, including the long Marine Park circuit, but the available water activities and supervision depend on the selected route; the discount does not establish a dedicated snorkelling programme at every stop.
What guests loved — and what could be better
The checked LiveAboard.com listing scores Odyssey 9.0/10 from 26 verified reviews. Food, crew and comfort recur in the accounts examined, while individual reports also show how weather and the language mix can shape a trip. These are guest opinions, separate from Divezone’s reader ratings below.
What guests loved
Himchan Y, writing on 14 October 2026, praised attentive crew, clear briefings, varied meals and a clean, comfortable cabin. Weather prevented the planned Daedalus visit, but the guest appreciated how the crew handled the change. It is a useful recent example of a successful holiday whose actual route differed from the expectation.
Older feedback also praises the food and helpful team. It supports those recurring themes, but should not be treated as a current inspection of every cabin or facility.
What could be better
Brittani O’s review of 18 August 2025 was positive overall, particularly about food and service, but described feeling somewhat isolated without French despite the staff’s efforts. English-speaking guests who want effortless group conversation may find the departure’s language mix worth discussing. One guest’s experience does not establish the language of every future sailing.
When another boat might suit you better
Odyssey suits divers who value comfortable shared spaces and a broad choice of Egyptian routes, including longer expeditions. A traveller looking for a short, sheltered introduction, an assured English-speaking social group or a guaranteed visit to one offshore reef has a different set of priorities. Choosing the right departure matters as much as choosing the boat.
Questions about an Odyssey cruise
Is this the Odyssey in Egypt?
Yes. This page covers Seafari’s MY Odyssey in the Egyptian Red Sea, built in 2012. It is distinct from boats of the same name in Australia or Truk.
Does Odyssey have thirteen or fourteen cabins?
The detailed current layout totals thirteen cabins for up to 26 guests. A separate partner specification says fourteen. The table above follows the detailed layout; the reserved cabin and current deck plan should be confirmed together.
Can I have a double bed or separate beds?
Seven lower-deck cabins and one upper-deck cabin have twin beds. The main deck has two doubles and two double/triples; one additional double/triple is on the upper deck. Bed arrangements therefore vary by category.
What does a solo cabin cost?
Sole occupancy carries a 70% supplement on the individual fare. A shared berth can cost less, but depends on the actual available cabin and sharing conditions.
Are all routes seven nights?
No. The programme includes seven-night circuits, a ten-night Premium Expedition and fourteen-night Marine Park trips. The longer departures identified here are in the 2027 calendar, not remaining 2026 departures.
Is Nitrox included?
Nitrox is included for certified divers when available. Standard cylinders are twelve-litre aluminium; a fifteen-litre cylinder costs €40 for a seven-night trip.
Can an Open Water diver join?
The 2026 guide lists Open Water or equivalent for North and Fury Shoals. More demanding programmes require higher certification and experience. Because some booking fields differ from the boat guide, acceptance should be settled for the specific route before booking.
Are marine charges included in 2026?
Government taxes are included through 31 December 2026. From January 2027 the listed charge is €150 for seven nights and €300 for ten nights, payable in cash aboard. A fourteen-night example also lists €300; use its complete departure quote.
Will the boat visit every advertised reef?
No. Wind, sea conditions and access can change the route. A recent guest reported missing Daedalus because of weather. The itinerary is a plan, not a guarantee of every stop or animal encounter.
Which airport and port should I use?
The calendar includes Hurghada returns, Port Ghalib returns and one-way combinations. The booking’s actual ports and collective transfers should determine the flights.
Can a non-diving partner come?
Non-divers are welcomed and a €50 per-person reduction is stated. Onboard comforts are available, while snorkelling opportunities and supervision depend on the itinerary.
Is the final night always on the boat?
No. The operator may use a three-star hotel for the final night according to the schedule. Boarding and checkout details should follow the selected departure.
Have you travelled aboard Odyssey in Egypt? Share your review, including your dates, route and cabin.
Information checked 16 October 2026. This guide is researched rather than a new firsthand inspection. Prices are dated examples; photographs show the vessel and do not establish a particular cabin allocation.
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 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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