FAQs
Answering the most commonly asked questions.
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What does the different trips status' mean?
Kindly Note: a minimum of 10 pax is required in order to run our liveaboard trips.
Planned: This week is currently listed as "planned" which means the boat is available for any type of trip (full charter or individual) and we would be happy to change the status to "open - individual trip" which would officially open this week to individual safari bookings. We would then launch a full force marketing campaign for the week to assist in reaching minimum numbers.For "open" trips we collect a 500 Euro deposit per pax. Once we receive this from the minimum number of 10 pax, the trip status will be changed to "confirmed to run". If we do not receive deposits for the minimum number of people at least 15 weeks prior to the trip, we can either use the deposit towards a future trip or issue a full refund.
Open: This week is currently listed as "open" which means there are divers booked on the trip and we are already actively advertising the trip in order to reach minimum numbers. For "open" trips we collect a 500 Euro deposit per pax. Once we receive this from the minimum number of 10 pax, the trip status will be changed to "confirmed to run". If we do not receive deposits for the minimum number of people at least 15 weeks prior to the trip, we can either use the deposit towards a future trip or issue a full refund.
Confirmed: We have reached the minimum number of bookings and the trip will go ahead as scheduled.
What are the payment terms?
Individual Trips:
To reserve a week trip, we require a 500 Euro deposit per Person.
The remaining balance is due 3 months (90 days) before the trip start date.
Full Charter:
To reserve a week trip, we require a 5000 Euro deposit.
75% of total payment due 180 days before trip.
The remaining balance is due 3 months (90 days) before the trip start date.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Individual Trip
Cancellations made more than 4 months (120 days) prior to departure will incur a cancellation fee of 25% of the total booking cost.
Cancellations made from 13 weeks (91 days) to 11 weeks (77 days) prior to
departure will incur a cancellation fee of 35% of the total booking cost.
Cancellations made from 11 weeks (77 days) to 9 weeks (63 days) prior to
departure will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost.
Cancellations made within 9 weeks (63 days) of departure will incur a
cancellation fee of 100% of the total booking cost.
Full Charter
The 5000 Euro deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations made from 180 days to 91 days prior to departure will incur a
cancellation fee of 75% of the total booking cost.
Cancellations made within 90 days of departure will incur a cancellation fee of
100% of the total booking cost.
Notice of Cancellation
All cancellations must be made in writing to info@mvlegends.com
Cancellation fees will be charged from the date of written cancellation received by MV Legends.
We understand that unforeseen extreme circumstances including natural disasters, global pandemics, or political instability can happen. If such a situation occurs, we are unable to offer a monetary refund but we will make every effort to provide an alternative arrangement or reschedule based on the specific situation (i.e. Covid 19). These will be taken on a case-by-case basis.
Other Conditions
MV Legends reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any trip due to weather, sea conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. In case we encounter any issue that prevents the boat from offering the level of safety our clients expect, the boat will be replaced with one from the same category or the next category up. However, since we are the only provider
with a boat equipped with a lift, we will not be able to offer that service on
any other boat. MV Legends is not responsible for any expenses incurred
by guests as a result of a cancellation or reschedule. Guests are responsible
for obtaining adequate travel insurance to cover all risks involved in the
trip.
What is included and what is excluded in the trip price?
Prices include:
- full board
- onboard accommodation
- two one-way transfers from either Hurghada International or a hotel within Hurghada city limits to and from the marina,
- tea, bean to cup coffee, soft drinks, snacks
- 12L standard cylinders and weights
Extras to be paid before the start of the trip:
- Route fees between 150-220 Euros/person depending on the route
- Service charge of 144-168 Euros/person depending on the route. Additional gratuities are up to each guest but it is NOT expected
- Single supplement at 50% of trip fee (for single cabin occupation)
- Nitrox package
- CCR package
- Additional tank hire (DBLs, SM, 15L, stages/bailouts)
- Onboard gear rental
Extras to be paid at the end of the trip:
- Gases (O2, Helium)
- Sofnolime
- Unforeseen onboard rentals
- merchandise and alcohol
- CCR guides sofnolime and gas to be shared between CCR divers
Currently Sofnolime is €18* per kilo and Helium is €0.10* per litre.
*we strive to be completely upfront and transparent about expected costs - but with the current climate of unstable prices for Helium and Sofno, we cannot guarantee they won't change as many safari bookings get booked months (and sometimes years) in advance. Prices are current as of today but please inquire 2 weeks before your trip starts for updated prices so there are no surprises onboard.
You can see the full list of possible extras here: https://mvlegends.com/pages/onboard-pricing
Does Mv Legends charge credit card fees?
No, we do not pass on any credit card fees when you make a booking with us.
The price you see is the price you pay.
How and when do we pay onboard extras?
Extras ordered during check-in, route fee and the trip service charge is to be paid via bank transfer before the trip begins, with cleared funds to be received no later than two week before the start of the trip.
Other onboard extras such as sofnolime, helium, O2 refills, drinks and merchandise can be paid for with Cash (Euro, USD or GBP) or a credit card at the end of the safari trip.
Passports, Visas, Airport and Vaccinations
Passport: All guests must have a passport valid for at least six more months after arrival.
Visas: All visitors arriving in Egypt are required to purchase a 30-day Visa on arrival when they land. This costs $30 for a one-time entry, and must be paid cash in either EUR or USD on arrival. For certain nationalities, it is also possible to purchase the visa online in advance at the official visa2egypt.gov website.
Airport: You may have been to Hurghada before but the airport gets changed around regularly.
When you first enter the airport DO NOT follow the crowd. They will be being ushered to the booths to get their Visas. Instead go immediately to the bank kiosks (you may have to move a rope similar to what banks and post offices have). The bank Kiosks can change money and also issue Visas. The visa is $30. If you have US dollars then use them.
Once you have the Visa in your passport then bypass the tour operators queues and go straight to passport control. There may be a queue here and this is in our opinion being done on purpose so they can sell you a VIP transit through the airport. Please don't waste your money. You can either wait there or wait at the carousel. Nobody will be out any earlier and you may still have to wait for the others when you get out.
When you get through passport control you enter the baggage hall. If you need a trolley then they are to your right as you get off the escalator. Just help yourself and if anyone tries to get any money from you tell them NO nice and loud.
There are digital signs informing you which carousel to go to and there are signs at each carousel saying which flight has it's luggage on that carousel. Don't believe the signs. Follow the crowd that have tour reps with them.
If you need the bathrooms, they are free and will usually have an official sign saying "No Money" this is often covered up by one that is home made saying "Thank You". Again just say NO.
Once you get your bags, make your way out through customs. If you get stopped, you will be asked what you have in your bags. Tell them it's diving equipment and then they will ask you how many computers you have as they are looking for people illegally importing diving computers Saying one is all you need do and everything else is a bottom timer. They have now increased security at airports which means that they may scan your bags on your entry into Egypt.
If you want to pass by Duty Free you can buy alcohol, however you are better buying in your home country as it's cheaper and you have more choice.
Vaccinations: Requirements vary from country to country, check with your GP regarding relevant requirements. Notify your GP that you will be diving as some medication is not recommended for scuba divers.
Do I need insurance?
Mv Legends cannot be held responsible for any financial loss caused by circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to weather conditions, force majeure (“Acts of God”), or changes imposed by local authorities.
As a condition of booking with Mv Legends, all guests are required to purchase comprehensive dive and travel insurance appropriate to their trip and present proof of cover upon check-in.
Your insurance must include:
Dive Injury Insurance – covering all risks, costs, and expenses arising from a diving-related injury, including (but not limited to) recompression chamber treatment, emergency evacuation, and loss or damage to personal belongings. This must cover all scuba diving and water sports activities you plan to undertake.
Medical Evacuation Insurance – covering all risks, costs, and expenses associated with evacuation to a suitable medical facility for both diving and non-diving injuries, including air evacuation, specialist treatment, and related direct or indirect costs.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance – valid from the time of booking, covering pre-departure cancellations for insured reasons (such as illness or serious accident), changes or cancellations to travel plans, and loss or damage to luggage and personal effects.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your policy fully meets your individual needs, including coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, repatriation, diving-related injuries, and emergency evacuation.
Dive Medical and self-declaration
All qualified divers are required to sign a Dive Medical form. In all cases, if you have, or think you have, any of the medical conditions listed you will need signed clearance from a doctor valid within 12 months of your planned trip.
Where doctor’s clearance is needed, we ask you to arrange this before arrival where possible and to bring it with you to avoid any delays, additional costs or even missing the trip.
Customers under the age of 18, all paperwork needs to be signed by a parent or guardian.
You can download a medical form here.
Where is the nearest hyperbaric chamber?
Currently there are two full service hyperbaric chambers located in Hurghada (Hypemed and Naval Hyperbaric) that are prepared to manage diving-related accidents.
In addition there are 2 chambers in Sharm el Sheikh, 1 chamber in El Gouna, 1 chamber in Safaga, 2 chambers in Marsa Alam and 1 chamber in Hamata.
Tiran & Ras Mohamed / Dahab &Titan / North Wrecks & Reefs: Hyperbaric Medical Centre, Sharm el Sheikh
North Wrecks & Brothers: Hypermed Diving Medial Centre, Hurghada and Hyperbaric & Diving Medicine Centre, El
Gouna
Safaga, Brothers / Safaga, Brothers & Daedalus / BDE: Hypermed Diving Medial Centre, Hurghada and
Baro-Medical Hyperbaric Chamber, Marsa Alam
Rocky & Zabargad / Deep South & St Johns: Baro-Medical Hyperbaric Chamber, Marsa Alam
What do I need to bring?
Before you go: Ask questions: Inquire about experience requirements, dive
conditions, nitrox availability, food and drink, and safety procedures to
ensure the trip is a good fit for you.
Check weather and water conditions: Research the historical weather and average water temperatures for your destination to pack suitable clothing and decide on your thermal protection.
What to expect and how to behave onboard: Pack light: Space on board is limited, so pack a backpack instead of a suitcase and bring only what you need. You likely won't need shoes on the boat, and towels are usually provided.
Stay environmentally conscious: Use biodegradable toiletries and be mindful of fresh water usage. Do not flush toilet paper; place it in the bin next to the toilet, and use the douche hose for sanitation.
Listen for announcements: Pay attention to crew announcements for dive briefings, meal times, and safety procedures.
Be a good roommate: You'll be sharing a small space with others, so be
considerate of your fellow divers' personalities and culture.
Don't be late: Don't be late for dive briefings, as this is where you'll learn about safety and underwater life.
rEvo Diver? Please remember to bring your own cylinder brackets as we don't have an extensive supply of these in Egypt.
Stage Cylinders: All of our stage cylinders have rigging kits but be sure to bring your own stage regulators.
M26 Cylinders: If you have requested M26 CCR cylinders but also have an adaptor for DIN, please bring it with you. We do have M26 CCR cylinders onboard, but in the event that every other member of your group has also asked for them, we won't have enough!
What to pack:
Cash
Travel documents
Travel and dive insurance
· Cert card and dive logbook
· Lightweight and quick-drying clothing
· Outerwear such as a light jacket, hoodie or windbreaker
· Multiple Swimsuits
· Sandals
· Diving Gear including mask, dive computer, torch, DSMB and reel
· Travel sized toiletries biodegradable
· Dry bag
· Electrics chargers, plug adaptors (Egypt uses 220v 2 pin sockets)
· Reuseable water bottle (we sell reuseable water bottles onboard)
· Dive Camera and accessories
· Sun protection, rash guards or long-sleeved shirts
· Sunglasses, hat, sarong or travel towel
· Reef-safe sunscreen
· Medication, decongestant, Seasickness meds and earplugs, first aid kit
· Spares kit including mouthpiece, cable ties, o-rings, seals for drysuit
· Snacks, books/e-reader, journal, deck of cards
Download our handy Liveaboard Packing List here.
What is the minimum diving experience allowed onboard?
Advanced Open Water.
What currency can I use in Egypt?
All prices are listed in Euros. We also accept cash payments in Euros, GBP, Egyptian Pounds (EGP), and USD.
Major credit and debit cards are accepted, including Amex, Maestro, Visa, and MasterCard. Please note that all card payments are processed in Egyptian Pounds (EGP), and currency conversion will apply.
We recommend checking with your bank regarding international transaction fees and exchange rates. It is also advisable to inform your bank or card provider of your travel plans to prevent any security blocks on your card.
What are the languages spoken on board?
English and Arabic
Will we have mobile network service in Egypt?
You’ll have connection most of the time apart from the remote location when we sail far from the shoreline. Please contact your mobile service provider to confirm daily usage costs while in Egypt. We offer free wifi onboard however also.
