Reviewed · NILE DINNER CRUISES

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer

3.8 · 35 reviews From $41 per person Operated by Egypt Excursions Online · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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A Red Sea dinner cruise in Sharm El Sheikh turns an ordinary evening into a moving stage show, with coastline lights, live music, and plenty of momentum. I like the illuminated Sharm El Sheikh views at night and the open buffet with seafood, meats, and vegetarian options. One thing to consider: this isn’t a quiet, candlelit cruise, it can feel more like a party where dancing is pushed.

You’ll board as the sun drops, feel the sea breeze, and watch the marina and waterfront glow reflect across the water. Expect a DJ, a live singer, and a belly dancer performance, plus a magician show earlier in the program. If you’re after a relaxed romance, go in with clear expectations about the energy level and the style of entertainment.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Key Points to Know Before You Go

  • Night views from the Red Sea: You get Sharm El Sheikh’s lit coastline sliding by as you eat and watch the show.
  • Open buffet dinner: There’s a mix of seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, but quality and variety can vary.
  • Live entertainment schedule: DJ and singer keep the pace up, and the belly dancer show is a key moment of the night.
  • Language and music mix: You may hear Arabic, English, plus other languages and styles, which can affect how comfortable you feel.
  • Extra costs are common: Drinks and photos are not included, and a separate photographer service is available.

A Moving Night Out: What This Cruise Really Feels Like

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - A Moving Night Out: What This Cruise Really Feels Like
This experience is built as a full evening program, not just a boat ride with dinner. The core deal is simple: you’re on the water in Sharm El Sheikh, eating from an open buffet, and being entertained with nonstop activity.

If you’re the type who enjoys DJ energy, dancing, and big group vibes, you’ll likely have a good time. If you want something calm where you can talk quietly and watch the water in peace, this may feel too loud or too staged.

I also like that the package includes the main show elements. You’re not piecing together multiple activities, the cruise tries to do everything in one go: food, music, and performances.

More Dining Experiences in Sharm el-Sheikh

The Timing, Pickup, and Port Situation (And How to Stay Calm)

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - The Timing, Pickup, and Port Situation (And How to Stay Calm)
You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off as part of the deal, which is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Sharm El Sheikh at night. There’s also an optional private transfer upgrade if you want a more direct, less shared experience.

That said, timing matters on boats. One account described a confusing start window and shifting ride times, which can wreck the vibe if you’re relying on the schedule to be precise. Your best move is practical: plan to be ready earlier than the pickup time you’re expecting, and confirm the exact pickup location and timing with the provider before the afternoon.

When you do arrive, you’re not dealing with a long travel day. The marina area is close to the action, and one person even commented that the distance to the port felt so near it was like you could swim there. Translation: you’re likely not spending hours commuting.

Boarding Details That Can Actually Affect Your Comfort

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Boarding Details That Can Actually Affect Your Comfort
One detail that surprised people is that you may need to remove your shoes when boarding. That’s not the kind of thing you want to learn in a hurry while holding bags, so I’d treat it as real and pack smart.

For comfort, think about typical evening weather on the water. The breeze can cool you down, even if the day was warm. Bring something light you can put on when you feel the sea air.

Also, assume the boat layout and crowd flow are designed for show timing. You might find yourself moving with the group between dinner and entertainment, so wear comfortable shoes that are easy to manage with any shoe rules.

The Dinner: Buffet Style, Good When You Match the Expectations

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - The Dinner: Buffet Style, Good When You Match the Expectations
The cruise includes an open buffet, and the menu is described as having a range: seafood, meats, and vegetarian choices. That matters because it reduces the chance you’ll feel stuck if your dinner preference is specific.

Now the honest part. Some people felt the dinner was more basic than they hoped, with limited choices and an experience that can feel imposed rather than flexible. In at least one case, the family portion left people hungry.

So how do you enjoy it anyway? Aim for a simple strategy:

  • Come hungry, but don’t treat the buffet as your only meal of the day.
  • Expect quantity and variety to be inconsistent, like many buffet setups under show pressure.
  • If you have dietary requirements, be ready for a smaller selection than you’d find at a restaurant.

Also remember that drinks are not included. One person reported you could only buy fruit juice on the boat, with no soft drinks available. Even if that’s not universal, it tells you to check in advance what’s actually offered onboard. Bring cash or budget for small purchases so you’re not caught off guard mid-event.

DJ, Singer, Belly Dancer, and a Magician: The Show Package

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - DJ, Singer, Belly Dancer, and a Magician: The Show Package
This cruise leans hard into live entertainment. You’ll have a DJ and a live singer, and there’s a belly dancer performance that’s clearly treated as a highlight.

The performances can be polarizing, and that’s worth respecting. One account said the belly dancer showed more than the viewer wanted to see. Another described it as awkward enough that they timed a toilet break around it. At the same time, other accounts praised the entertainment and described a fun atmosphere.

Music can also be a factor. One person said the onboard music included Turkish, Arabic, and Russian, and that the program felt a bit too aimed at pushing people into dancing. Another person said the staff were inclusive of different nationalities and that they had a great time.

My advice is to choose based on your own comfort level with a party format. If you’re happy to join in, the energy may be your favorite part. If you prefer subtle background music and a seated dinner vibe, you might feel pressured or restless.

The magician moment

There’s also a magician show described as coming from a toy box concept for children. That gives the evening a lighter opening or break before the main entertainment ramps up.

If you’re traveling with kids, this could be the most family-friendly segment of the night. If you’re traveling as a couple who wants adult-focused romance only, you might find it slightly off-topic.

Photos and extra services

You may see photographers onboard, and photos are not included. One person even called out an incredible photographer, but that still comes with the “extra to pay for” reality. If you want a souvenir, set a budget before the offer gets close.

A possible bonus sighting

One account mentioned seeing a dolphin. Since that’s not guaranteed information in the tour details, treat it as a nice bonus if it happens during your sailing, not something you can plan around.

The Value Equation at About $41 Per Person

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - The Value Equation at About $41 Per Person
At $41 per person, you’re paying for a bundle. You’re not just buying a boat ride. You’re getting hotel transfer, onboard open buffet, DJ, live singer, and belly dancer entertainment.

That bundle is where the value comes from, especially if you’d otherwise need separate tickets or a guide to set up an evening plan. For a cost-conscious night out, this is a reasonable deal if you want a “everything included” evening.

Where value can wobble is exactly where costs usually show up on these cruises:

  • Drinks are extra and onboard availability can be limited.
  • Photos are extra.
  • Dinner quality can be hit-or-miss depending on how the buffet is run during a busy show schedule.

So I’d consider this a smart purchase if your goal is a fun night atmosphere and you can treat dinner as part of the experience, not the main event. If your top priority is a high-end meal and a calm romantic mood, you may feel let down.

Who Should Book This Cruise (And Who Should Skip It)

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Who Should Book This Cruise (And Who Should Skip It)
This works best for you if:

  • You like live entertainment and don’t mind a party atmosphere.
  • You can handle a busy program where dancing and show cues are part of the flow.
  • You want an easy evening plan with pickup and drop-off included.

It’s less ideal if:

  • You’re sensitive to loud music or forced participation moments.
  • You want an especially refined, high-choice dining experience.
  • You’re not comfortable with an adult-style belly dancer performance.

For families, the magician show could be a plus, but the belly dancer segment could be a mismatch depending on your kids’ age and your comfort level.

For couples, it can be romantic in the sense that the Red Sea nighttime views and lights on the water are genuinely lovely. Just don’t expect a quiet whispery kind of romance.

Should You Book It? My Straight Call

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Should You Book It? My Straight Call
Book this cruise if you’re aiming for a lively night with a moving view, straightforward dinner, and multiple onboard shows. The price is sensible for what’s included, and the night scenery from the water is exactly the kind of “simple plan, good payoff” activity that works well on a short trip.

Skip it if you want a calm, seated experience where entertainment stays in the background. Based on the variety of show and dinner experiences people reported, your enjoyment may depend heavily on your tolerance for party energy, music style, and the belly dancer segment.

If you do book, go in prepared. Use the open buffet for fueling, budget for drinks, and dress for comfort on a boat. That mindset makes the evening much more likely to land well.

FAQ

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - FAQ

What’s included in the Sharm El Sheikh dinner cruise?

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, DJ, singer, belly dancer, and an open buffet. There’s also an optional private transfer upgrade if you select it.

Is a private transfer available?

Yes. Private transfer is optional for an extra touch of convenience and comfort.

What about drinks and soft drinks on the boat?

Drinks are not included. The information provided also notes that you can purchase drinks onboard, and at least one account reported only fruit juice available, with no soft drinks.

Do I get photos included?

No. Photos are not included.

What languages should I expect onboard?

The experience is offered in Arabic and English.

Do I need to remove my shoes when boarding?

One account specifically mentioned that you have to remove your shoes when getting on the boat and that they should be put in the description of the activity.

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