Emperor Asmaa Liveaboard overview

By
Sally Lockman
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Born and raised on a tiny island in the Middle East, Sally has always been passionate about the ocean. After finally leaving the corporate and banking...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

The Red Sea in Egypt holds a rightful place at the top of most divers’ bucket lists. Visitors from around the world revel in pristine visibility, incredible coral reefs, marvelous marine life, and historical wrecks. Divers of all levels can enjoy a wide range of dive site options, with the potential to see dolphins, oceanic whitetip sharks, whale sharks, dugongs, hammerheads, thresher sharks, moray eels, and more.

The optimal way to explore the numerous dive sites is through a week-long liveaboard trip. Guests get to experience all that the Red Sea has to offer over several days of diving while mingling with equally enthused divers from different cultures and backgrounds.

One of the top-rated fleets in the area is the Emperor fleet, with four vessels in Egypt alone. This review covers the Emperor Asmaa, a 90-foot (30 m) vessel with 10 deluxe cabins, specifically designed to be equipped with all the diving amenities. Various itineraries run throughout the year and include sites such as Brothers Islands, Straits of Tiran, Daedalus, and more.

Equipped with a multilingual crew and attentive staff, this sleek and modern yacht is designed to give guests a unique and memorable experience.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of the Emperor Asmaa.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Attentive and helpful crew
  • Boat and cabins in great condition
  • A wide variety of marine life encounters
  • Free nitrox and WiFi
  • Equipped for technical and rebreather diving

Things we don't like:

  • Food may be repetitive
  • Briefings may sometimes be short

Diving on the Emperor Asmaa liveaboard

Offering perfect year-round conditions, divers can choose their preferred season to coincide with the different itineraries the Emperor Asmaa offers. While conditions are usually suitable for most divers, due to strong currents in certain areas divers must have some diving experience and a certain level of physical fitness.

Water and weather conditions vary in the Red Sea, with land temperatures ranging from 64 to 104 F (18 to 40 C) and water temperatures ranging from 62 to 84 F (17 to 29 C). High season runs from April to December.

The Emperor Asmaa’s general itinerary visits sites such as Daedalus, Elphinstone, Brothers Island, Ras Mohamed, and various wrecks such as Abu Nahas, the Salem Express, and the iconic SS Thistlegorm. Various week-long trips run throughout the year, and those more interested in marine life than wrecks might encounter hammerheads, whale sharks, thresher sharks, oceanic whitetips, dugongs, and more.

Equipped with two zodiacs, two dive guides, and a multilingual crew, this yacht is a dream for any diver, including those interested in tech diving. Professionally trained staff are available to ensure guests are attended to at all times. As a thoughtful bonus, free nitrox is provided onboard to certified divers.

Highlights:

  • Incredible visibility up to 100 feet (30 m)
  • Dive sites include caves, wrecks, and walls
  • All dives are done from zodiac
  • Equipped for technical diving and rebreather support
  • Free nitrox

Onboard the Emperor Asmaa

Renovated in 2015, this 90-foot (30m) yacht is designed specifically to include all the amenities necessary to provide divers with the ultimate liveaboard experience. Ten deluxe cabins house up to 20 guests. Rooms are divided into six lower-deck twin cabins and four upper-deck twin cabins, each equipped with individual air conditioners, ensuite bathrooms, and storage space.

The indoor lounge is designed with comfort in mind and equipped with entertainment facilities, electronic charges, and free internet for guests as they have their briefings, unwind, relax, and dine throughout the day.

An outdoor lounge, shaded sun deck, and upstairs bar are also great spots for guests to relax and mingle on the sun loungers or bean bags during surface intervals and at the end of a long day.

Finally, the spacious dive platform allows divers to move around and set up their gear freely as they enter and exit the water. Snorkel equipment is available for non-divers to ensure they also enjoy their time onboard.

Highlights:

  • Entertainment facilities and charging stations
  • Onboard library
  • Free internet
  • Non-diver friendly

Dining on the Emperor Asmaa

To keep guests fueled for all their activities, experienced chefs prepare delicious local, Western, and international cuisines daily, served in three buffet-style meals. Complimentary wine is available in the evenings with dinner.

Vegetarian or vegan meals are available with prior notice at the time of booking, while those who require gluten-free products are encouraged to bring them as they are not typically available.

Complimentary snacks, including cakes and biscuits, tea, coffee, and soft drinks are available all day. Local beer and a wine selection is available at an additional cost.

Highlights:

  • Variety of local and western cuisine
  • Complimentary wine with dinner
  • Local beer and wine selection available at extra charge
  • Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request

Things we like:

  • Attentive and helpful crew
  • Boat and cabins in great condition
  • A wide variety of marine life encounters
  • Free nitrox and WiFi
  • Equipped for technical and rebreather diving

Things we don't like:

  • Food may be repetitive
  • Briefings may sometimes be short
Key Facts
Year Built 2003
Max Divers 18
Price Range Budget
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes (free)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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