Sharm El Sheikh: Dinner Cruise W/ Optional Private Transfer

The Red Sea turns into a dance floor. This Sharm El Sheikh dinner cruise pairs coastline views with a buffet meal, live singer, DJ, belly dancer, and sometimes a magician. I like the easy hotel pickup and the chance to see Sharm’s lights glitter across the water. I also like that the evening can feel genuinely fun and social, especially when the staff include different nationalities in the dancing. The main drawback is that this is more of a party boat than a quiet sunset dinner, and the food service can feel rushed or limited.

At $41 per person, the outing offers reasonable value if you want music and entertainment bundled with dinner. I would not choose it for gourmet food, careful English guiding, or a calm romantic meal. The optional private transfer adds comfort, but you should confirm the pickup time and meeting details before leaving your hotel.

Five things to know before boarding

• The evening is party-focused: Expect a DJ, dancing, live singing, and repeated invitations to join in, not a silent cruise with background music.
• Sharm’s lights are the best scenery: The illuminated coastline and Red Sea views give the boat ride its real sense of place.
• Dinner is an open buffet: The spread includes seafood, meats, and vegetarian choices, but portions and access may feel competitive.
• Entertainment is mixed: The belly dancer and magician can be highlights, while the style of the dancing may not suit everyone.
• Drinks cost extra: Drinks are not included, and one report noted that only fruit juice was available on board.
• Transfer timing needs care: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but the pickup arrangement can be confusing without a clear company name or exact time.

Sunset views from Sharm’s marina

The evening begins with hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh, followed by a transfer to the marina and boarding. The cruise ship is decorated for a night out, and the best early moment comes as the sun drops behind the coast and the Red Sea takes on a warm evening glow.

You will see Sharm’s shoreline from a different angle than you get from the hotel strip. Once darkness settles, the town’s lights reflect on the water. It is not a long voyage into open sea, and one person felt the boat stayed very close to the port. That matters if you expect a major sailing adventure. This is better understood as a floating dinner and entertainment venue with a short scenic cruise.

I like the setting because it gives you a change from the resort routine without requiring a full-day excursion. You can sit outside, watch the shoreline, and enjoy the breeze before the music takes over. If you want quiet photographs, use this early part of the evening, before the dance floor becomes the main attraction.

The marina itself can add to the occasion. One person found it particularly pleasant, and the walk or transfer around the port may be as memorable as the time on the water. At the same time, boarding procedures may be less formal than you expect. One report said passengers had to remove their shoes when getting on the boat, so wear footwear that is easy to take off and keep your belongings organized.

What the hotel transfer really means

Hotel pickup and return are included in the standard package. That is useful in Sharm El Sheikh, where arranging your own ride to the marina can add hassle and uncertainty, especially after an evening with drinks and dancing.

The optional private transfer is aimed at people who want a more controlled start and finish. It costs extra, but it may be worthwhile for couples, families, or anyone who dislikes sharing a vehicle. The supplied details do not state the exact private transfer surcharge, so check the final price before booking.

The weak point is communication. One person was told to be ready at 5 p.m., waited, then received changing information about a 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. departure. The same person could not find a clear company name in the booking confirmation. I would take this seriously, even though one poor pickup does not define every departure.

Before the day of the cruise, confirm:

• Your exact hotel pickup time
• The name of the local operator
• The meeting point at your hotel
• The marina or port name
• Whether the private transfer is included in your selected option
• How to contact the operator if the vehicle is late

That small amount of preparation can save you from standing outside the hotel wondering if you have missed the boat.

Dinner buffet: convenient, but not a culinary event

Dinner is served as an open buffet, which makes the meal easy for a mixed group. The food selection is described as including seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, so you should find at least a few workable choices even if your party has different preferences.

Still, do not book this as a gourmet dinner cruise. The food drew some of the least favorable comments. One family found the portions and access so poorly managed that some people left hungry. Another person described the dinner as underwhelming, with little choice over what was served and no clear table arrangement for eating.

The practical issue seems to be timing. If many people approach the buffet at once, the first wave may get the best selection. I would go when service opens rather than waiting. If you are dining with children, hungry teenagers, or anyone with dietary needs, have a small snack before pickup. That is not because dinner is guaranteed to be inadequate, but because the evening may finish too late for an easy meal back at the hotel.

The description uses words such as gourmet and fresh local ingredients, but you should keep expectations modest. The meal is part of a package built around music and entertainment. It is there to keep you fed while the show runs, not to compete with a top restaurant in Naama Bay.

Drinks are not included. You pay separately for beverages, and one person reported that the only option available on the boat was fruit juice, with no soft drinks. The official details only confirm that drinks cost extra, so check what is being sold when you board. If having a particular drink matters to you, ask before departure rather than assuming a full bar service.

DJ, singer, magician, and belly dancer

After dinner, the boat shifts firmly into party mode. A DJ supplies the music, a live singer takes the stage, and a belly dancer performs for the room. You may also see a magician, an added feature that one person considered a highlight.

The entertainment is the strongest reason to choose this cruise. One positive account described great staff, inclusive dancing, good food, a magician, and a belly dancer, with the chance to enjoy the atmosphere alongside people from many countries. A dolphin sighting from the boat added a memorable surprise, though you should treat that as luck rather than part of the program.

The music can be less predictable. Some people enjoyed the energy but wanted more variety. Others felt the playlist leaned heavily toward Turkish, Arabic, and Russian music, with little English. If you enjoy international party music, that mix may be welcome. If you want familiar English songs, you may feel left out.

You may also be encouraged to dance every 20 minutes or so. That works for a lively group, but it can feel pushy if you want to sit and watch. The entertainment is designed for participation, not passive theater.

The belly dancing deserves a clear warning. The performance style may be more revealing or suggestive than some families and couples expect. One person found it awkward and chose to take a toilet break during that portion. If you are traveling with children or prefer traditional cultural performances presented in a restrained way, ask yourself how comfortable your group will be.

The magician received kinder praise than the singing in the less favorable comments. A small magic show may appeal to children, though the performance was described as using simple toy-box style tricks. That makes it light entertainment rather than a polished stage production.

Is this romantic, family-friendly, or simply noisy?

The cruise can work for couples, but the word romantic needs a little qualification. The sunset, moonlight, sea breeze, and Sharm’s evening lights create a pleasant setting. You can share a drink, watch the coast, and take photographs together.

Once the music begins, the mood becomes louder and more communal. You may be invited onto the dance floor, and the room may feel more like a nightclub than a candlelit dinner. Couples who enjoy dancing will probably have more fun than those seeking quiet conversation.

For families, the answer is mixed. The buffet, magician, music, and open space can keep children entertained. The belly dancer’s style, the late finish, the possible lack of soft drinks, and the rushed buffet may make the evening less comfortable for younger children.

The cruise is a stronger fit for:

• Couples who like music and group entertainment
• Friends looking for a social night out
• Families with older children who enjoy shows and dancing
• Visitors who want an easy evening away from the hotel
• Anyone who values atmosphere more than fine dining

I would be cautious if you want a quiet cruise, precise English service, a carefully planned cultural performance, or a high-end meal.

Language, staff, and the feeling of the night

Arabic and English are listed as the available languages. That does not necessarily mean every crew member will speak fluent English. One person said the staff could not communicate in English during the cruise, while another felt the group was welcomed across nationalities.

So the service may vary from warm and inclusive to confusing. The positive account praised the staff for making everyone feel involved. The negative accounts described rude or indifferent treatment and poor communication before boarding. I would bring patience and keep your expectations realistic.

A guide is not the main feature here. One person hardly saw a guide during the activity, which makes sense because the evening is built around food, scenery, and entertainment rather than sightseeing commentary. You are paying for access to the boat and the show, not a detailed explanation of the Red Sea coast.

Photography is another optional expense. Photographers work on board and may take attractive pictures, but photos are not included. If you like polished holiday portraits, this could be useful. If you dislike sales pressure or want to control your budget, simply treat the photography as an extra and decide later.

What $41 gets you

At $41 per person, the price is fair when you add together hotel pickup, the boat ride, buffet dinner, DJ, singer, belly dancer, and the chance to spend an evening on the water. You also avoid arranging separate transport and finding your own dinner venue.

The value drops if you mainly want a scenic cruise. The boat may remain close to the port, and the actual sailing can feel brief. It also drops if your priorities are excellent food, unlimited drinks, polished performances, or a quiet setting.

The package is best value for someone who would otherwise pay for a meal and a night of entertainment. Think of it as dinner with a floating party attached, not as a luxury yacht cruise. The optional private transfer can make the night easier, but calculate the total cost before deciding.

The overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 reflects that split. The atmosphere, staff warmth, scenery, dancing, and unusual extras can produce a very good night. Food service, communication, music selection, and the belly dance can just as easily determine whether you leave delighted or disappointed.

Practical tips for a smoother evening

• Eat a small snack before pickup if dinner timing matters to you.
• Confirm the pickup time and operator name on the day before the cruise.
• Bring cash or another payment method for drinks and photographs.
• Wear shoes that are easy to remove in case boarding requires it.
• Take your best coastline photographs before the music and dancing begin.
• Tell your group that this is a party evening, not a quiet dinner.
• If you dislike suggestive performances, plan to step away during the belly dance.
• Ask about the available drinks before boarding.
• Go to the buffet early so you have the widest choice.

The booking terms are flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Arabic and English are the stated languages.

Should you book the Sharm El Sheikh dinner cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social night with Red Sea views, music, dancing, and several forms of live entertainment. The staff can be warm, the marina setting is pleasant, and a lucky dolphin sighting or strong magician performance can make the evening special.

Skip it if your ideal dinner cruise means quiet tables, polished English service, premium food, included drinks, or a long voyage away from shore. For the best chance of enjoying it, choose the private transfer if the extra cost is acceptable, confirm every pickup detail, eat lightly beforehand, and approach the buffet as part of a party package rather than a restaurant meal.

FAQ

Where does the dinner cruise take place?

The cruise operates from Sharm El Sheikh in South Sinai, Egypt, along the Red Sea and near the illuminated coastline.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. A private transfer is available if you select that option.

What food is served?

Dinner is an open buffet with seafood, meat, and vegetarian choices. The exact dishes are not specified, and drinks are not included.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks cost extra. One account reported that fruit juice was available on board, but the full drink selection is not specified.

What entertainment is provided?

The cruise includes a DJ, live singer, and belly dancer. A magician may also perform during the evening.

Is the cruise conducted in English?

Arabic and English are the listed languages. However, English communication may vary among the staff.

Can I cancel the booking?

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