Marsa Alarm - Buy drinks in UK or Egypt?

[westside]

Grand Sea Serpent 21st to 28th May 2008
We are heading out on the 'Simply the Best' tour with TB from Marsa Alam on the 21st May taking over from Ding Dang Doo.

This is our first trip into Marsa and wanted to know whether you will be able to pick-up some drinks on arrival for the trip or whether you are better getting a bottle in Manchester Airport?

We have limited luggage allowance (15kg and have bought 5 extra) so are planning to put regulators and torches into the hand luggage and did not want the extra weight of a bottle around the airport.

Looking forward to the trip not looking forward to the airport and potentially many Manchester United supporters on their way to Moscow!! Their last flight should leave at 08:00 we leave at 09:00 so should just see the aftermath.

Are there any other YDers on this trip?

Thanks
Heather

[Fiona]

Hi Heather

If you have a favourite tipple I would buy it here, they whisk you fairly swiftly through the airport when you get there and it is only a short trip to the marina, haven't been for a while so I don't know if they have opened any shops up at the new complex yet.

Have a lovely trip.

[scubasuze]

its cheaper to get duty free in the UK than Egypt - especially wine which is about £8-10 a bottle of white- and you'll have a better selection.

[Rod]

There is a duty free shop in the baggage reclaim hall at Marsa Alam. The problem is it is not always open so to be sure to get some alcohol buy it on the plane or in duty free in the UK.

[denismc66]

Just back from a week on the Grand Sea Serpent and the beer on the boat works out at about £2 a can. There are some shops in Port Ghalib but not a huge selection. Its probably a good idea to bring a litre of your favourite spirit
Denis

[westside]

Thanks for the responses, we will pick a bottle of Dansak, the metal bottle ensures it will arrive in one piece. Sounds like Sharm and if the duty free is open will try to pick up some beer as a bonus. It's nice to have a wind down drink at the end of the days diving. Cannot wait now. Tickets arrived, cabin allocated, kit tested this weekend in coniston, 10 days to departure.

Since we only get 15kg + 5kg bought extra we will probably have the hand luggage to the max 5kg so did not want to be weight down if poss. I suppose its the age old question as long as my total bags do not exceed 25kg does it matter whether they are in the hold or cabin luggage bins.

Thanks
Heather

[denismc66]

Heather,
When we travelled there did'nt seem to be much fuss about weight, my check-in was over 23kg and my carry on was well over the limit. Saying that i think one of the check-in desks was weighing carry on but the others didnt
Denis

[westside]

Denis,

It does always seem to depend on the person on the other side of the desk. We have never had to pay for excess but always work within the limits given but have shared holidays with people who have had very large bills £000's. To be honest you don't really need much over the dive kit on a livaboard. Just remember to smile and be plesant if you are near the limit and you should be OK.

who did you fly with? We are with Thomas Cook but I think they have sub contracted to Monach, so could be crampt but better than a trip to Gatwick.

Heather

[denismc66]

We had Thomas Cook on the way out and their seats are more cramped than some of the budget airlines. We were with monarch on the way back and i may as well have been standing it was so cramped
Denis

[helen S]

Originally Posted by westside

Grand Sea Serpent 21st to 28th May 2008
We are heading out on the 'Simply the Best' tour with TB from Marsa Alam on the 21st May taking over from Ding Dang Doo.

<snip>

Are there any other YDers on this trip?

Thanks
Heather

Hi Heather

We are going on this trip, see you there.....can't wait, I'm so excited. It's our first time flying to Marsa Alam too.

Helen