FAQs
Travel Planning
If a guest arrives later than 5:00pm there is a very good chance the boat will have already departed. We highly recommend arriving a day early and purchasing trip insurance in the event there are issues with your travel plans or you have to cancel.
In the event you have delays in your travels, or missed the boat, please contact us as soon as possible to find out if there are any ways to connect with the vessel. The U.S. Reservations Office can take your calls Monday thru Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST at (U.S. and Canada) 800.327.9600 or (Worldwide) 954.734.7111.
Please email info@allstarliveaboards.com with the flight changes, your trip date and vessel name so we can update your information.
If you prefer to speak to a representative, our U.S. Reservations Office can take your call Monday thru Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST at (U.S. and Canada) 800.327.9600 or (Worldwide) 954.734.7111.
Currency can be exchanged at most major hotels. ATMs can also be found at the airport or marinas. Some restaurants and retailers will accept USD$ dollar or EU€ Euro, just double-check the exchange rate first.
Divers will need money or a credit or debit card for rental equipment, dive courses, alcoholic beverages, gratuities – including the dive boat crew gratuity, and Egypt VAT (Value Added Tax) which went into effect on February 1, 2022.
Payments can be made on board, payable in cash (USD$ dollar, GBP£ pound sterling, EUR€ Euro, or EGP£ Egyptian pound) or by credit or debit card, if the amount is greater than $25 USD. Credit and debit cards will incur a processing fee. American Express is not accepted.
A passport and a visa are needed to enter Egypt. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Egypt. A visa can be purchased at the airport for $25.00* USD. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate regarding passports and visas.
*Subject to change.
Universal Time Coordinate (UTC) +02:00. UTC was formerly known at Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
For travel planning, boarding begins at 6:00pm. Please plan your flights accordingly so that you may board as close to this time as possible. We recommend arriving the day before to avoid any same day travel stresses. The Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort offers day passes* and day rooms** for those who are arriving on Monday well before the 6:00pm boarding time. Click on the hotel’s link for pricing.
* Use of the beach, swimming pool and facilities.
** Includes a room with use of the beach, swimming pool and facilities.
The atmosphere on board the All Star Scuba Scene is always relaxed and casual. You’ll spend your days in bathing suits and casual wear. Bring shorts or pants, T-shirts and a windbreaker. Also bring a pair of sandals, hat, sunscreen (reef-safe) and sunglasses. In winter, a sweatshirt or sweater is advisable. Click here for a checklist.
The best time is anytime!
To view sample itineraries, click here.
All guests disembark after breakfast or no later than 9:00am on Mondays.
Payments can be made on board, payable in cash (USD$ dollar, GBP£ pound sterling, EUR€ Euro, or EGP£ Egyptian pound) or by credit or debit card, if the amount is greater than $25 USD. Credit and debit cards will incur a processing fee. American Express is not accepted.
No, prices are the same for divers and non-divers alike.
The liveaboard business is a service industry, and although the general public is seldom aware of it, gratuities are a major part of a crew member’s salary. Few other recreational activities rely so heavily upon the professionals in charge for your enjoyment and safety. A gratuity of 15% is customary, but many leave more when they feel the service was outstanding. If you are disappointed with the service, you should inform the cruise director of your feelings right away so he may rectify the situation.
Cash is preferred for gratuity. Egypt collects a 10% VAT (Value Added Tax) on all credit card payments. Credit and debit cards will also incur a processing fee.
Local ground transfers will be provided in Hurghada and Marsa Alam from/to airport/hotel and vessel.
- Diveassure: For annual combination trip and dive accident insurance. Included cancellation due to Covid.
- Travelex: Travel protection for a single trip. You may choose the TRAVEL SELECT policy and select the optional ADVENTURE SPORTS COVERAGE upgrade which waives the policy exclusions for extreme sports such as scuba diving. Purchase of Travelex insurance must be more than 21 days from date of travel.
In the U.S., it is best to check with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) when arranging your travel plans. Information can be found here. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate government health agency.
We have a list of hotels that we can recommend in Cairo, Hurghada, The Great Pyramid of Giza and Marsa Alam. To view, click here. We also offer land-based and river cruises. To learn more, click here.
Policies
More than 9 months from departure, a refund less 5% cancellation fee. Within 9 months of departure, payment is forfeited unless the vessel departs full, then a full refund will be issued less a 5% service fee.
For individuals, we require a deposit to confirm your reservation within ten (10) days. Full payment is due 4 months prior to departure. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover, personal check, money order and wire transfers. For more details on amounts due and when, click here.
In the U.S., it is best to check with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) when arranging your travel plans. Information can be found here. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate government health agency.
No, prices are the same for divers and non-divers alike.
Egypt has implemented a VAT (Value Added) Tax of 10% which will be collected onboard. Please check your deposit confirmation/boarding pass document for the exact amount owed.
Diving
Yes, we have 3 x 250 liter air compressors and one Nitrox 1 x 450 liter.
The tanks are equipped with yoke and DIN valves and we have adaptors available.
We provide 80 CF (12L) dive tanks. Additional tanks over limit are are available for a fee by the week. Upgrade to 100 CF (15L) for a weekly fee. Tec divers may also rent 100 CF (15L), 80 CF (12L) or 50 CF (6L) stage with rigging. For more information on rental equipment and pricing, click here.
In the Northern Region, a diver’s skill level can range from beginner to experienced Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification (or equivalent).
All Star Scuba Scene divers must be PADI Advanced Open Water (AOW) certified (or equivalent). If you are not AOW, you can complete your certification on board. For dive instruction details, click here.
Nitrox and Wreck Specialty certifications (or equivalent) aren’t mandatory but useful. The suggested minimum number of dives logged dives prior to arrival is 30. In the Southern Region to fully enjoy the dive sites, an experienced diver skill level – an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification (or equivalent) is required. While a Deep Dive Specialty (or equivalent) is not mandatory, it is useful to reach depths over 130 feet (40m). The suggested logged dives before arriving is a minimum of 50 with 100 or more preferred.
The tenders are customized with a tank rack down the center, a ladder for easier exit from the water and ample space for gearing up.
Amazing. To fully enjoy the majority of Red Sea dives, All Star Scuba Scene divers must be Advanced Open Water (AOW) (or equivalent) and/or Deep Diver Speciality (or equivalent) certified. If you are not AOW, you can complete your certification on board. For dive instruction details, click here.
For more information on dive experiences, click here.
We provide tanks and weightbelts. If other gear is needed, it can be rented. Every diver is required to have a surface market buoy (SMB) and reel. For more information on rental equipment, click here. Please request rental items on your Trip Application.
Yes, nitrox is available. For more information and pricing, click here. Nitrox is 32% and membrane blended. Other gas mixes available.
Get nitrox certified while on board! For details on the course, click here. A Medical Form is required.
A surface marker buoy (SMB) is required.
The number of night dives will vary depending on itinerary. There is typically at least one night dive offered per week with more being offered on select southern itineraries. Two light sources are required for night dives.You may rent a dive light (torch) on board by the week. For more information on rental equipment, click here.
Three dives are offered daily plus night dives when possible. Night dives are not offered from certain marine parks, primarily the offshore areas such as Brothers or Daedalus.
Diving is primarily done from tenders. Certain sites or conditions may allow for diving from All Star Scuba Scene.
Depending on the itinerary, divers can see hammerheads, silkys, silvertips, grey reef, oceanic whitetips, threshers and whale sharks. As with nature, sightings cannot be guaranteed. For more information on itineraries, click here.
Solo dive certification is required for those divers who wish to dive alone. You must have the requisite solo dive gear. Otherwise you will be buddied up with another diver.
- Diveassure: For annual combination trip and dive accident insurance. Included cancellation due to Covid.
- Travelex: Travel protection for a single trip. You may choose the TRAVEL SELECT policy and select the optional ADVENTURE SPORTS COVERAGE upgrade which waives the policy exclusions for extreme sports such as scuba diving. Purchase of Travelex insurance must be more than 21 days from date of travel.
Wetsuit needs are very personal so we provide you with the water temperatures for the northern and southern regions. Wetsuits (5mm long) can be rented. For more information on rental equipment, click here. Please indicate the type of dive equipment desired on your Trip Application.
Yes. Please indicate the type of dive instruction desired on your Trip Application.
If you are not Advanced Open Water (AOW) certified (or equivalent) — required for All Star Red Sea dive trips — you can complete your certification on board. For dive instruction details, click here. Prior arrangements are recommended and a Medical Form is required for those taking a training course.
If you are a certified diver, yes you can. Be sure to bring your certification card (c-card) with you; we’ll need to see it prior to your diving.
All Star Scuba Scene divers must be Advanced Open Water (AOW) (or equivalent) and/or Deep Diver Speciality certified (or equivalent). If you are not AOW, you can complete your certification on board. For dive instruction details, click here.
In the Northern Region, a diver’s skill level can range from beginner to experienced Advanced Open Water certified (or equivalent). However, Scuba Scene requires at minimum AOW certification for divers to fully enjoy the majority of Red Sea dives.
Nitrox and Wreck Specialty certifications (or equivalent) aren’t mandatory but useful. The suggested minimum number of dives logged dives prior to arrival is 30. In the Southern Region, dive sites require an experienced diver skill level with an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification (or equivalent). While a Deep Dive Specialty (or equivalent) is not mandatory, it is useful to reach depths over 130 feet (40m). The suggested logged dives before arriving is a minimum of 50 with 100 or more preferred.
A Medical Form is required. Instruction and certifications may be available on board. Please indicate the type of dive instruction desired on your Trip Application. For dive instruction details, click here.
Yes, you can complete your Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification on board. For dive instruction details, click here.
All Star Scuba Scene divers must be Advanced Open Water (AOW) (or equivalent) and/or Deep Diver Speciality (or equivalent) certified to fully enjoy the dive trips.
The Northern Red Sea and the Straits of Tiran are suitable for a wide range of divers. However, the Central, South and Deep South Red Sea require AOW and Deep Diver Speciality skills.
Yes, rebreather diving is permitted. All Star Scuba Scene does not have any available for rent, but we can provide the lime scrubbers and an oxygen tank. Cost may vary depending on product needed.
Side mount diving is possible. Bring your BCD with you to accommodate this setup. We can provide an 80 CF (12L) tanks. For more information on rental equipment, click here.
By all means, yes. There will always be a diving buddy for you. Many of our passengers come aboard as singles and it’s a great way to meet other likeminded adventure travelers who love to dive!
There are 3-4 dive guides on board each week. The instructors/divemasters on board give a good in-depth briefing before each dive, describing the topography, conditions, the current (if any), depth and include a visual aid. If you would like a guided dive, please advise the instructor that you would like to follow him/her prior to the dive.
Yes, with prior arrangements, you can rent dive gear. For rental rates, click here. Please request these items on your Trip Application. Payment is made while on board. All rentals must be arranged prior to departure.
On Board
We recommend that guests that wish to photo edit on board bring their own computer as software differs for each camera.
Motion sickness medication should be brought along in the event that we encounter rough seas. We want you to be comfortable. The boat will spend the night in calm anchorages and normally scuba diving will be done from tenders. The best thing about a liveaboard diving vacation is that we can flex our schedule to go where the weather and conditions are best!
Our staff is multi-lingual including English, Arabic and German. With advance notice, we can accommodate Spanish, French and Russian.
The liveaboard business is a service industry, and although the general public is seldom aware of it, gratuities are a major part of a crew member’s salary. Few other recreational activities rely so heavily upon the professionals in charge for your enjoyment and safety. A gratuity of 15% is customary, but many leave more when they feel the service was outstanding. If you are disappointed with the service, you should inform the cruise director of your feelings right away so he may rectify the situation.
Payments can be made on board, payable in cash (preferred) (USD$ dollar, GBP£ pound sterling, EUR€ Euro, or EGP£ Egyptian pound) or by credit or debit card, if the amount is greater than $25 USD. Credit and debit cards will incur a processing fee. American Express is not accepted.
Dive liveaboard cruising is an appealing alternative to conventional land based dive vacations and larger cruise ships. We offer a richer travel experience – one that goes beyond the typical tourist sites. Aboard All Star Scuba Scene you’ll get to experience a week of luxury, delicious meals and great diving. With its size, diversity and expanse, this is the absolute best way to dive Red Sea!
The boat is equipped with a satellite phone that is only to be used for emergencies. If someone needs to get in contact with you because of a true emergency, contact our U.S. Reservations Office and we will relay the message. The U.S. Reservations Office can take your calls Monday thru Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST at (U.S. and Canada) 800.327.9600 or Worldwide 954.734.7111.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free are pretty easy to work with as well as allergies so let us know upon booking if you require special meals.
Please remember that you are participating in an adventure travel vacation that is occurring in a remote part of the world. Many of the modern conveniences, brands and pre-packaged goods we use at home are not available in remote destinations. As such, many special requests that are very specific may be difficult to accommodate.
Finally, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special life event, please let us know. Our crew stands ready to assist you in making your special day something to remember.
Payments can be made on board, payable in cash (USD$ dollar, GBP£ pound sterling, EUR€ Euro, or EGP£ Egyptian pound) or by credit or debit card, if the amount is greater than $25 USD. Credit and debit cards will incur a processing fee. American Express is not accepted.
On All Star Scuba Scene, three (3) meals are served daily in our restaurant. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style. Dinner offers a buffet-style salad, with a plated appetizer, dinner and dessert. Snacks are also offered.
The menu features world cuisine including local Egyptian dishes.
To view sample menus, click here. A selection of complimentary beverages includes water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board.
Each cabin features a private bathroom and adjustable temperature-controlled air conditioning. All electrical outlets are universal (not compatible with UK) with USB ports. Cabin #1-6 and 9-14 offer large ocean-view windows and a small seating area. Cabins # 7 & 8 are slightly smaller with two beds, a twin (.9m x 2m), and a double bed (1.3m x 2m).
Yes. Connectivity on board is minimal thru our Wi-Fi system when not in port. Be sure to activate your international calling plan prior to arrival.
Yes, there is ample fresh water onboard. All Star Scuba Scene has a 45,300 liter (16 ton) tank and water making capacity of 56,600 liters (20 tons) per day.
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We provide a storage area for your dive gear on the dive deck and your luggage can be stored in your cabin or suite.
A selection of complimentary beverages includes water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Available for purchase on board, we have beer and wine.
Stella is priced at 4.50 USD per 16 ounce can.
Heineken is priced at 5.00 USD per 16 ounce can.
Red, white and rose wines are 30.00 USD per bottle.
Smoking is only permitted on the top deck and outdoor salon where receptacles for butt disposal are located. Please do not throw them overboard into the sea.
The liveaboard business is a service industry, and although the general public is seldom aware of it, gratuities are a major part of a crew member’s salary. Few other recreational activities rely so heavily upon the professionals in charge for your enjoyment and safety. A gratuity of 15% is customary, but many leave more when they feel the service was outstanding. If you are disappointed with the service, you should inform the cruise director of your feelings right away so he may rectify the situation.
Cash is preferred for gratuity. Egypt collects a 10% VAT (Value Added Tax) on all credit card payments. Credit and debit cards will also incur a processing fee.
A maximum of 28 guests can be accommodated in 14 cabins. The two single cabins have two twin beds.
Up to 13-14 crew members ensure guests are well taken care of during your stay.
Electricity on All Star Scuba Scene is 220v. All of the outlets onboard are European Type C plugs – two round prongs (used in all European countries except the UK and Ireland). USB charging ports are available. While the vessel will have some outlet adapters guests can borrow, it recommended that guests bring their own outlet adapters.
Items can be recharged in your cabin or in the common areas. Devices should not be left unattended while charging in your cabin. Furthermore, each cabin and suite are equipped with USB sockets.
The All Star Scuba Scene liveaboard features four decks and is 159 feet (48.5m) long and 34.5 feet (10.5m) wide.
Yes, we have a TV, music sound system and DVD player in the salon on the upper deck.
All Star Scuba Scene’s itineraries are dive or kitesurfing focused. Select itineraries may allow for snorkeling a couple times throughout the week.
Yes! The sun’s rays are very strong year-round so bring lotion, hats, sunglasses and UV clothing. We do offer a sun shade over the top deck when needed.
Fishing is not offered aboard All Star Scuba Scene.
Yes, each cabin and suite has its own adjustable temperature controlled air conditioning.
Miscellaneous
Drones are strictly prohibited in Egypt. If found, the drone will likely be confiscated.
We provide a storage area for your dive gear on the dive deck and your luggage can be stored in your cabin or suite.