Top Cairo Dinner Cruises

There are plenty of high-quality Cairo dinner cruises to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous customers, these are the best cruises available right now:

• Luxury Felucca on the Nile with Lunch

• Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show

• Private Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo

• Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo with Belly Dancing and Hotel Transfer

• Nile Dinner Cruise on Nile Maxim the Most Luxurious Cruising Restaurant in Cairo

Prices for Cairo dinner cruises vary depending on duration and inclusions; read the fine print carefully, as some cruise descriptions can be misleading. At the low end, dinner cruises start around US$10 per person, while at the higher end you’ll find cruises for around US$100 per person. The more expensive packages are likely to include alcoholic drinks, performances or entertainment, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Yes, dinner cruises in Cairo are considered worthwhile by travelers—cruises let you see the city from the Nile River at night and have a meal with lots of options to try local foods. Many cruises feature entertainment such as belly dancing or live folk music, too. Plus, it's a good way to meet fellow travelers and be social: transfers are usually shared, and dinner is typically served buffet-style at communal tables.

Per one traveler who booked the Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show, "I had an incredible time on the Cairo Nile dinner cruise! The views of Cairo at night were stunning, the buffet was delicious with plenty of variety, and the entertainment—especially the belly dancing and Sufi whirling—was fantastic. The private transfers made everything hassle-free, and the overall experience was unforgettable. If you're in Cairo, don't miss this!"

Before booking Cairo dinner cruises, read the fine print to see what’s included. Many cruises don’t bundle everything together, so you’ll pay extra for drinks, transfers, gratuities, and premium seating. Also, read the reviews to see what previous passengers thought: Some cruises that don’t sail very far from the dock receive negative reviews from travelers, who expected to cruise more and not just have a floating dinner.

To enjoy your Cairo dinner cruise, eat a light meal for lunch. Most dinners are served buffet style and feature an array of tempting options. Try to arrive early if seating isn’t assigned. Plan your transportation if it’s not included in your package—trying to catch a cab late at night in Cairo can be stressful at best. Finally, don’t be shy about participating if you get asked to dance.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Cairo aside from Cairo Dinner Cruises. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Cairo Belly Dance Shows

• Cairo Camel Rides

• Cairo Sandboarding

• Cairo Multi-Day Cruises

• Cairo Archaeology Tours

Most Cairo dinner cruise packages feature live entertainment and dinner. For your meal, expect a buffet of Egyptian foods as well as Western classics. Unless you buy a premium package, expect to pay more for drinks, especially alcohol. Many cruises also include round-trip transfers, which is helpful as the city traffic is infamous.

Many Cairo dinner cruises last approximately two hours, not including transfer times. If your tour includes transfers, you’re likely to be picked up an hour before sailing time, and you may not be dropped off back at your hotel until an hour or so after disembarking. Three-hour and 4-hour cruises are also common.

Tour operators like to market Nile dinner cruises as “a feast for the senses” because, in addition to dinner, you’ll experience live entertainment such as belly dancing or folk music. Of course, you’ll cruise under bridges and see the city’s skyline lit up at night. Expect to pass other sightseeing boats, too, as cruising is one of the most popular activities in Cairo.

Most Nile dinner cruises don’t advertise a dress code; however, it’s a good idea to wear smart casual clothing. Women may feel more comfortable with their knees and shoulders covered (this is true anywhere in Egypt). Avoid wearing athletic apparel, beachwear, and uncomfortable footwear, and dress for dancing if your cruise features a DJ or live music.

Most Nile dinner cruises don’t have minimum age requirements, and many boats even offer seats for infants and lower prices for children. However, keep in mind that the food, beverages, and live entertainment options are typically geared more toward adults. If your kids have a hard time sitting still or staying up late, maybe consider another tour that caters better to them.