A question divers often ask is why some liveaboard trips appear to be much cheaper than others. The answer comes down to what’s included – or, more to the point, not included.
While many operators add costs such as marine park fees, port charges, fuel surcharges and Nitrox separately, Emperor Divers includes these essential costs as part of our No Hidden Extras promiseon all our liveaboards and at each of our Red Sea dive centres.
Why do liveaboards charge extra fees?
There’s nothing unusual or untoward about these charges. Marine park fees help protect some of the world’s most spectacular reefs, port fees contribute to harbour operations and fuel is one of the biggest running costs for any liveaboard.
Every operator has to cover these costs. The important question is whether they’re already included in the trip price or whether they’ll be added to your bill later.
How much can hidden extras add?
The exact amount varies depending on the destination and itinerary, but typical additional costs elsewhere can include:
Marine park & conservation fees: US$100-350
Port & harbour fees: Vary greatly by destination and itinerary
Fuel surcharges: US$100-300 or US$15-35 per night
Nitrox: US$100-200 per week
Taken together, these essential charges can easily add between US$300 and US$850 – or more – per person to the advertised cost of a trip.
That’s money many divers don’t expect to budget for when they first compare liveaboard prices, which is why it’s always worth looking beyond the headline fare.
The Emperor Divers approach
At Emperor Divers, we believe you should know exactly what your holiday will cost before you travel.
Our No Hidden Extras promise includes:
✓ Marine park fees
✓ Port fees
✓ Fuel surcharges
✓ FREE Nitrox for certified divers
So, when you compare an Emperor liveaboard with another operator, you’re seeing the actual price rather than simply the headline fare.
Book with confidence
Knowing exactly what your holiday will cost makes planning much easier. There’s no need to budget for compulsory operational charges later or wonder how much they’ll add to your final bill.
Instead, you can concentrate on what really matters: world-class diving, experienced crews, exceptional service and unforgettable time in the water.
Because when you book an Emperor liveaboard, the price you see really is the price you pay.
One price. No surprises. Just exceptional diving.
If you would like to find out more about our No Hidden Extras promise or the benefits our returning guests receive with our Friends of Emperor programme, please get in touch on [email protected] and our team will be very happy to help
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Emperor Divers’ No Hidden Extras policy include?
Our No Hidden Extras promise includes marine park fees, port fees, fuel surcharges and FREE Nitrox for certified divers, so you know the true cost before you travel. This is the case on all our liveaboards and each of our Red Sea dive centres.
Why do some liveaboards charge extra fees?
Many of these charges are genuine operating costs. Marine park fees help fund conservation, port fees support harbour facilities and fuel is one of the largest running costs for a liveaboard. Some operators include these costs in the advertised price, while others charge them separately.
Are all liveaboard extras included?
No. Personal spending such as alcoholic drinks, equipment rental, gratuities, visas, travel insurance and optional upgrades may still be charged separately. It’s always worth checking exactly what’s included before you book.
Is FREE Nitrox included on all Emperor liveaboards?
FREE Nitrox is included for certified Nitrox divers across Emperor Divers’ liveaboard fleet, helping you enjoy repetitive diving without paying an additional weekly charge.
Why is it important to compare what’s included?
Two liveaboards may appear to have very different prices, but once additional charges such as fuel surcharges, marine park fees and Nitrox are taken into account, the overall cost can be very different. Comparing what’s included gives you a much clearer picture of the real value of your holiday.
