Reviewed · DINNER & FELUCCA CRUISES

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer

★ 3.8 · 35 reviews From $41 Operated by Egypt Excursions Online · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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A Red Sea night cruise hits different. You get a night view of Sharm El Sheikh’s coastline plus nonstop onboard entertainment with a DJ, live singer, and belly dancer, all alongside an open buffet dinner. The main thing to consider is that the vibe can feel more like a party than a quiet, romantic dinner, and the food and drink setup is not exactly luxury-grade.

You’ll be picked up and dropped back at your hotel, and if you upgrade you add a private transfer. Overall, this is a solid value if you want fun first, food second, and you’re comfortable with loud music and a dance-ready crowd.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Key Things I’d Plan Around

  • Red Sea views at night plus illuminated coastline, best for photo moments and sunset-to-dark atmosphere
  • Open buffet dinner, with seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, but not a sit-down, waiter-driven meal
  • DJ and live singer keep the energy up, and the music can feel heavy on party styles
  • Belly dancer show is part of the package, and the style seems to split opinions
  • Extra-cost items like photos are common, and drinks are not included

Red Sea Dinner Cruise in Sharm El Sheikh, What the Evening Actually Feels Like

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Red Sea Dinner Cruise in Sharm El Sheikh, What the Evening Actually Feels Like
This is the kind of outing that works when you want an easy plan with a built-in soundtrack. You board in the evening as the light fades, then spend the night on the water with Sharm El Sheikh glowing along the shore. It’s less about quiet sightseeing and more about a full-on evening package.

The cruise includes a DJ, live singer, and belly dancer, plus an open buffet dinner. That’s the big promise here: you eat, you watch, and then you dance if you want to. With a 3.8 rating across 35 reviews, it’s popular, but opinions vary on pacing, music style, and how the shows are handled.

If you’re expecting a calm, candlelit dinner, you might feel mismatch. If you’re up for music, dancing, and a party atmosphere with a sea view, this setup can deliver exactly that.

The Night Views You’re Paying For, Coastline Lights and Red Sea Skies

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - The Night Views You’re Paying For, Coastline Lights and Red Sea Skies
The most reliable “wow” factor is the scenery. You’re sailing along Sharm El Sheikh’s illuminated coastline, with the lights reflecting on the water as night comes on. Even people who don’t care about shows usually look up for the views, because the setting does the heavy lifting.

The Red Sea night air matters too. Reviews and the general feel of the experience suggest the cruise gives you that sea-breeze moment you don’t get standing in a hotel lobby. If you’re the type who wants at least one memorable photo, aim to spend a little time at the best viewing spots before the dance floor gets crowded.

One note from reviews: the port area is close enough that some folks felt it was near, almost like you could swim there. That’s not a bad thing, but it does hint you’re not going to be far from shore the whole time. Think “easy cruise atmosphere” more than “remote sea expedition.”

Buffet Dinner: What You Can Expect to Eat, and How to Set Your Expectations

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Buffet Dinner: What You Can Expect to Eat, and How to Set Your Expectations
Dinner is an open buffet, with options that typically include seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes. In practice, this means you’ll usually be able to find something that works for you, especially if you eat mixed styles rather than a strict diet.

That said, you should calibrate your expectations. Some reviews describe the dinner as not much variety, and others say it can feel imposed or limited in what you can pick. Another theme is pacing and how quickly food runs out, with at least one complaint that late movers did not eat as much as they hoped.

My practical advice:

  • Go for the buffet early once you board, so you’re not racing the clock.
  • If drinks are important to you, plan your budget in advance, because drinks are not included.
  • Bring a realistic mindset, the dinner is included, but it’s not guaranteed to be restaurant-quality service.

Also, one review claims there were fewer drink options on board, mentioning fruit juice and no soft drinks. That may not be everyone’s experience, but it’s enough to take seriously. If you only drink soda or specific beverages, verify what’s available before you go.

DJ, Live Singer, Belly Dancer: The Entertainment Mix That Makes or Breaks It

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - DJ, Live Singer, Belly Dancer: The Entertainment Mix That Makes or Breaks It
The entertainment lineup is clear: a DJ, a live singer, and a belly dancer. The goal is high energy, and that energy comes through fast.

What differs by person is how the music and show style match your mood. One review complained the experience pushed dancing on them, and that the music selection did not match their language expectations. Another pointed out limited language variety, with music in Turkish, Arabic, and Russian, while they had chosen English.

Then there’s the belly dancer factor. Some guests describe the performance as entertaining, while others felt it went too far for their comfort. Another review suggests the belly dancer timing awkwardly landed near a toilet break, which tells me the show rhythm can feel fixed rather than flexible.

So who is this best for?

  • If you like party atmosphere and don’t mind being encouraged to join in, you’ll likely have a good time.
  • If you want a relaxed, low-volume evening, the combination of DJ plus a live singer plus frequent dance moments may wear on you.

On the plus side, at least one review highlights variety in entertainment moments, including a magician act. Since that is not listed as a guaranteed component in the core package details, treat it as a possible bonus rather than a certainty.

Boarding Rules, Shoes Off, and Why It Matters More Than You Think

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Boarding Rules, Shoes Off, and Why It Matters More Than You Think
Before you even hit the first beat of music, there’s one practical detail that can catch you off guard: one review says you have to take off your shoes when getting on the boat. That’s a small thing, but it can change your comfort fast, especially if you have to wait or step around in covered areas.

If you’re planning:

  • Wear slip-on shoes that are easy to remove.
  • Bring something sensible for foot comfort if you’re not comfortable barefoot.

Also, because you’re doing hotel pickup and drop-off, you’ll want to be ready at the time you’re told. A few reviews complained about confusion or delays around pickup timing and meeting instructions. Those reports are the outliers, but they’re memorable enough that you should plan to confirm your pickup details the day before.

Getting There: Hotel Pickup, Optional Private Transfer, and Real-World Timing

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Getting There: Hotel Pickup, Optional Private Transfer, and Real-World Timing
Included in the experience is hotel pickup and drop-off. If you choose the upgrade, you get a private transfer, which can reduce friction after a day of sightseeing. In a city like Sharm El Sheikh, saving time and stress for the evening out can be worth it, especially if you don’t want to wait with a group.

One review strongly criticized communication and timing, describing a chaotic meeting point and changing ride times. That’s not what you want to deal with on vacation, so here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Treat the meeting details as essential, not optional.
  • If the booking confirmation does not feel complete, reach out in advance to confirm the exact pickup point and timing.

The good news is that most people seem to make it onto the water and enjoy the night. But the timing complaint is serious enough that I’d rather you walk in prepared than hope everything is smooth.

Photos and Drinks: The Small Costs That Add Up

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Photos and Drinks: The Small Costs That Add Up
Two categories are specifically not included: photos and drinks.

Photographers are mentioned in reviews, and one guest called out that the photographer was incredible, while also making it clear photos cost extra. So if you want keepsakes, decide in advance whether you’ll buy them. If you’re trying to keep your budget tight, you might skip them and rely on your own camera and phone.

Drinks being extra is common on tours, but the onboard choices might be limited. One review said they could only buy fruit juice and no soft drinks. That doesn’t guarantee it’s the same for everyone, but it does mean you should not assume you’ll get the same drink selection you’d find at a resort bar.

If you want wine or beer, the experience description suggests pairing dinner with wine or beverages is part of the toast vibe, but since drinks are not included, you’ll pay onboard. I’d treat the bar as pay-as-you-go and plan accordingly.

Value for About $41: When This Cruise Makes Sense

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Value for About $41: When This Cruise Makes Sense
At around $41 per person, you’re paying for three things at once: the Red Sea night setting, the buffet dinner, and the entertainment package. That bundled value is the main reason this works for many people.

If you were to recreate this alone, you’d likely spend on transportation, dinner, and a nightlife-style entertainment evening. Here, you get one ticket that attempts to cover all of it.

Still, it’s not a perfect value for everyone. If you’re picky about food variety, care deeply about drink options, or want a calm evening, you might feel the price doesn’t match your expectations. One review described the dinner as buffet chaos and criticized the quality of the show, including the belly dancer style.

My balanced take:

  • Great value if your priority is a fun night with sea views and music.
  • Less great value if you mainly want a sit-down dinner with lots of control over the meal and pace.

Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It

Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer - Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It
This cruise fits a specific kind of traveler: someone who wants an easy evening plan, likes dancing, and is okay with a party tone. It’s also a decent choice for couples who want a different setting than a restaurant, because the coastline lighting plus night sky creates natural romance, even if the atmosphere is loud.

It may not be ideal if you’re traveling with kids who get bored by loud music or if you want a more refined adult-only vibe. One review complained a child and husband left hungry, which is a reminder that buffet success can depend on timing and what you choose.

If you’re highly sensitive to sound or discomfort, pay attention to the entertainment format. One review specifically described the experience as more party-like than chilled. And another mentioned forced dancing energy at frequent intervals.

One more bright note from reviews: a guest saw a dolphin. Dolphins are not guaranteed, so don’t build your whole plan around it, but the fact that it can happen adds a little magic to the evening.

Should You Book This Sharm El Sheikh Dinner Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward night outing with scenery plus shows and you’re comfortable with a lively party feel. At about $41 per person, the bundle is strong as long as you plan for the reality that dinner is buffet-style and drinks are extra.

Skip it if your idea of a great cruise is quiet romance, lots of drink choice, and a relaxed, flexible dinner experience. Reviews show that entertainment style and show comfort can be hit or miss, and timing issues can pop up if you don’t confirm details.

If you do book, bring two things with you: a flexible mood and a little strategy. Eat early at the buffet, double-check what’s available for drinks, and be ready for the energy once the DJ and singer start.

FAQ

What is included in the Sharm El Sheikh dinner cruise?

The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an open buffet dinner, and onboard entertainment with a DJ, a singer, and a belly dancer.

Do I get a private transfer?

A private transfer is included only if you select the private transfer option. Otherwise, you should expect the standard hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is dinner buffet-style?

Yes, dinner is an open buffet.

Are drinks included with the dinner?

No, drinks are not included.

What entertainment is on the boat?

You can expect a DJ and live entertainment from a singer and a belly dancer.

Are photos included?

No, photos are not included.

What languages are available?

The experience lists Arabic and English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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

Can I reserve without paying right away?

Yes, there is a reserve and pay later option where you can book now and pay nothing today.

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