Too many problems for a premium liveaboard
I spent a week diving aboard JP Marine and unfortunately would not book this vessel again.
The physical condition of the boat was one of my biggest concerns. We experienced repeated water leaks in common areas, including around the dining area and close to electrical equipment. There were also recurring air-conditioning and shower problems. These were not just one-off inconveniences during the week.
The diving operation was also disappointing. After the first days, we increasingly felt that the guides preferred guests to dive independently. If we wanted to be accompanied, we felt we had to specifically ask for it. This was not the guided liveaboard experience I expected.
Our itinerary was also substantially different from the Golden Mix we booked. Rocky Island, Zabargad and St. John’s were all missed. We accepted the explanation about military restrictions while onboard, but after the trip we contacted other local operators and confirmed that St. John’s was open and being accessed by other liveaboards at that time.
The final diving day was particularly disappointing: only two dives were provided before returning to Marsa Alam around midday. We were told there was a deadline for vessels to enter port, but we personally saw other liveaboards arriving hours later.
Finally, there was a serious lack of transparency regarding payments. I paid €570 in cash onboard, as did my travelling companion. We asked several times for invoices or receipts and left JP Marine without receiving any documentation for these payments.
There were simply too many problems during one week to consider this an acceptable premium liveaboard experience.
I cannot recommend JP Marine based on my trip.