redsea

[og1]

can anyony tell me what the score is on tipping and i was told to take just english money and just get about £50 what ever they use when there as you carn't spend it at sea

[Ned Middleton]

Hello OG1 (Couldn't find a real name for you anywhere?).

I have done a large number of trips to the Egyptian Red Sea over the past few years. What I discovered was that each boat and each group of divers had a slightly different approach.

All currencies quoted in this repaly are British Pounds Sterling.

On arrival at the airport, you may require a few pounds for your Visa – although some travel companies will already have taken care of this for you.

Then you will require £1 or £2 for you baggage trolley. No money – no trolley.

Then you are bussed to your boat, given a briefing, shown to your cabin and allowed to unpack.

In most cases, you will sail early the next morning, so there is time for a run ashore to buy some postcards and have a drink.

Once you have sailed, there is no possibility of spending any money – except for the following:

1. Alcohol. Most boats operate a “trust” system. If you have a beer or soft drink then you put a mark against your name. At the end of the trip the marks are added up and you pay for your drinks. If there is a shortfall, all guests make up that shortfall by being charged an equal share of the deficit. It works.

2. Fees for entering National Parks. Certain dive sites require specific permission and the Dive Guide will have to say how many divers will be entering certain sites – before you sail. Your travel agent will advise you of these and you will be expected to pay - as advised by your agent, accordingly.

3. Crew Testimonial. At the end of each trip the group normally discuss making a collection for the crew and dive guide(s). Ordinarily, a fixed sum per person is agreed and everyone chips in. They might pay in different currencies – but all will pay the same amount. The collection is then handed to the Captain on the last night. If a separate collection is made for the Dive Guide(s) these will be handed to them separately.

4. Then there is that last night ashore. This is normally when you buy a few souvenirs and have a drink with your new found friends. Some people prefer to pay for a night in a hotel so that theycan get cleaned up and feel fresh - but those are few and far between.

One of the greatest things about a week (or fortnight) on board a safari boat in the Red Sea is that it really does prove to be a very cheap holiday when compared to any land-based resort – be it in Egypt or anywhere. This is simply because you cannot keep reaching for your wallet when at sea.

I am sure other people will add some things I may have missed, and the way in which people treat visiting divers is always evolving and changing anyway. If you ask your travel agent for a detailed list of all those "extras" – you can’t go far wrong.

I do hope this is helpful.

Best wishes.

Ned

[og1]

thanks for that ned it's a great help at the moment there are only 5 on the boat so if nothing there should be plenty of room
thanks again
kevin