Emperor Superior 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...

With its pristine waters, abundant marine life, healthy coral, and some of the world’s most famous wrecks, the Red Sea is the ultimate playground for even the most seasoned diver.

Egypt offers a vast range of dive sites, many with access from shore, day boats, or liveaboards. Beginners can enjoy smooth currents, clear visibility, and shallow depths to practice and enhance their skills in several areas along the coast, such as Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam.

Advanced divers, on the other hand, will delight at the many liveaboard trips for more challenging dives in deeper waters. Expect strong currents and possible large marine life encounters with various types of sharks such as hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and tiger sharks, as well as mantas, dolphins, and whale sharks.

One of the top-rated fleets is the Emperor Fleet, with four vessels in the Red Sea, all offering varied itineraries throughout the year. This review covers the Emperor Superior, a custom-built, 121-foot (37 m) dive boat. Designed by divers for divers, this comfortable yacht features 13 cabins housing 26 guests.

Additionally, the Emperor fleet’s “No Hidden Fees” policy ensures that the total price paid includes all extra fees, such as marine park and port fees. Discounted rates and packages are available for large groups traveling together. The boat is also available for private charters. 

Let’s dive into our review of the Emperor Superior.

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:

  • Great photo opportunities and geographical range of dive sites
  • Helpful and attentive crew
  • Dive guides successfully manage dive times to avoid crowded dive sites
  • Outstanding chef and food

Things we don't like:

  • Some rooms in need of renovation
  • Boat in general could use an upgrade
  • Cleanliness is an issue in some cabins

Diving on the Emperor Superior liveaboard

Most divers who visit Egypt once find it hard to fight the urge to visit again. The vastness of the Red Sea, as well as the many dive sites awaiting discovery, make it one of the best dive locations in the world. With options ranging from caves to reefs, historical wrecks, and everything in between, it would take several trips to be able to explore all its wonders.

And due to the Red Sea’s near-perfect weather and water conditions, divers can easily book trips at any time of the year. Land temperatures range from 57 to 95 F (14 to 35 C) and water temperatures range from 61 to 81 F (16 to 27 C). High season runs from November to April, though the hot summer season from June to August is a good time to visit as well, with smaller crowds.

The Emperor Superior’s different itineraries offer a range of dive sites, such as the wreck graveyard at Abu Nahas, Daedalus, Elphinstone, Brothers Islands, St. John’s, the Blue Hole, Salem Express, and more. Marine life includes hammerheads, seasonal whale sharks, and oceanic whitetip sharks.

With two zodiacs and two dive guides, guests are well taken care of both topside and underwater. Guides are knowledgeable and professional, ensuring that divers get the most out of every dive. Free nitrox is available for those certified, as well as PADI speciality courses for those interested in enhancing their dive skills. The boat is also equipped for technical and rebreather diving.

Highlights:

  • Healthy coral reefs and marine life
  • Outstanding visibility up to 100 feet (30 m)
  • Equipped for technical diving and rebreather support
  • Free nitrox

Onboard the Emperor Superior

The Emperor Superior, one of four vessels in the Emperor fleet operating the Egyptian Red Sea, is a spacious 121-foot (37 m) yacht. Thirteen cabins house a total of 26 guests. Refurbished in 2016, the Emperor Superior has a variety of cabin configurations to suit every party. Each cabin is equipped with private air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and a minibar.

Inside, the lounge features an audio and video entertainment system, a small library stocked with books about fish and other ocean creatures, and board games for those looking to socialize. Free WiFi is also available onboard the Emperor Superior so guests who wish to can stay connected.

Outside, two large shaded sun decks are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine.

The spacious dive deck and platform offer easy access to large storage boxes and plenty of room to assemble equipment and gear up safely. Entry and exit are made easy with the help of the professional and attentive crew.

Highlights:

  • Free WiFi
  • International charging stations
  • Multiple rinse tanks
  • Camera table and air gun

Dining on the Emperor Superior

Anyone who’s experienced a liveaboard before knows just how tiring it can be due to sun exposure and multiple dives per day, so staying fueled with proper meals is of utmost importance. On the Emperor Superior, professionally trained chefs prepare delicious local and international buffet-style meals to keep all guests fueled up for the next dive.

If anyone gets hungry, complimentary snacks such as biscuits, cake, and fresh fruit are available throughout the day, as well as water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Complimentary red wine is included with dinners, however, guests can purchase local alcoholic beverages from the bar onboard or prior to boarding from a local alcohol shop.

Highlights:

  • Great variety of food
  • Complimentary wine with dinner
  • Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request

Things we like:

  • Great photo opportunities and geographical range of dive sites
  • Helpful and attentive crew
  • Dive guides successfully manage dive times to avoid crowded dive sites
  • Outstanding chef and food

Things we don't like:

  • Some rooms in need of renovation
  • Boat in general could use an upgrade
  • Cleanliness is an issue in some cabins
Key Facts
Year Built 2004
Max Divers 26
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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