Orchid - Flowers of Sinai

[steveharriss]

Just thought I'd post here rather than add a trip report.

For those considering a break using the above boat and in two minds once they've read the reviews on this site and others.

The boat is getting old but is looked after really well by it's current crew. Our room was cramped but adequate. Anything that broke was fixed immediately the crew were notified.

Free nitrox was a bit hit and miss. It only related to two cylinders a day but the compressor operator was willing to mix and match which dives you used the gas on. Fills could be anywhere between 28 and 34 percent.

Food was varied, in good quantities, and a reasonable temperature. I've paid more and had similar. No-one suffered any bouts of stomach upset.

Dive briefings were adequate without going into too much detail once we'd done the check dives. Suzuki, our guide for the week, was happy to negotiate with the Captain to get us on to specific requested sites wherever possible. He was happy to let us do our own thing or tag along for an escorted dive.

Tita, who ran the above water side of things, was a lunatic. Always bouncing around making sure everyone had hot drinks, enough to eat, and making us laugh.

Due to a break down in communication between the boat owner and Red Sea Divers the crew weren't ready for us when we landed at Sharm airport. They'd been informed we were due the following day. We were told to get our own taxis, which were then reimbursed, and they put us onto the Snapdragon for an hour whilst they got the Orchid ready and into the harbour to pick us up. They then produced a two course meal at half midnight for those of us still awake enough to eat!

I'd have no hesitation in going again.

[SilvaFish]

Absolutely agree with you and I wouldn't hesitate to go again. As for Tita, did you have a chance to play Backgammon with him? He's a bit good...

[DIVE BUDDHA]

yes a superb boat steve, i too wouldnt hessitate going again on this boat as the crew was ace and muhamed the dive guides knoledge on sites were 2nd to none !

[pauldiving]

i went on that boat in 2001, i called him teatowel the whole trip hes sound guy,
aircon was ropey as the rest of the boat but good....