Pure Tranquility: a well needed Winter Red Sea liveaboard getaway
It’s been a quiet year for diving and underwater photography this year for me, and with a baby due early next year, it could potentially get quieter. For that reason, a dive trip before the New Year was more than welcome. After having a couple of other potential trips not come to fruition, I was definitely itching to get back underwater.
With my wife heavily pregnant, I was reluctant to look at any BIG trips that would take me to the other side of the world in remote, hard to reach places. My mind was definitely thinking Red Sea, and with this time of year being prime oceanic whitetip shark action, a “Simply the Best” itinerary to Brothers and Daedalus would be just the ticket – a quick week away, within easy reach, and with great diving. Come on scuba Gods, do me proud. Well!! They certainly did, as I got the phone call to join Scuba Travel onboard M/Y Tranquility, and on a “Simply the Best” itinerary to boot. WHAT A RESULT!!
First things first – Getting there. Travelling with Scuba Travel couldn’t be easier, and everything is planned and sorted for you. You get a special log in for your ‘manage my booking’ page on their website, allowing you to access all the details for the trip you need. There’s always someone on hand to answer questions, and they make sure to give you all the relevant information to make sure you’re ready for the trip (FCDO links, dive insurance links, safe and healthy holiday links e.t.c.). My return flights were Gatwick to Hurghada with EasyJet, and Scuba Travel can even pre-book your visa to avoid any unnecessary delays on arrival in Hurghada. A representative is there to meet you at immigration with the Visa. Return transport is also included from the airport to the boat and back, ensuring a smooth and safe journey. It wasn’t long before I was getting my first glimpse of my home for the week.
Formally Oman Aggressor, this highly comfortable boat has found a new home in the Red Sea and been renamed Tranquility. It was certainly Tranquil by name, Tranquil by nature. A beautiful big boat which was certainly at home at sea; a stunning 45m steel hulled liveaboard which was super comfortable and stable. We had strong winds for the whole week, but Tranquility’s safe, stable build meant we didn’t miss out on visiting the offshore reefs the “Simply the Best” itinerary is famous for. I also felt completely safe, even in the harshest conditions the week could throw at us, and didn’t feel sea sick once; a testament to its build quality.
If you’re familiar with joining a Red Sea liveaboard from Hurghada Marina, you’ll know that the first impression you get of the boat is the most important – the Dive Deck!! As you approach from the rear and enter the boat for the first time, your eyes are already scanning the space and equipment. Thankfully, I was super impressed with the size, and all the cylinders looked in great condition, with 2 rows of 12 cylinder spaces through the middle and 2 rows of 5 along the back edge. With camera tables either side and plenty of charging portholes, it was more than adequate to accommodate the maximum of 24 dive guests. In fact, there were 16 divers plus 3 guides on our trip and we comfortably kitted up together.
Arriving at night meant we were soon ushered into the bright and airy salon leading to the dining area. A refreshing welcome drink greeted us, and it wasn’t long before we were getting our first impressions of the food onboard. Dinner was served almost instantly and was a delicious buffet style set up with plenty of choice, from cold starters to tasty hot food and some dessert to finish up. They catered brilliantly for a number of vegetarians/pescatarians onboard also. The food continued to impress throughout the week, and the Egyptian Beef dish was incredible – so succulent, and bursting with flavour, I was glad it was served on more than one occasion.
It’s very important to me how liveaboards deal with safety onboard and how the briefings are delivered, so it was reassuring when Reda gave us the initial boat briefing and couldn’t have been more stern and thorough with the delivery. Yassir was the same when it came to dive briefings, and in particular the shark briefing. I kind of felt like a naughty school kid with how firm they were in delivering their briefings! I’m more than happy with that when it comes to safety though. I was also reassured someone would always be on hand.
Tranquility offers 12 well-appointed cabins across 3 decks, all with en-suite, media player, hairdryers and individual AC climate controls. I was in one of the lower deck cabins (Cabin 3), which was a large room, with more than adequate space for 2 people sharing on a twin cabin share. However, I lucked out on this trip with my own room to myself. Unfortunately, with everyone boarding the boat at the same time and getting in their rooms as quick as possible, I didn’t get chance to check out the master cabins on the upper deck and the suite on the main deck. However, the impression I got from those staying in them was that they were large comfortable rooms with a great view out. I’ve looked at the images online and they do look incredible.
Overall, my experience onboard was a great one and really added to the amazing diving we had. While winter does get a little more windy and chilly, it did mean the top deck was free a lot during the trip, so when I wanted to take some time to myself, I would lie on the loungers in the sun listening to music. There’s also a jacuzzi on the top deck but we didn’t use it because of the time of year. The upper deck has a comfortable seating area at the stern of the boat and is where most the socialising took place during the evenings. It was also a great place to sit and watch the sunset and the moon rise out of the sea, something I really enjoy on a Red Sea liveaboard.
With 2 large screen TV’s in the salon and comfortable seating, I really enjoyed the few nights we were able to get a film on and relax. With a last day’s stay at Blue Beach Club in the Marina which also included with a Scuba Travel trip, it was nice to relax before our 6pm pick-up for our flight home.
My home for the week was way more than adequate, with some great company onboard. Stay tuned to see what the diving had to offer in my upcoming blogs…….
For more information about Tranquility and diving in the Red Sea:
+44 (0)1483 411590
