Emperor Superior Liveaboard Reviews & Specials - Bluewater Dive Travel

Emperor Superior

4.75
(4 REVIEWS)
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior
Emperor Superior

Destination: Red Sea

The Famous Five, Get Wrecked! and Reefs & Wrecks (7 Nights) | From $140/night

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Emperor Superior Quick Pitch

Measuring 37m, Emperor Superior offers great facilities and all the safety equipment meets International standards. She is also equipped with NITROX, offers technical diving and carries a minimum of two dive guides.

 

Why You'll Like Emperor Superior

  • Well set for photographers; international charging stations
  • Spacious restaurant and delicious food
  • Premium coffee bar on board
  • Dive the Northern routes with iconic reefs and world famous wrecks
  • More 21+ dive trips than any other liveaboard for maximum bottom time
  • FREE Nitrox, Limited FREE WiFi and red wine at dinner

 

Location

Sailing from Hurghada.

 

Dive Overview

The Red Sea offers exquisite dive options as the "Egyptian Riviera," where you will find stunning wrecks and reefs in close vicinity to historic above-water heritage sites.

[See: Red Sea Dive Travel Guide]

 

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Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

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Emperor Superior Cabin Overview

Emperor Superior offers a total of 13 cabins: 9 twin-berth (1 x Upper Deck), 2 bunk style and 1 double cabin and a compact single bed cabin, comfortably accommodating 25 people. All cabins have air-con and ensuite bathrooms (WC/shower) and two towels per guest.

Emperor Superior Lower Deck Twin Cabin Emperor Superior Bunk Bed Cabin Emperor Superior Upper Deck Double Cabin

From left to right: Lower Deck Twin, Bunk Bed, & Upper Deck Double Cabins

 

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General Facilities

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Emperor Superior Emperor Superior

Emperor Superior's Dining Room (LEFT) & Salon (RIGHT)

Emperor Superior Sundeck Emperor Superior Dive Deck

Emperor Superior's Sundeck (LEFT) & Dive Deck (RIGHT)

 

Emperor Superior Boat Features

  • Lounge: 1 x Air conditioned
  • Separate dining room: Air conditioned
  • Entertainment: TV/Video/DVD/CD Mediaplayer
  • Sundecks: 2 x Sundecks
  • 2 Towels + 1 Robe per guest
  • Special diets catered for on request
  • Limited free WiFi

 

Emperor Superior Dive Facilities

  • Dive deck: Spacious and equipped with 12-liter Aluminum tanks as standard and 15-liter Aluminum tanks on request. 7.25m x 8m platform
  • Air compressors: 2 x Coltri Sub
  • Nitrox diving: Nitrox Compressor
  • Technical diving: On request
  • Dive equipment rental: Full equipment with SMB and dive computer 160 Euros per week
  • Medical Oxygen and comprehensive First Aid available: Oxygen/Medic First Aid Kit

 

Food & Drinks Aboard Emperor Superior

Outstanding menus are offered on board. Tea, coffee or hot chocolate, soft drinks, as well as snacks, are available at all times in the dining area, free red wine is offered with dinner.

Emperor Superior Emperor Superior 

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Emperor Superior Liveaboard Deck Plan

Emperor Superior

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Schedule, Rates & Availability

The actual rates are based in EUR. The starting price indicated above may vary based on the current exchange rate.

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The rates shown below are per person in USD for Standard Lower Deck Cabins. Per Week Supplements: €150 per person for the Upper Deck cabins. €180 for the Main Deck cabins. €40 per person per week reduction for Lower Deck bunks. Twin berth cabin for single use: standard cabin share rate + 50%. 

All taxes and port & park fees are included. The pricing at the time of booking may vary depending on the latest EUR/USD exchange rate.

[See also: Inclusions & Exclusions]


Inclusions

  • Shared cabin
  • 7 nights on board (last night either on board or in a hotel)
  • 6 days diving
  • Local transfers
  • Guide, 12-liter tanks, weights
  • Full board & soft drinks
  • Red wine with dinner
  • Environmental tax
  • Marine Park fees and port departure fees
  • Free Nitrox on all boats, subject to availability

 

Exclusions

  • Flight/visa
  • Diving equipment
  • Tanks other than 12-liters and alcohol

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Rates & Availability

For more information on rates and availability email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!

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Dive Information & Itineraries

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 Famous Five Cruise Itinerary - From Hurghada

  • Starting from Hurghada, we sail north towards Gubal Island and on to Abu Nuhas and its four well-known wrecks: Giannis D, Carnatic, the 'Lentil Wreck' and the 'Tile Wreck', all offering spectacular dives and plenty of fish life. Explore the Rosalie Moller (the sister ship of the slightly more famous Thistlegorm), which lies from 30 to 50 meters deep and is in excellent condition. Although the visibility is not always good the wreck is covered in glassfish from bow to stern and hunting them are masses of lionfish. 
  • Around the wreck are the usual pelagics such as tuna, trevallies, Emperor fish and many more.
  • A short ride across the Straits of Gubal and you visit the most famous wreck of the Red Sea, the SS Thistlegorm! An awe-inspiring World War II British vessel with a cargo full of armaments, Bedford trucks and BSA motorbikes, which were all destined for the British troops in North Africa. She was sunk by the German Luftwaffe and now lies in 30 meters of water. Depending on divers' experience, along with weather and current conditions, we try to offer a night dive here. Nearby is the Ras Mohamed National Park, offering a morning dive at the renowned 'Shark and Yolanda' reefs. Ras Mohamed National Park is the furthest Sinai destination before heading south towards the Brothers.
  • The Brother Islands are the pinnacles of two undersea mountains rising from the depths of the abyss and are located about 60 miles offshore from El Quseir. Part of the Marine Park Islands National Park, these islands offer stunning wall diving, with the walls being covered in soft corals and forests of gorgonians, creating a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colors. They attract a diverse array of marine species and large pelagics. Big tuna, barracudas, jacks and snappers cruise in the blue, accompanied by occasional hammerheads, silky and oceanic white tip sharks and mantas. Even the rare thresher shark can sometimes be found there. Sightings of the grey reef shark are almost guaranteed on the North and South Plateaux of Small Brother.
  • For the wreck diver, the Aida II, an Egyptian supply vessel, and the Numidia, a cargo ship, lie on the walls of the Big Brother. Both are covered in a rich growth of soft and hard corals. Marine life includes a family of Napoleon wrasse and grey reef sharks.
  • The boat will then sail back to Hurghada via Safaga where you can dive at Panorama Reef or the famous wreck of Salem Express for a memorable finale!

 

"Get Wrecked!" Itinerary - From Hurghada

  • The Get Wrecked cruise combines the 'best of the best' of the most famous wrecks in the northern Red Sea along with some stunning reef diving.
  • Leaving from Hurghada, we aim to dive all the wrecks in the area including:
  • El Mina, an Egyptian mine sweeper lying just outside Hurghada's harbour; the Carnatic, the Chrisoula K ('tile wreck'), the Kimon M ('lentil wreck') and Giannis D at Abu Nuhas; at Gubal islands we dive the Barge, the Ulysses (sunk in 1887) and the Rosalie Moeller; next onto the Kingston (or Sarah H, sunk in 1881) lying at Shag Rock; and, of course, the Dunraven (sunk 1876) at Beacon Rock situated in the Ras Mohammed National Park, then finally the most famous wreck in the Red Sea, the Thistlegorm, which lies at Shaab Ali.
  • These wrecks are spectacular and make fantastic material for the underwater photographer, being smothered
  • in corals, especially the Carnatic, which sank in 1869.  The famous SS Thistlegorm and the Rosalie Moller are World War II wrecks and one of the highlights of this cruise.
  • The SS Thistlegorm was sunk in 1941 after being bombed by the German Luftwaffe while on a mission to deliver a cargo of ammunition and other war materials to the British troops in North Africa. 
  • The Rosalie Moeller, carrying a cargo of coal, suffered the same fate just two days later.
  • In between wreck dives, you will also visit the reefs of the Straits of Gubal, Gulf of Suez and those to the north of Hurghada. A variety of deep walls and hard coral gardens with an abundance of reef fish make them well worth a visit.
  • All wrecks are subject to divers' experience and weather conditions.

 

Reefs & Wrecks Itinerary - From Hurghada

  • This itinerary presents the best of both worlds, where you visit famous wrecks in the northern Red Sea along with some stunning reef diving.
  • The famous horseshoe shaped reef of Shaab El Erg is a perfect example of the reefs on offer on this cruise with its beautiful hard coral garden and the chance to see dolphins.
  • Abu Nuhas has four well-known wrecks: Giannis D, Carnatic, the Chrisoula K ('tile wreck') and the Kimon M ('lentil wreck'), all offering spectacular dives and plenty of fish life.
  • In between wreck dives, you will also visit the reefs of the Straits of Gubal, Gulf of Suez and those to the north of Hurghada. A variety of deep walls and hard coral gardens with an abundance of reef fish make them well worth a visit.
  • Night dives can be superb as Gubal Island offers protected anchoring for the night. A small wreck at 8-10 meters makes for a spectacular night dive with lionfish, scorpion fish and its resident giant moray eel as well as the wreck of the Ulysses. Next onto the Kingston lying at Shag Rock, the Carina lying close to Sha'ab Ali and the Dunraven at Beacon Rock.
  • Ras Mohamed lies on the southernmost tip of the Sinai and is one of the best kept National Parks in Egypt with waters full of nutrients, steep walls going down to a depth of 1000 meters attracting a large amount of big fish and earning itself a reputation as one of the top diving areas in the world. Whilst here, you may have the chance to dive at Shark Reef; a sheer wall falling into the blue, as well as the wreck of the Yolanda.
  • Jackson Reef, locally named the 'Aquarium', is Tiran's most popular dive with the 'Jackson Drift' being Sharm's' fastest and most exhilarating drift dive past a stunning wall bursting with prolific coral growth. Occasionally, in the summer months, a school of scalloped hammerheads can be seen. Thomas Reef gives you plunging walls covered with soft coral, gorgonians and colorful fish life. The west wall is darker with overhangs and caves full of glassfish and sweepers. A night dive at Gordon Reef promises various species of coral, small nudibranchs hidden in the crevices and the soft corals and a chance to see white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, octopus and different types of eel such as moray, peppered and gold edged morays.
  • Finally the most famous wreck in the Red Sea, the SS Thistlegorm, at Shaab Ali and including a night dive on Thistle. The Thistlegorm was sunk in 1941 after being bombed by the German Luftwaffe while on a mission to deliver a cargo of ammunition and other war materials to the British troops in North Africa.
  • From here the boat heads back towards Hurghada.
  • All dives sites are subject to divers' experience and weather conditions.

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Other Information

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Boat Specifications

  • Type: Wooden hull
  • Year built: 2004
  • Dry Dock: Annually
  • Length: 37m
  • Beam: 8.3m
  • Draft: 2.2m
  • Engines: 2 x 764 HP Caterpillar
  • Generators: 2 x 80kw
  • Navigation and Communication system: GPS/Plotter VHF/DSC/ Radar/Satellite Phone
  • Freshwater capacity: 2 x Aquaset desalination system 11000 liters per day
  • Air compressors: 2 x 265 L / hour, 1 x 250 L / hour
  • Tenders: 2 x Zodiac 40 HP
  • Maximum guests: 25
  • Number of cabins: 13
  • Number of crews: 12 crew + 2 dive guides

 

Practical Information

  • Time Zone: UTC+2
  • Local Currency: EGP (Egyptian Pounds)
  • Language Spoken: Arabic, English, Italian, German, Dutch, French and Spanish
  • Electricity: 220V
  • Payment Onboard: Euros, US dollars, Egyptian pounds, Sterling pounds and credit cards (VISA and MasterCard)

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Got Questions? Ready to Book?

Call us today at +1-310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com

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Underwater Gallery 

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Emperor Superior Emperor SuperiorEmperor Superior Emperor SuperiorEmperor Superior Emperor Superior 

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Reviews (4)

4
4
5
4

I booked Emperor Superior with high expectations as it is billed as one of the higher-end boats in the Red Sea. I would say my 7 nights on board were fine, but I certainly wasn’t wowed, and didn’t enjoy this trip nearly as much as some of the other Red Sea liveaboards I’ve spent time on.

The Good Bits:

Accommodation
We had an Upper Deck Double Cabin (the only one on board) and it was spacious and well appointed with a good amount of storage, although no hanging space. The en suite was large and the shower was also really big for a boat, but there were no shelves or storage facilities of any kind in the ensuite so our toiletries had to stay in a bag on the floor. The rest of the boat was in good condition, clean and well looked after. There was plenty of space in the saloon, although with 26 divers on board some people did have to stand or sit on the floor during briefings. There was also enough space for all guests to eat at the same time in the dining area.

Food and Staff
The food was tasty and plentiful - there were some really nice healthy options, soup each day, plenty of salads, and not too much seafood. The Desserts were also delicious. The catering staff and stewards were always helpful and courteous. The dive deck hands were very good - helpful and attentive at all times.

The Bad Bits:

Organization
There were quite a few changes to the schedule due to weather, and this was discussed with the guests each evening. However, there were times when things seemed very disorganized with little communication to the guests. This was especially the case at the end of the trip when we were delayed back into port.

Diving
The best sites on this itinerary are Tiran and Ras Mohammed. We spent 1 full day (4 dives) in Tiran but then only did 1 dive in Ras Mohammed. This was a big disappointment as some of the most exciting reef and wall dives are in this area and the marine life is excellent.

There were 26 divers onboard and 2 dive guides. This is what Emperor advertised, so no surprises, however, on many other Red Sea liveaboards there are fewer divers and 3 guides (1 cruise director and 2 guides). In addition to this, on almost all dives on this trip there was only 1 guide in the water. This meant that all but the least experienced divers were diving unguided the majority of the time.

Of all the boats I’ve been on, it is the staff that make or break a trip, and unfortunately, most of the staff on this trip were lacking any kind of personal touch. It really felt like we were just the next group on a conveyor belt of trips.

In Summary:
This wasn’t a terrible trip by any means, however, I have been on some great Red Sea liveaboards and this didn’t match up to previous experiences. I will definitely steer clear of such large boats in the future, as I feel the number of guests had a big impact on most of the negative issues we experienced. This maybe isn’t the best option for new divers or those looking for a highly personal experience.

Visited on 04/2023 - Submitted on 04/09/2023
5
5
5
5

We did our first live aboard trip on the Emperor Superior in April. The boat and crew were first class. We had an upper deck berth that was spacious and had a large window. All cabins have their own en suit and are air conditioned. The boat is very clean and tidy and all rooms are cleaned daily by the crew.

The crew are extremely attentive providing first class assistance whether dining, kitting up for a dive or returning after a dive. They get to know you so well that by the second day they knew how we liked our tea made and how we liked our breakfast eggs cooked. All meals are first class and served buffet style either on deck or in the dining saloon. Dinner comprised three courses with a soup of the day followed by seafood, beef and or chicken and vegetables. The deserts are plentiful and varied - there is little chance of losing weight even when doing 4 dives a day.

The boat is designed for diving and as such the dive deck never felt cluttered or cramped even with 20 divers kitting up. The dive guides are very knowledgeable about the dive sites and the pre-dive briefings held in the lounge are informative and safety driven. Both Nitrox and air are available to divers and we actually completed the Nitrox PADI course on the boat. In most instances the live aboard anchors above the dive site so access to the sites is extremely easy. When this is not possible - especially on the reefs - groups are taken to the dive sites on a short zodiak ride.

We did the Wrecks and Reefs itinerary and were not disappointed. We dived on 7 wrecks including the famous Thistlegorm which is every bit as magnificent a dive as we had read about. Visibility was good - as it tends to be in the Red Sea and the reefs we dove on had plenty to see including large fan corals, eels, octopus, lion, large Napoleon and stone fish. Dive sites are very popular and as such there can be multiple boats including day trippers at many of the sites making them crowded.

In April the water is still cold - although this is a relative term. We dove in 5mm wetsuits but when we go back again we will definitely be wearing a 7mm semi dry at least. All of the other divers either wore these or dry suits. The wind at this time blows strong and cold so warm clothing to wear at the end of the diving day is a must.

Emperor diving have something for everyone. We particularly wanted to dive on the Thislegorm and as stated earlier we were not disappointed. If you are contemplating a live aboard trip read the itineraries carefully to see if they suit what you want to see. One diver on our trip had not done this simple homework and had less than a good time as she hated diving on the wrecks.

Visited on 04/2014 - Submitted on 04/18/2014
5
5
5
5

I have tried a few different liveaboard operators in the Redsea, since 2007. But I always come back to Emperor.

The boats are fantastic. Been on the Superior and Elite. Spacious rooms with A/C. Good beds. Never had any problems with the bathrooms. Everywhere you go on the boat, you'll be satisfied, because it's all clean.
There's also free wifi internet, as long as the boat is in reach of signals. Big screen tv to watch movies of todays diving, or just relax with a Hollywood flic.

The guides are great. They soon find out who's experienced enough to manage themself, and who needs more looking after. Their english is exellent, and they usually speaks a few other languages. (This can often be a problem with some other companies, which use local guides with poor language skills.)

Food is exellent! There is a big variety in what goes on the table. There is always something for everyone. I have never had something I've refused to eat. And you get to chose how you want your eggs in the morning. Scrambled, poached, boiled, omelet in lots of varieties... You name it. On the Elite there is also free wine to dinner. Three meals, and all the snack or beverages you need, every day. Exept alcohol, which must be bought, at a nice price. You can also bring your own alcohol. There is no problem with that. BUT, the guides can tell you to NOT dive the first dive in the morning, if their opinion is that you've had to much in the evening.

Diving is fantastic! Depending on which itinerary you chose, you get just what you want. There's a trip for those who just want rust. For the ones who just want fish and corals. Those who wants the big stuff. Sharks, mantas, dolphins. There's something for everyone.
And the best part is that there is almost unlimited visibility. The Redsea have no big rivers driving dirt into it. So the waters is crystal clear.

Pictures from Deep south, with Emperor Elite in 2012:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stigsarre/sets/72157632242582043/

Pictures from Northern Reefs and Wrecks, with Emperor Superior in 2009:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stigsarre/sets/72157624587316399/

Pictures from Northern Reefs and Wrecks, with Emperor Superior in 2010:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stigsarre/sets/72157625316055275/

Visited on 11/2012 - Submitted on 02/25/2014
Cologne,
Germany
5
5
4
5

This March I will be on my 5th trip with Emperor within the last 5 years. It started with 2 people on Asmaa and this we are going to be 8 people on Superior.
Looking and that the Emperor Fleet cannot be bad as I alsways bring the same people plus some more. I never had anyone coming back from a trip being dissapointed.

Diving:
Really spacious dive deck with a lot of storage aread. Great for photographers since the offer nice camera tables with rubber tops and air blow guns next to it.
With their partner Tecstreme the offer everything you need for technical and rebreather diving. The guides on board are always very friendly and helpfule. And also very professional and with a high knowledge. All the needed safety equipment is available and also the local boat crew is very helpful und professional

Accomondation:
Nice spacious cabins for two people with ensuite bath. Some boats offer single cabins as well as master suites with queen size bed. Very very clean, new towels and bedsheets after half the trip. Cabins are cleaned every day. The boats all offer enough room for everyone even if the boat is fully booked. Jacuzy on the sundeck.
Almost like a 5 Star Hotel

Food:
best food I ever got on a boat. Cooked to order breakfast plus buffet style. Lunch and dinner was always perfect. On the last night on the sea they do a captains dinner with fresh full turkey. Softdrinks, water , tea and coffee are free. Beer and wine at extra cost (except Elite which offers wine for dinner)

Dive sites:
What can I say: the Red Sea! Best water I ever got my head in and I'm diving a lot since 1991. Beatiful coral reefs, chance for big stuff like Manta Ray, Sharks, Dolphins. Some of the best wrecks of the world and some of the most amazing drop offs.

Timing:
It is hard to tell when it is the best time for a Red Sea dive trip. Generally it is all year diving, but you will see different thing on different times. November until March is meant to be winter time which means that it is a bit more cold, or lets say less hot. Day temperatures are around 25 C / 77 F. Water is a bit colder at around 20 C / 68 F. Does not sound to bad, but with the typical Red Sea wind you might get cold getting out your wetsuit. In Summertime water gets up to 25 to 28 C / 77 F to
83 F while the air get really hot during daytime. 40 C / 102 F is easily possible.
Wintertime is somewhat like low season, so less crowded, but due to the political situation in Cairo it is quite slow in Egypt all year round now. By the way, the situation in Cairo does not really affect the diving in the Red Sea.
The warmer the water the more beatiful coral life will be, but vis also goes down a bit. The colder the water the better the chance for big stuff. Best season for sharks is in March and April, but you never know. Red Sea is always good for suprises. The only whale shark of my life came by at Brother Islands in June which is very unusal.

Routing:
Emperor Divers do offer different routes from different ports in Egypt. I did not travel on all routes yet, but my most favourite is "simply the best" as it combines wrecks in northern Red Sea and the world famous Brother Island with their amazing drop off walls and good chances for sharks. But you will travel a lot with the boat, so if you prefer more dives and tend to get seasick you should stay north or south. "Deep South" route offer beatiful coral gardens, some caverns and beatiful marine life.
For wreck lovers "get wrecked" or "reef and wrecks" is the better option. There are a lot of nice wrecks in the northern part of Red Sea. So if you are for rust go there.
Emperor Divers also offer desginated tech trips with special dive sites with depths below 70m / 230 feet. These trips are only for certified tech and rebreather divers.

General:
Great dive operator with great boats, very professional staff and perfect reaction times on emails. Always had been happy going diving with them and I will return for sure.
Red Sea is for sure divers paradise and for all european people an amazing option to go with an 4 hour flight. But it is also worth taking a long flight from the US to get down there.

Visited on 02/2013 - Submitted on 02/15/2014

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