I ended up booking at Fort Arabesque resort and diving with this operation. It's coming out to be more $ than the liveaboard itself, but I really want to dive and I deserve a treat to stay at a nice resort for a few days.I was thinking the same thing, maybe to stay in Hurghada for a few days and either shore/boat dive (or both) prior to heading on one of the Northern itineraries.
@kyley How was your experience with the hotel and dive shop?