Legal
Terms & Conditions
Last updated: February 2026
1. Introduction
These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your booking and participation in diving expeditions operated by Celesta Liveaboards ("we", "us", "our"). By making a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms.
Celesta Liveaboards is a liveaboard dive safari operator based in Hurghada, Egypt, operating M/Y Celesta across Red Sea dive routes.
2. Booking Terms
All bookings are subject to availability. A booking is confirmed once we have received your deposit payment and sent you a booking confirmation. Until then, your place is not guaranteed.
By confirming a booking, you acknowledge that:
- All information you provide (name, contact details, certification, medical declarations) is accurate and complete
- You meet the minimum diving certification and experience requirements for the chosen expedition
- You will inform us promptly of any changes to your personal details, travel plans, or fitness to dive
3. Payment Terms
All prices are quoted in EUR (Euros) unless otherwise agreed. We also accept payments in USD and GBP at the exchange rate applicable at the time of payment.
Deposit
A deposit (typically 30% of the total trip cost) is required to secure your booking. The deposit is due within 14 days of receiving your invoice. The deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances.
Balance payment
The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip departure date. Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in cancellation of your booking.
Payment methods
We accept bank transfers. Payment details are included on your invoice. All bank charges are the responsibility of the guest.
4. Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while covering costs we have already committed. Cancellations must be communicated to us in writing (email).
Cancellation tiers
- More than 30 days before departure — Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit. or 100% credit toward a future trip (deposit included). Credits have no expiry and are locked to the currency you paid in.
- Less than 30 days before departure — All payments forfeited. No refund or credit will be issued.
Important notes
- The deposit is non-refundable in all cases
- Credits can be applied to any future Celesta Liveaboards expedition
- If you apply a credit to a trip priced in a different currency, the exchange rate at the time of application will be used
- We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellation
Cancellation by Celesta Liveaboards
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a trip (due to insufficient bookings, vessel maintenance, or force majeure), we will offer you the choice of a full refund (including deposit) or transfer to an alternative trip date.
5. Changes & Transfers
We will do our best to accommodate changes to your booking:
- Date changes: Subject to availability. If the new trip has a different price, the difference will be charged or credited accordingly.
- Name changes: We may transfer your booking to another person up to 30 days before departure, subject to the new guest meeting all trip requirements.
- Cabin upgrades: Available subject to availability and payment of the price difference.
6. Our Responsibilities
We are committed to providing a safe, professional, and enjoyable diving expedition. This includes:
- A well-maintained vessel with all required safety equipment and certifications
- Experienced, certified crew and dive guides
- Meals and accommodation as described in the trip itinerary
- Diving operations conducted according to industry safety standards
Force majeure
We are not liable for failure to perform any obligation due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: severe weather, natural disasters, war, government restrictions, epidemics, or marine authority closures. In such cases, we will work with you to find the best possible solution.
Itinerary changes
Dive site itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions, sea state, marine park regulations, and the professional judgement of the captain and dive guides. Safety always takes priority. No refunds will be issued for itinerary changes made for safety reasons.
7. Your Responsibilities
As a guest on a Celesta Liveaboards expedition, you are responsible for:
- Valid travel documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the trip date and that you have the necessary visa for Egypt
- Dive certification: Hold a valid diving certification at or above the level required for the expedition, and carry your certification card
- Dive insurance: Carry valid dive insurance that covers hyperbaric treatment. This is mandatory and non-negotiable.
- Fitness to dive: Declare any medical conditions that may affect your ability to dive safely. You may be required to provide a medical clearance.
- Equipment: Bring your own dive equipment or arrange rental in advance. We offer equipment rental on board.
- Compliance: Follow all instructions from the captain, crew, and dive guides at all times. Safety briefings are mandatory.
- Respect: Treat the vessel, marine environment, crew, and fellow guests with respect. No-touch diving policy applies to all marine life and coral.
8. Liability
Scuba diving and liveaboard travel involve inherent risks that cannot be entirely eliminated. By booking and participating in a Celesta Liveaboards expedition, you voluntarily assume these risks and agree to the following limitations.
- Our liability is limited to the total amount you have paid for the trip
- Personal belongings remain your responsibility. We recommend keeping valuables secure and ensuring your travel insurance covers personal property
- We are not liable for services provided by third parties, including airport transfers, hotels, and other arrangements made on your behalf
- You must hold adequate travel and dive insurance, including cover for medical evacuation and hyperbaric treatment. This is a condition of participation.
These limitations apply to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Nothing in these Terms affects any statutory rights that cannot be excluded or limited under the law applicable to your booking.
9. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your booking will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Egyptian courts.
We will always try to resolve any issues informally before either party resorts to legal proceedings.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about these Terms or need assistance with your booking, please contact us:
- Email: bookings@celestaliveaboards.com
- WhatsApp: Available during Egyptian business hours (9 AM – 9 PM EET)
- Location: Hurghada, Egypt