We dived the Red Sea Aggressor a number of years ago out of Sharm el Sheik and it was a wonderful trip but not at all cheap. There were loads of liveaboards and day boats operating in the area, and I have never seen anything like the hordes around the Thistlegorm dive, it was crazy - but a great dive.
The Aggressor got to the site early and was the first boat on one of the moorings. We did an early dive and had the wreck to ourselves but when we came up we saw that more boats had arrived; as the day got later the crowds got larger. There were many, many boats and they were tied to each other. I think we did 3 or 4 dives total on that wreck and we lucky to be moored in a great spot, but it was kind of a zoo. It is an outstanding wreck dive though.
The Red Sea liveaboards are very popular with European divers - it's a short trip and great diving! The boat we were on was local and franchised by the Aggressor, it was not an Aggressor-owned boat. But it was a gorgeous boat and the crew and dive op were outstanding.
But I do not know if that is typical of most Red Sea Liveaboards; they vary so much in price you've got to wonder if they also vary in amenities, skilled staff, and quality? I don't know.
We decided to go on the Aggressor because we had been on some of their other liveaboards and had been pleased with our experiences. Plus they were having a special and so we got a discount.
I think that the new Red Sea Aggressor is owned by them and not chartered or franchised. It looks like an Aggressor boat - a very nice, new one!
I notice that the Aggressor is currently offering a 50% off promotion for selected dates in March for their Red Sea cruise:
Save 50% in March - Red Sea Aggressor
Book a new reservation starting Sept. 25, 2015 for any of the following weeks and save 50%. Thats right, it's March Madness month and we are offering big savings.
March 5 - 12, 2016 March 12 - 19, 2016
March 19 - 26, 2016 March 26 - April 2, 2016
Money saving specials and other promotions do not apply. Added benefits for groups do not apply. Applies to individuals, couples, and groups.