Dive trip with Destiny - 10 nights

Boat

Built around the habits of divers rather than adapted as an afterthought, Destiny, also marketed as MY DESTINY, is a modern Egyptian liveaboard designed for long Red Sea safaris. Construction ran from 2021 to 2023, and the completed vessel combines a 37-metre length, an 8-metre beam and a substantial steel hull. The operator states that approximately 220 tonnes of steel were used. Her contemporary bow is intended to cut more cleanly through waves, improving comfort and stability during the exposed passages that link Egypt's offshore marine parks.

Twin 900 hp MAN engines power the vessel, while two generators and two desalination systems support life aboard during remote itineraries. The current standard guest limit is 20 people, giving Destiny generous common areas relative to her capacity. Published cruises commonly last 7, 9, 12 or 14 nights and may start or finish in Hurghada or the Marsa Alam/Port Ghalib area, depending on the route.

Inside, the air-conditioned salon is arranged for both quiet surface intervals and sociable evenings. Sofas, a library, board games and a PlayStation 5 provide alternatives to editing photographs or discussing the day's dives. A weekly onboard “bazaar” may offer branded clothing, reusable bottles, mugs, jewellery and other items for purchase. Large windows and a pale contemporary interior keep the shared spaces bright rather than enclosed.

Dining follows an unusual waste-conscious approach. Breakfast is presented as a buffet, but later meals are ordered à la carte: guests select upcoming dishes and the galley prepares the required quantity. The intention is to serve freshly made food while limiting unnecessary waste. Published meal service includes full board, snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments, with vegetarian, vegan and allergy-related requirements accepted when communicated before the trip. A large guest refrigerator near the restaurant and sun-deck area can hold personal snacks or medication.

Outdoor space is spread across several levels. The sun deck combines shaded seating, open loungers and an area used for barbecues, where the operator describes meat and seafood choices. Higher up, the flybridge is a relaxed viewpoint for morning coffee or a drink at sunset. These separated leisure areas allow guests to find sun, shade or a quieter corner even when the full complement of 20 is aboard.

Destiny's safety inventory is unusually detailed in the operator's public specification. It includes ENOS diver-location equipment, a defibrillator, two 25-person life rafts, emergency oxygen, first-aid and DAN kits, life jackets for guests and crew, fire extinguishers on every deck and in every cabin, and fire alarms in the cabins, salon and restaurant. Navigation and communication equipment includes GPS, radar, echo sounder, radio, VHF/DSC and satellite telephone.

Cabin

Destiny accommodates a maximum of 20 guests in exactly 10 air-conditioned ensuite cabins. The current detailed inventory is:

• 1 Panoramic Suite — upper/sun deck: one double bed, a broad panoramic window, individually controlled air conditioning and a private bathroom with rain shower and toilet; maximum 2 guests
• 1 Upper Deck Double Cabin — upper/sun deck: one double bed, a standard sea-facing window, individually controlled air conditioning and a private bathroom with rain shower and toilet; maximum 2 guests
• 3 Upper Deck Twin Cabins — upper/sun deck: two separate single beds in each cabin, a standard sea-facing window, individually controlled air conditioning and a private bathroom with rain shower and toilet; maximum 2 guests per cabin
• 3 Lower Deck Twin Cabins — lower deck: two separate single beds in each cabin, a standard window, individually controlled air conditioning and a private bathroom with rain shower and toilet; maximum 2 guests per cabin
• 2 Lower Deck Double Cabins — lower deck: one king-size bed in each cabin, a standard window, individually controlled air conditioning and a private bathroom with rain shower and toilet; maximum 2 guests per cabin

This reconciles to 5 cabins on the upper/sun deck and 5 cabins on the lower deck, with no bunk rooms and no standard triple occupancy. Some older or less detailed listings describe a different category mix; the ten-room inventory above follows the current cabin-by-cabin sales record and the vessel's published maximum of 20 guests.

All categories use modern finishes, quality mattresses, pillows and bed linen. Towels, bathrobes and warm deck ponchos are placed in the cabins, reducing the amount guests need to pack. Biodegradable shampoo and shower gel are complimentary. A hairdryer can be requested from the crew, while toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and shaving supplies are sold as an emergency kit. Reef-friendlier sunscreen is also available for purchase onboard.

The operator advertises special solo-traveller pricing for two cabins, while the current booking inventory marks twin categories as share-friendly. Because the exact rooms released at solo rates can change by departure, single travellers should have the selected cabin number, deck and supplement confirmed in writing rather than assuming that every twin cabin is available without a surcharge.

Cabins are intended primarily for sleeping, dressing and private bathroom use. Camera and phone charging is organised more safely at the individual equipment boxes on the dive deck. Guests with a strong preference for a panoramic suite, double bed, separate twins or a particular deck should reserve the named category and recheck it on the final invoice.

Diving

Destiny normally offers 2–4 dives per diving day, using compressed air or Nitrox. There is no diving on embarkation or disembarkation day, and the operator expressly states that weather, permissions, crossings and safety take priority over any advertised dive count. Standard cylinders are 12-litre aluminium tanks. Nitrox is included for suitably certified divers; 15-litre cylinders and other non-standard tank arrangements must be requested and paid for separately.

Three instructors are carried on published trips, and the current sales record describes a maximum guide-to-diver ratio of approximately 1:7. Two speedboats with boarding ladders take groups to drop points and recover them after drift or blue-water dives. This tender-based operation is particularly important at offshore reefs such as Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone, where the main vessel cannot always position close to the entry or exit point.

The dive deck provides an assigned storage box for each cabin. Charging points for cameras and phones are integrated into these stations, keeping electronics away from sleeping areas. There is a rinse tank for scuba and camera equipment, a spacious camera work surface, three outdoor showers—one rain shower and two hand showers—and additional toilet/shower facilities near the working deck. Complete rental equipment, spare parts and tools are carried, but sizes and specialist items must be reserved before travel.

Principal dive facilities include:

• Included Nitrox for certified users
• 12-litre aluminium cylinders as standard
• 15-litre cylinders on advance request and at additional cost
• Three instructors and small guided groups
• Two dive tenders with ladders
• Individual dive-gear storage and charging boxes
• Equipment and camera rinse facilities
• Dedicated camera preparation space
• Rental scuba equipment by prior reservation
• ENOS diver-location system
• Two 50-litre emergency oxygen cylinders and two DAN emergency kits

Experience requirements are route-specific. For Brothers, Daedalus, Zabargad, Rocky Island and Elphinstone programs, the operator states at least 50 logged dives and Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification. Night dives are prohibited in these marine parks. North–Tiran programs publish a 30-dive minimum, while Fury Shoals–Wadi El Gemal is offered as an easier choice for Open Water divers, beginners and snorkellers. The most recent dive should generally have been within the previous year, and guests must present certification and a logbook.

Currents, deep walls, negative entries, swell and open-water ascents can make the offshore routes demanding. The boat manager may exclude a guest from a particular dive when conditions exceed that diver's demonstrated ability. A private guide can currently be pre-booked for a weekly fee, but it does not remove route certification or official logged-dive requirements.

Other Information

• Destination: Egyptian Red Sea
• Typical ports: Hurghada and the Marsa Alam/Port Ghalib region; the confirmed itinerary determines embarkation and disembarkation
• Airports: Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)
• Construction: Steel liveaboard built from 2021 to 2023 and completed in 2023
• Dimensions: 37 m long × 8 m wide
• Capacity: 20 guests in 10 ensuite cabins
• Engines: 2 × MAN, 900 hp each
• Generators / water: 2 generators and 2 desalination systems
• Dive team: 3 instructors on published programs
• Tenders: 2 speedboats with ladders
• Nitrox: Included for certified divers, subject to operational availability
• Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is advertised, but connection depends on mobile or offshore coverage
• Languages: Arabic, English and German are currently listed for the crew
• Food: Breakfast buffet followed by à-la-carte meals; vegetarian, vegan and medical/allergy-related diets require advance notice
• Payments onboard: Cash in EUR, USD, CHF or EGP; Visa and Mastercard are accepted, but card charges may be significant

Currently included in the standard published package: accommodation in the booked cabin; 2–4 dives on operational diving days; air or Nitrox; 12-litre tank, weights and weight belt; dive-guide and tender service; all meals and snacks; water, tea, instant and filter coffee, and soft drinks; towels, bathrobe and poncho; biodegradable shampoo and shower gel. The current detailed seller record also labels VAT, fuel surcharge, a welcome drink, barbecue/special dinner, eligible night dives and Wi-Fi as included. The final invoice remains authoritative.

Normally excluded or charged separately: marine-park, diving-permit and port fees; airport, hotel or other local transfers unless the booking states otherwise; alcoholic drinks, juices and speciality coffees; rental equipment; 15-litre or other non-standard cylinders; dive courses; private guide; short-term DAN insurance; massage, spa or yoga services; shop purchases and crew gratuities.

The operator publishes compulsory fee packages of €230 per person for North/Wreck/Tiran routes and €285 per person for southern routes including the northern marine parks. Elba Reef programs carry higher packages—€435 for seven days, €540 for ten days and €570 for eleven days. These official and port-related charges can change even after a booking is made.

Extras include €35 per dive day for a complete rental set without computer and torch, €10 per day each for wetsuit, BCD or regulator, €10 per day for a computer, €7.50 for a lamp and €7.50 for a 15-litre/10-litre or second cylinder. A private guide is listed at €450 per week.

Guests must provide passport and flight data 21 days before departure. The operator requests a passport valid for at least six months on the final travel day and a copy at check-in. A current diving medical examination not older than one year or a completed health declaration is required. Comprehensive travel and diving insurance should cover repatriation, hyperbaric treatment and interrupted travel; short-term DAN cover can be purchased onboard but should not be assumed to replace broader travel protection.

Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas. Soft luggage is strongly preferred because hard-shell cases are difficult to store. Specifications, cabin allocation, extras, transfers, insurance rules and fees should be confirmed on the dated booking document before sale or travel.