Hey folks, just a quick update - will do a full trip report when I get time - short version: Coral reefs in Red Sea *well* worth making the trip. Many sites comparable to GBR/North Aus trip. Friendly locals, great dive staff, we had a terrific trip. Couple large animal sightings on the part of some of our group: oceanic whitetips (!), one large hammerhead. Plenty of emperor angels, unicornfish, etc.
Carryons were not weighed at all on any of the five legs - JFK-CAI r/t, CAI-HRG r/t, CAI-ASW. Probably helped that we were traveling with a group. They did weigh the checked bags but weren't terribly strict on limits. Staff (very) friendly, helpful. I'd fly MS again. Must admit I did wear huge vest crammed with miscellaneous items but it wasn't strictly due to weight issues.
Had a great time!! More later...