Visit Date: July 2011

We thought it would be helpful to provide some strengths and weaknesses of our recent trip out of Hurghada on which some of our dive group saw sharks, turtles and manta rays.

STRENGTHS

Knowledge of dive guides

Thorough basic first aid kits

Their interest in and inclusion in the dive group

Quality of briefings

Change of itinerary to suit group's abilities

WEAKNESSES

Poor cleanliness

Total lack of Health and Safety: Crew did not look at certs nor medical sports' letters at outset of holiday

No attention to detail for divers with special dietary or physical needs -i.e. non dairy diets, vegetarian

Lack of helpfulness by crew on dive deck

Poor selection of food at mealtimes

Smelly cabins

Rude/direct approach of crew except guides

No spare equipment or repairs available on board

Boat in dire need of basic maintenance, such as re tiling, painting

Summary: For £1275, this boat did not represent value for money and was more akin to hostelling on the sea.

Management Response:

As the company owning & operating the vessel Contessa Mia, we have taken the liberty of double checking all guests' reports from July 2011. We have found that most or our guests were more than satisfied with the services provided as well as the boat's condition and facilities. The Sea Serpent Fleet Management, being the oldest and largest Reds Sea Liveaboards Fleet, we take constructive criticism very seriously and will make sure that the comments posted here are investigated and resolved if found to be true. thank you very much