Emperor Asmaa is the ’divers’ choice’ for many Red Sea liveaboard cruises, mainly due the limited number of guests, its itineraries which are mainly to the south, and its unbeatable value. At 30 metres in length, Asmaa is not the largest Red Sea liveaboard, but it’s only slightly smaller than most others and it takes fewer diving guests. The boat has comfortable guest cabins and communal areas, ensuring plenty of space to relax and socialise. Also, with its twin cabins and mainly-southern itineraries, Asmaa is very popular with dive clubs, some of which book the whole boat for a full charter.
Starting at the top of the boat, Asmaa has a nice sundeck that is partially shaded, ensuring that you can top up your tan or look at the stars, or just enjoy the view without being too exposed. The upper deck has the captain’s wheelhouse, four guest cabins, and the large & popular outdoor sofa & bar area. Here is where dive briefings are held and where most guests spend their non-diving time, especially during late afternoon & evening. The main deck of Asmaa is home to the large dining room and saloon lounge, which are stylishly designed and fully air conditioned. To the rear are two bathrooms and the diving deck. Most dives begin from the motorized tenders, but sometimes divers enter from the rear of the main boat. In any case, the dive equipment needs to be stored and tanks refilled. Here there is lots of well-designed space and the best materials are used to maximise safety & convenience. The lower deck of Asmaa has six twin-bed guest cabins, which offer possibly the best-value Red Sea liveaboard diving available.
Like on its sister boats, divers on Emperor Asmaa can enjoy Nitrox fills for free. The team are also able to teach the Nitrox course as well as the PADI Advanced course if you’re not certified to depth yet. The team focus on a personal but professional service. This includes diving activities, and serving the most-delicious food and drinks throughout each cruise. When in range, free Wi-Fi is available to all guests, as well. And don’t forget that the rates include the national marine park and harbour fees!
Each cabin has two single beds, independently-controlled air conditioning, a private bathroom with hot & cold freshwater showers, and two towels supplied per guest. Food is served buffest style and is a delicious blend of local & western cuisine that is not too spicy. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, if you let us know in advance. All in all, it’s hard to beat Emperor Asmaa for the friendly & professional service, great value and exciting itineraries.
Prices & Schedule
MV Emperor Asmaa Diver Prices Overview 2024 / 2025 | |||
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Destinations | Duration | Standard Twin | Upper Deck Twin |
, Thistlegorm, , Brother Islands, Famous Five ( 21 Dives) | 6D / 7N | Standard Twin1,260 USD | Upper Deck Twin1,365 USD |
Sha’ab El Erg, , Straits of Tiran, Dunraven, SS Thistlegorm, Straits of Gubal North & Easy ( 21 Dives) | 6D / 7N | Standard Twin1,155 USD | Upper Deck Twin1,260 USD |
Shaab El Erg, , Straits of Gubal, SS Thistlegorm, , Straits of Tiran, Ulysses Reefs & Wrecks ( 21 Dives) | 6D / 7N | Standard Twin1,050 USD | Upper Deck Twin1,155 USD |
Itinerary
There are several itineraries on Emperor Asmaa, most going south. Please carefully select an itinerary from the list below that matches your chosen trip on the schedule. On nearly all trips, the first and final nights are spent on board in the harbour. This enables you to arrive by plane, travel directly to the boat, recover from jetlag before diving, and to safely fly after disembarkation on the final day.
The itineraries below are the most-common for each trip, but these can sometimes be changed for a number of reasons. Small changes are made due to weather & sea conditions, special marine life sightings, overcrowded dive sites, local-authorities' instructions, and the needs & requests of the paying guests. The safety & comfort of all guests is most important at all times.
Itineraries | ||
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Itinerary Name (click the itinerary name to open) | Days / Nights | Number of dives |
Facilites, Layout and Specifications
MV Emperor Asmaa Layout |
MV Emperor Asmaa Specifications | |
Built: | 2003. refit Jan 2015. |
Length: | 30 Metres. |
Beam: | 7.0 Metres. |
Draft: | 2.1 Metres. |
Construction: | Wood. |
Engines: | 2 x 630 HP MAN. |
Generators: | 1 x 38 kW Perkins, 1 x 84 kW Perkins. |
Compressors: | 2 x 215 L / hour, 1 x 190 L / hour. |
Nitrox: | EAB's Membrane filling station. |
Navigation: | GPS, Echo Sounder, VHF Marina. |
Fresh Water: | 1 x Aquaset desalination system 5500 litres per day. |
Guests: | Max. 20 Guests. |
Cabins: | Lower Deck: 6 x twin beds (beds side by side) air conditioning ensuite, Upper Deck: 4 x twin beds (beds side by side) air conditioning ensuite. |
Sundeck: | 1 x Sundeck, 1 x Fly Bridge. |
Entertainment: | TV, Video, DVD, CD. |
Dinghy: | 2 x Zodiacs 25hp. |
Safety: | Life jackets & life rafts, Fire Alarm System,Oxygen/Medic, First Aid Kit. |
Communication: | VHF marina radio & satellite phone. |
Scuba Tanks: | 12 litre Aluminum tanks as standard and 15 litre Aluminum tanks on request. |
Courses
Divers on board Emperor Asmaa need to be already certified. But if you have not dived in a while there is a skills review option upon request. The most-popular course on Asmaa is the PADI Nitrox course, because fills are offered for free to certified divers. The Advanced Open Water Course & Adventure dives are available on request.
Transfer details
The Emperor team collect guests from local hotels and Hurghada & Marsa Alam airports for free on departure day. At the end of each trip the same transfers are available. Please note that the road journey between Hurghada and Marsa Alam/Port Ghalib is approximately three hours.
Booking / Enquiry