Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer

REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer

  • 3.835 reviews
  • From $41
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Operated by Egypt Excursions Online · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 3.8 (35)Price from$41Operated byEgypt Excursions OnlineBook viaGetYourGuide

Red Sea stars plus a buffet and beats. This Sharm El Sheikh night cruise mixes Red Sea views with DJ and live singer energy on the water.

I particularly liked how the ship stays upbeat without needing you to be a dancer. And the whole thing feels like an easy way to spend an evening without thinking too hard.

I love two things most: the illuminated coastline as it glows against the sea, and the fact the meal is an open buffet with seafood, meats, and vegetarian options. If you’re hungry, you can usually build a plate that fits your taste.

The catch is that this can feel more like a party than a quiet dinner, and language/music support may not match what you hope for. If you want a chilled, candlelit vibe, go in with the right expectations.

Key things to know before you go

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Key things to know before you go

  • Illuminated Sharm coastline views from the water, with the lights reflecting on the Red Sea at night
  • Open buffet dinner with a mix of seafood, meats, and vegetarian choices
  • DJ plus live singer and belly dancer keeping the energy up as you sail
  • Boat rules you might not expect (one common note is removing shoes when boarding)
  • Plan for extra costs since drinks and photos are not included

When the Sharm El Sheikh lights come on

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - When the Sharm El Sheikh lights come on
This cruise is built around one simple idea: watch the Red Sea shift from sunset gold to starry night sparkle. As you board, the air cools down fast, and once you’re moving, you’ll feel that gentle rocking that makes it hard to stay stressed. The coastline lights of Sharm El Sheikh are the show here, especially when they smear into the water like liquid neon.

If you’ve spent the day in Egypt’s sun, this is a good payoff: you trade heat and traffic for open air and a steady, rolling rhythm. The vibe is helped by the fact that the entertainment happens in the same space you’re dining—so you aren’t shuttled around for every segment.

One thing to remember: the ship’s atmosphere can swing party-ward. Some people love that. Others just want to eat, listen, and talk quietly. So if you’re sensitive to loud music or being pushed into the dance floor, treat this as an active night out, not a calm dinner.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Sharm El Sheikh

Open buffet dinner: what you actually get

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Open buffet dinner: what you actually get
The meal is an open buffet, and that matters. Instead of a fixed entrée, you can build your plate as the night goes on. The buffet is described as covering seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, which is a strong base for a $41 price point.

Now for the practical reality check. A cruise buffet can be hit-or-miss depending on timing and how crowded the boat is. One common complaint is that dinner can feel a bit limited on choices and quantity, and in some cases it doesn’t feel like you’re offered much control over what you can eat. Translation: if you’re a picky eater, don’t assume the buffet will solve everything.

What I like about an open buffet on the water is flexibility. If the show starts before you’ve plated your food, you can still go back for another round. If you’re hungry after dancing, you’re not stuck waiting for a set course.

Drinks are where expectations must be managed. Drinks are not included, and on some sailings the on-board beverage selection can be very limited. If you’re used to ordering soda or cocktails with meals, plan to pay separately.

Music and dance: DJ, singer, belly dancer, and the party factor

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Music and dance: DJ, singer, belly dancer, and the party factor
This is not a background-music cruise. You’ll have a DJ, plus live music featuring a singer, and there’s also a belly dancer performance. The entertainment isn’t shy about turning up the volume and keeping people moving.

That said, you should know what that can mean for your comfort. Some nights can feel like dance is encouraged in a very active, in-your-face way, with music and dance prompts repeating regularly. If you don’t feel like joining in every few minutes, it can get annoying fast.

Language is another variable. The tour information lists Arabic and English, but some people have run into staff who struggled with English and music programming that leaned heavily on non-English tracks. In practice, this can make the night feel less welcoming if you want clear instructions or a guided flow in your language.

About the belly dancer: the performance is the headline for many people, but it doesn’t always land as family-friendly. Some folks found the act more daring than expected. So if you’re bringing kids, or if you prefer a more traditional style show, I’d treat this as an adult-leaning entertainment format and decide accordingly.

On a lighter note, there’s also a magician segment. One description compared it to a small toy-box style act aimed at younger viewers, which means it can feel charming for some and a bit odd for others. Either way, it keeps the pace moving between bigger dance moments.

Boat ride perks: breeze, stars, and maybe a dolphin

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Boat ride perks: breeze, stars, and maybe a dolphin
The best part of a Red Sea night cruise is simple: you get the night sky without needing to drive anywhere. When the boat settles into its rhythm, you’ll notice the cool breeze more, and it makes the stars feel more present.

The other big perk is the chance to see marine life. One person reported spotting a dolphin from the boat. That’s not something you should count on, but it’s the kind of “extra moment” that makes the night memorable when it happens. Even if you don’t see dolphins, the water itself is a big part of the attraction.

Another bonus is the atmosphere: you’re in a group, but the setting is special enough that conversation happens naturally. It’s one of those outings where you end up chatting with people just because the views keep changing.

One small note: the marina area can feel close to the port, and the whole set-up may be more like an easy evening activity than a full-day excursion. If you’re expecting a long, dramatic journey far out into the sea, manage that expectation and focus on the night vibes and dinner.

Pickup and timing: shoes, arrival gaps, and port reality

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Pickup and timing: shoes, arrival gaps, and port reality
Logistics can make or break a cruise, and this is where you’ll want to be sharp.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. That’s great—no taxi wrangling. But timing can be messy. One common theme from real-world experiences is arrival instructions that don’t match the actual cruise start time. For example, there have been cases where people were asked to be at the meeting point around 5:00 pm, but the ride didn’t depart until later (around 6:00–6:30 pm). That’s a long wait when you’re hungry or just want to get underway.

Also watch for clarity about where to meet. Some people noted they didn’t receive enough information in the booking details to find the company location immediately. If you’re booking this, I’d make a point of confirming the exact meeting spot before the day-of, so you don’t burn time wandering around the marina.

And then there’s the shoe rule. One detail that popped up is that you may need to remove your shoes when boarding the boat. It’s not described in the main overview, but it’s common enough that you should plan for it. Wear slip-on shoes you can take off quickly, and consider lightweight socks if you’re not comfortable in bare feet.

Bottom line: build in a little buffer time, and don’t schedule something tight right before or after.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Sharm El Sheikh

Private transfer upgrade: when it’s worth the extra money

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Private transfer upgrade: when it’s worth the extra money
The base package includes hotel pickup and drop-off. That already covers the main hassle. The optional private transfer is listed as an upgrade, for a bit more comfort.

So who should consider it? If you’re traveling as a small group, have limited patience for shared logistics, or just want a cleaner arrival with fewer stops, the private option can feel like paying to reduce friction. It’s also helpful if your hotel pickup might require extra walking or waiting.

Who might skip it? If your hotel pickup is already straightforward and you’re on a flexible schedule, you may not gain much from the upgrade. Since the cruise itself is the main event, you’re mostly buying convenience, not a different product on the water.

At $41 per person, every add-on matters in your budget math. If you want to keep costs controlled, you can likely get the same core experience without private transfer—just keep your head on straight with meeting time.

Drinks and photos: the extras that can surprise you

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Drinks and photos: the extras that can surprise you
Here’s where the cruise can feel a little “pay-as-you-go.”

Photos are not included. Some boats also have photographers on board, but the images are typically an extra cost. If you know you want professional shots, ask upfront how the photo package works so it doesn’t turn into an awkward purchase later.

Drinks are not included either. That’s not unusual, but on some sailings the on-board drink selection has been described as limited—like fruit juice being available while soft drinks of any kind were not. So if you’re a soda drinker or you prefer specific beverages, assume you’ll need to buy and plan for fewer options than you’d get at a restaurant.

If you want a simple strategy: eat your buffet dinner, enjoy the show, and treat purchased drinks as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Is $41 a good deal? Value check for different travelers

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Is $41 a good deal? Value check for different travelers
At around $41 per person, this cruise is priced like an experience-first outing. You’re paying for the setting (Red Sea night views), plus the core entertainment (DJ, live singer, belly dancer), plus the buffet dinner.

For many people, that’s solid value because you’re getting multiple parts in one package—no separate ticketing, no complicated routing. It’s a good choice when you want a memorable evening without spending big.

But your value equation depends on expectations:

  • If you want a relaxed dinner with minimal noise, the party tone may lower the value.
  • If you’re comfortable dancing and just want fun, the entertainment lineup can feel like it justifies the price.
  • If you’re picky about food variety or very sensitive about language support, the experience may feel more uneven.

There’s also a rating around 3.8 out of 5 based on 35 ratings, which is basically the “mixed bag” zone. That usually means there are enough people having a great time to recommend it, but also enough friction points (timing, language, entertainment style) that you should go in ready.

Should you book this Sharm El Sheikh dinner cruise?

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Should you book this Sharm El Sheikh dinner cruise?
Book it if you want an easy, evening-out style plan: dinner plus a live show, with the Red Sea lights doing the heavy lifting. It’s especially a good match for couples and small groups who enjoy DJ energy and don’t mind that the night may run party-like.

Skip it if your top priority is a quiet, romantic dinner atmosphere, or if you’re bringing kids and want a clearly family-friendly show style every time. Also think twice if you need strong English support on the ship for instructions or comfort—while English is listed, real-world experiences suggest language can vary.

If you do book, I’d do two things to protect your evening: confirm the meeting point and aim for extra buffer time, and be mentally ready for drinks/photos to be add-ons. With that, you’re in the best position to enjoy what this cruise does well: stars, sea air, Sharm lights, and a whole lot of music in one night.

FAQ

What’s included in the dinner cruise?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You’ll also get the optional private transfer if you select it, plus DJ entertainment, a singer, a belly dancer, and an open buffet dinner.

Is the private transfer included automatically?

No. Private transfer is optional. It’s included only if you choose that upgrade.

Is dinner served as a buffet?

Yes. The tour includes an open buffet.

Are drinks included with the dinner?

No. Drinks are not included.

Are photos included?

No. Photos are not included.

What languages are supported?

The tour info lists Arabic and English.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. You can reserve & pay later, meaning you book your spot and pay nothing today.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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