Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer

The main attraction here is the night view of Sharm El Sheikh from the Red Sea, with the coastline lighting up as the sun drops. I like the buffet format, which gives you more choice than a fixed dinner, and I like the mix of a DJ, live singer, magician, and belly dancer. The cruise also offers hotel pickup and drop-off, which keeps the evening simple.

I would treat this as a party night on a boat, not a quiet romantic meal. The food and service can be uneven, English may not be widely spoken onboard, drinks are not included, and the entertainment may feel too forceful or suggestive for some families.

Key points to know before you book

• Sunset sailing and city lights: The best part of the route is the Red Sea view as Sharm El Sheikh begins to glow after dark.
• Dinner is an open buffet: You can expect seafood, meat, and vegetarian choices, but portions and access to food may feel rushed.
• The mood is lively, not tranquil: The DJ and singer encourage dancing, with music described as Turkish, Arabic, and Russian on some sailings.
• Entertainment is central: A belly dancer and magician are included, while photographers sell pictures separately.
• Private transfer costs extra: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but the private vehicle is only included if you select that upgrade.
• Plan for extra drink costs: Drinks are not part of the $41 price, and onboard choices may be limited.

A sunset start on the Red Sea

The evening begins with hotel pickup and a ride toward the marina. The exact pickup arrangements matter here. One especially poor experience involved a long wait, unclear company information, and several changes to the departure time. I would confirm the meeting point, pickup hour, and operator name before leaving your hotel.

As the sun sinks, you board a decorated cruise boat. The first minutes are likely the most peaceful part of the evening. You get open water, a cooler breeze, and a broad view back toward Sharm El Sheikh. When the city lights come on, the view becomes more interesting than the short distance from the marina might suggest.

Do not expect a long coastal voyage. One account found the sailing distance surprisingly short, almost close enough to swim from the port. That does not make the outing pointless, but it changes how you should judge it. You are paying for a floating dinner and show with a view, not a serious Red Sea cruise.

Shoes may need to come off when boarding. This detail is not clearly explained in the activity information, so wear something easy to remove and avoid shoes that are difficult to carry or store.

What the $41 price really buys

At $41 per person, the price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat ride, the open buffet, a DJ, live singer, and belly dancer. It is a fair price if you want a ready-made evening with food, music, and transport in one package.

The value drops if you mainly want a good meal. The food receives mixed marks in practice. You might find seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, but one account describes a rush to the buffet and not enough food for everyone in the group. Another found the meal limited in choice and quantity, with little control over what reached the table.

That makes timing important. If you are hungry, do not assume the meal will work like a relaxed restaurant buffet where you return several times at your own pace. Watch for the dinner opening and go early. Families with children should be especially cautious, since a late finish and limited food afterward could be a problem.

Drinks cost extra. The basic information says drinks are not included, and one account found only fruit juice available onboard rather than a full range of soft drinks. Bring enough Egyptian cash or confirm the payment options before setting off. Do not count on wine or other drinks being part of the meal, despite the romantic wording used to describe the dinner.

Photos are also extra. Photographers may take polished portraits during the evening, and one photographer received especially warm praise for producing appealing pictures. If you want a souvenir, ask the price before agreeing to a package.

The onboard entertainment and party mood

The entertainment is the heart of this outing. A DJ provides recorded music, a singer performs live, and a belly dancer takes the stage. Some sailings also include a magician, which can be a welcome surprise for children and adults who enjoy simple stage tricks.

The atmosphere is designed to keep people involved. You may be encouraged to dance repeatedly, sometimes every twenty minutes. That works well for a birthday, friends’ night out, or anyone who wants a little harmless holiday silliness. It works less well if you want to sit quietly, talk, and watch the coast.

Music selection can shape the whole evening. Turkish, Arabic, and Russian songs have been used, and some people found the mix less suitable for their group. Another person simply wanted greater variety. English-language service may also be limited, even though Arabic and English are listed as available languages.

That does not mean you cannot enjoy the boat without understanding every announcement. It does mean you should not book this expecting a polished English-language show. The performance style is broad and energetic, aimed at a mixed international crowd.

The belly dance deserves a clear warning. The performance can be fun and culturally familiar for some people, but its style may feel quite suggestive. If you are traveling with young children or prefer family entertainment, this could be the least comfortable section of the night.

Dinner between the marina and the dance floor

The meal is served buffet style, which should give you freedom to choose. The listed range includes seafood, meat, and vegetarian food, so the basic plan suits a mixed group better than a single fixed dish.

In practice, I would keep expectations modest. This is event catering, not a destination restaurant. The strongest evening comes when you see the dinner as fuel for the show and the boat ride, rather than the main culinary reason to book.

Try to eat when the buffet opens. The food supply may not feel generous if everyone approaches at once. If you have a child, a large appetite, or dietary needs, consider eating something small at your hotel first. That is not because the buffet is guaranteed to disappoint, but because the evening may finish too late for an easy alternative meal.

Vegetarian choices are advertised, but detailed ingredient information is not provided. If you have allergies or strict dietary requirements, ask the operator before booking rather than relying on the general buffet description.

There is also a practical seating issue. At least one account found that the setup did not provide a proper table for an easy meal. You may spend as much time watching the show or moving around as you do sitting down to eat.

Red Sea views, city lights, and a possible dolphin

The scenery is simple but effective. You get the dark sea below, the lights of Sharm El Sheikh along the shore, and the sunset colors at the beginning of the cruise. Those are the moments to keep your camera ready.

The boat’s short route means you should not expect remote coves, coral reefs, or a long trip into open water. The appeal is the contrast between the calm sea and the illuminated resort coast. From the deck, the city can look more attractive than it does from a hotel street.

One person also saw a dolphin during the outing. That is a lucky extra, not part of the promised program. Keep your eyes on the water, but do not book this as a wildlife trip.

For photographs, the best time is likely just before and after sunset, when there is still enough light for the coastline and the boat itself to show clearly. Later, the city lights and reflections provide a different style of picture. Since professional photos cost extra, take your own camera or phone if you want to avoid an added charge.

Hotel pickup and the private transfer upgrade

Standard hotel pickup and drop-off are included. That is useful in Sharm El Sheikh, where getting to the marina at night can add hassle, particularly if you are staying away from the central waterfront.

A private transfer is available as an upgrade. I would consider it if you value a direct, more comfortable ride, are traveling as a small group, or want more control over the start and end of the evening. For a solo visitor or couple watching costs, the standard transfer may be enough.

The main concern is communication. Pickup details have not always been clear, and one person spent time looking for the company before learning that the boat departure was later than expected. Ask for the exact pickup time, the vehicle description, the marina name, and a local contact number.

The listed provider is Egypt Excursions Online. Save that name on your phone and keep your booking details available. This small step could prevent confusion if several tour vehicles are waiting near the hotel.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want an easy evening of music, dancing, food, and sea views without planning each part yourself. It suits groups of friends, couples who prefer entertainment to silence, and families who enjoy stage shows and a busy atmosphere.

It can also work well for a mixed-age group. The magician may appeal to children, while adults can enjoy the music, views, and dancing. Just remember that the belly dance may not suit every family, and the program can push people to join the dance floor.

I would be more cautious if you want a calm sunset meal, a refined dining experience, or a long sailing route. The boat ride is relatively short, the meal can be uneven, and the music may not match every nationality or taste.

People who need strong English-language support should also ask questions before booking. Arabic and English are listed, but one experience involved very little usable English onboard. The operator may be able to clarify the current crew and program, but you should not assume every announcement or request will be handled easily.

Tips for making the evening go better

Arrive ready for movement rather than a formal dinner. Comfortable clothes and shoes that come off easily make sense, especially if boarding requires removing footwear.

Eat a light snack before pickup if you have children with you or tend to eat early. Go to the buffet promptly, and do not leave your meal until late in the program.

Keep money aside for drinks and photos. The $41 price does not include either, and the onboard drink selection may be narrower than expected.

Take your own pictures during sunset. The professional photographer may produce better portraits, but purchasing them is optional.

If the performance style feels too intense, move toward the edge of the entertainment rather than feeling obliged to dance each time. The program is social, but you should still be able to enjoy the view from your seat or the deck.

Finally, confirm timing on the day. The departure schedule has caused frustration for at least one person, with pickup and sailing times shifting. A quick message to the operator can save you from standing at the marina too early.

Booking, cancellation, and language details

You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Sharm El Sheikh plans are still changing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

Arabic and English are the listed languages. Since onboard communication may be limited, ask in advance about the current entertainment schedule and transfer arrangements if either matters to you.

The rating of 3.8 from 35 ratings fits the experience well: there is real fun here, but the quality depends heavily on the food service, timing, music, and your comfort with a high-energy show.

Should you book the Sharm El Sheikh dinner cruise?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, lively night on the water and you will judge success by the music, dancing, city lights, and company. The optional private transfer can make the evening easier, and the buffet plus stage program gives you plenty to do without extra planning.

Skip it if your priority is a quiet romantic dinner, a long Red Sea cruise, carefully managed service, or a strong English-speaking crew. For the best chance of enjoying it, eat something beforehand, confirm pickup details, bring money for drinks, and treat the entertainment as the main event.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the experience. A private transfer is available only if you select that option and pay the additional charge.

What food is served on the cruise?

The cruise provides an open buffet with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. The information does not provide a detailed menu, and food quantities and choices may vary.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included. One account also found the onboard selection limited, so confirm what is available before sailing.

What entertainment is included?

The program includes a DJ, live singer, and belly dancer. A magician may also perform during the evening, although the core listed entertainment is the DJ, singer, and dancer.

Is this a quiet romantic dinner?

Not usually. The cruise has dancing, live music, and audience participation, so it is better suited to a lively party atmosphere than a peaceful meal.

Can I buy photos during the cruise?

Yes. Photographers may take pictures during the experience, but photos are not included in the price and must be purchased separately.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.