Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park

4.5 star property
Luxury property on the beach, with 4 outdoor swimming pools
your current months are November, 2024 and December, 2024.
November 2024
December 2024

Photo gallery for Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park

Aerial view
Aerial view
Hypo-allergenic bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
9 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mediterranean cuisine
Aerial view

Reviews

8.6 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
    Pool
  • All-inclusive
    All-inclusive
  • Bar
    Bar
  • On private beach
    On private beach
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Room service
    Room service
The price is NZ$395
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov

Explore the area

Map
Nabq Bay, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate, 0000
  • Nabq Bay
    12 min walk
  • Nabq Protected Area
    7 min drive
  • Rehana Beach
    11 min drive
  • Sharm El Sheikh (SSH-Sharm El-Sheikh Intl.)
    15 min drive

Room options

Junior Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 55 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Royal Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
2 bedrooms
Bathrobes
  • 130 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Double Room(Egyptians and Egyptian Residents only)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

Triple Room (Egyptians and Egyptian Residents only)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 King Bed

Deluxe Double or Twin Room, Garden View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

Family Room (Egyptians and Egyptian Residents only)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Family Room

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Deluxe Triple Room

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 King Bed

Deluxe Triple Room, Pool View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 King Bed

Deluxe Triple Room, Sea View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 35 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 King Bed

Deluxe Double or Twin Room, Pool View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

Deluxe Double or Twin Room, Sea View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 35 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Sharm El Sheikh

A luxury stay in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh awaits you at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park. You'll be within a 15-minute walk of Nabq Bay and 3.6 km (2.2 mi) from Nabq Protected Area. Highlights at this all-inclusive property include 9 restaurants, 4 outdoor swimming pools and a full-service spa. .The restaurant, Mediterranean Restaurant, serves Mediterranean cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With 3 poolside bars and 7 lounge bars to choose from, you can enjoy a drink at the property. Spend the day at the private beach and enjoy the on-site water park, free kids' club and gym. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a steam room and a children's swimming pool. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Attractions within a 20-minute drive of this 4.5-property class Sharm El Sheikh property include SOHO Square and Shark's Bay.

What's nearby

  • Nabq Bay - 12 min walk
  • Nabq Protected Area - 7 min drive
  • SOHO Square - 15 min drive
  • Shark's Bay - 20 min drive
  • Domina Coral Bay Congress Centre - 22 min drive

Getting around

  • Sharm El Sheikh (SSH-Sharm El-Sheikh Intl.) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪ماكدونالدز - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪برجر كنج - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪دجاج كنتاكى - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪TGI Fridays - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Бар У Баса - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park

Luxury property on the beach, with 4 outdoor swimming pools
Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park is an all-inclusive property. Room rates include meals and beverages at on-site restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Simply step outside to unwind on the property's beach. At Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park, you can cool off in one of the 4 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

Free breakfast is served daily. There are 9 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafΘ and a nearby snack bar/deli. For a drink, you can stop by one of the on-site bars, including 3 poolside bars and 7 bars/lounges. WiFi is free in public spaces. This all-inclusive property also offers a water park, a complimentary children's club and a children's pool. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4.5-star Sharm El Sheikh property.

  • 658 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 9 dining venues
  • 3 bars by the pool
  • 7 bars or lounges
  • Built in 2004
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Kid's club (free)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Beauty salon
  • ATM
  • On-site shopping
  • Bellhop
  • Lift
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar on the beach
Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park offers 658 accommodations with minibars and a safe. Rooms open to balconies. LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include a shower, dressing gowns, slippers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and a hairdryer. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the property's full-service spa.

Languages

Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Russian

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) during limited hours
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily
  • 3 poolside bars
  • 7 bars/lounges
  • 9 restaurants
  • A beach bar
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Lasiatique
  • Mediterranean Restaurant
  • Soprano
  • Tagine
  • Zum Kaiser

Family friendly

  • 4 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Free children's club
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Water park
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a private beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 2004
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests booked in an "Egyptians and Egyptian Residents only" room type in the All Inclusive rate plan receive all meals, soft drinks, and water (no alcohol).
Guests booked in an "Egyptians and Egyptian Residents only" room type must present identification or resident visa at check-in. The property reserves the right to amend the rate if valid proof is not provided.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Albatros Moderna Royal
Albatros Royal
Albatros Royal Moderna
Moderna Albatros
Royal Albatros
Royal Albatros Moderna All Inclusive All-inclusive property
Royal Albatros Moderna Hotel
Royal Albatros Moderna Hotel Sharm el Sheikh
Royal Albatros Moderna Sharm el Sheikh
Royal Moderna
Royal Albatros Moderna All Inclusive Sharm el Sheikh
Royal Albatros Moderna All Inclusive
Royal Albatros Morna Inclusiv

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

Yep, Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park has a free self car park.

How much does it cost to stay at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

As of 4 Nov 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park on 13 Nov 2024 start from NZ$394.91, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

The closest beach to Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park is Naama Bay Beach (19.9 km).

Is there a spa on site at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park.

Does Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park have a pool?

Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park has 4 outdoor swimming pools and a kids' pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella and with a drink from one of the bars.

Does Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park have a waterslide?

Yep, this property has a waterslide!

What luxury perks are available at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park features a private beach, 3 poolside bars and 4 outdoor pools.

What makes Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park a romantic place to stay?

A private beach and 24-hour room service, as well as private balconies in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park.

Does Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park serve breakfast?

Yep, free buffet brekkie is offered daily.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

Relax with a coldie at the 3 poolside bars or 7 lounge bars, and grab a meal at the onsite restaurant that serves Mediterranean cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm & Aqua Park Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 51 reviews" "

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Seifeldin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Richard

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We stayed for 10 nights in a different hotel and then came to this one for 2 further nights. The accommodation was extremely basic and certainly nowhere near 5 star. We had booked a deluxe double room and this didn't look anything like the photo's that the hotel provides. The room had no towels, no bathrobes, the walls were just plain white. The lighting was so poor in the room (no lamps or bedside lighting) that we had to use the torch on our phone just to see the buttons on the remote control. Really disappointed with the room so we went to reception to ask for a better room. They advised us to come back the following morning to see what might be available. Upon doing so they moved us to a different deluxe room and this time it did resemble the photo's. Still only a 3/4 star room though. The food was good in the hotel and the alcohol was adequate - It way too expensive to buy branded wine at anywhere between £25 a bottle (worse than the local wine) and £150 for a bottle of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Although this seems to be a common thing in Egypt and not just this hotel. Nice pools (Although no swim up bars to be seen) and nice beach area. We didn't bother visiting the Aqua Park as it was tiny and with no pool there (or alcohol being served) it would have been a case of riding a few slides and then walking all the way back to the main hotel. We visited the spa for a massage also and it was the most painful aromatherapy massage ever! Would not return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

JABER

Travelled with family
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Samir

Stayed 8 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Ilit

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

nachshon

Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pellegrino

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Joel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good hotel
Good hotel and features. Awful wifi
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kamal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Bedir

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Royal Albatros Moderna has pretty much everything you need for a sea&sun holiday. It would be unfair to rate the food and the drinks per normal standards while visiting during the COVID tourism crisis, but even under these circumstances the food was well cooked and had enough variation. Some of the staff (customer care rep, big pool bar staff) did an amazing job. Sadly only the smaller (beach side) pool was heated, but that one was kept at a solid 29 degrees Celsius making happy most of the customers. The pontoon is very long but it was being refurbished bit by bit during our stay and the platform near the reef is very well equipped with sunbeds and even larger king bed-type sunbathing equipment. Most of the customers during this winter appeared to come from ex-Soviet countries which still had charter flights to Sharm but the animation team made efforts to entertain all customers regardless of the language spoken. The general atmosphere was family friendly, lots of kids and teens. The aquapark (even if located in a less then inspiring spot) is well equipped and provides plenty of fun for kids and adults alike. Minor quirks can be easily overlooked given the general positive impression.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Ahmed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great and Perfect
We realy enjoy our stay with perfect services and nice food
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Khaled

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

2/10 Terrible

Aiman, Saudi Arabia

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not a 5 stars at all !!! Start with check in ... it took 4 hours , they ask me to pay extra 1000 USD because my doughter is 13 and considered to be adult !!! At check in , the reception guy gave me a paper of check to fill it !!!! They they do nothing at all .. they ask me to leave my passport for few hours but I refused as I heard one was shouting because the lost his passport !!! Then no body explain to me the resort and the activities at all ... No body carried my bags , no body even show me the to my room which far a way from the reception ... they just told to look for some to show the way ... i asked two of the waiters but they said they were busy so I spend 30 minutes to find my way with myself ... The room was soooo old furniture , bathroom is not even a 2 stars hotel , broken shower , used shampoo , no slippers or roob , 2 lights in the room were not working ... the worse thing is the bed ...... very bad and not comfortable at all , u will have backache and shoulder pain after two days , trust me ... Housekeeping is the worse , imagine they clean the room after two days !!!! I left the room with the cleaning sign on from 7am until 2 pm ... no cleaning., the third day they clean the room but was not perfect at all .. Activities in hotel is boaring, not funny at all ,my kids did like it all . If u want to screw you vacation , this is will be your best choice
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Facilities are great for kid but food is below avg
Room bathroom smells and reneovation fir entire room is past die. Wifi is very slow and food is not good at all. However, staff is friendly, facilities are very nice and evening show is good for kids.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Marwa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice Hotel
Very well days kindly staff very good location and sea

10/10 Excellent

Stella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent hotel
Hotel was excellent, very good choice of bars and restaurants with entertainment in various outlets every night. Lovely touch was the Columbus coffee house which we enjoyed very much. All the staff and management went out there way to make sure we had a fantastic holiday. Can't wait to return in the summer.

6/10 Okay

Viktor

Disliked: Room comfort
Definitely not 5stars
Food was really awful! Some cooks don't know that the hotel system is 'all inclusive' and you have to beg them to give you more. Only 1 pool was heated! 1! Others were as cold as ice...

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
Not luxury but almost decent
Poor hotel hygiene wise wonderful staff Food is edible not tasty and the menu is not rich nor colorful.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah, Northampton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic hotel - would recommend
We were travelling as a group of friends and supposed to be at this hotel for a week but stranded for longer due to the issues with flights to UK following plane coming down. Throughout our stay the food was great (AI included cocktails, fresh made pancakes etc as well as non stop food in range of restaurants), facilities excellent and staff so helpful under difficult circumstances. Nabq Bay was great for us - lovely beaches and not too busy. I hope Egypt is able to recover following this tragedy.

10/10 Excellent

mahmoud

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Michelle, dubai uae

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing entertainment staff. Food at the Italian resto was delicious. Restaurants should stay open later than 9pm or there should be a beach grill option for late night snacks and mid day snacks (230-5pm)

8/10 Good

Lizzy, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel but dining experience let it down
Hotel was lovely, very clean and everything in working order. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Sales staff for the spa were relentless - You could have up to 4 people come and try to persuade you to book something. Choice of restaurants was good, but they were all buffet with no a la carte options. What I found strange is that people wandered in and out of all the restaurants, carrying their plates to each one. There was no drinks service, you had to seat yourself and had the feel of a canteen - not the usual relaxing dining experience I prefer. Pools and sunbeds were good - plenty available and good selection of areas depending if you wanted peace and quiet or music etc WIFI was practically non existent.