Entertainment on the Nile Cruise Board

While the highlight of Nile cruises in Egypt is seeing the ancient temples and historic sites while surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Nile, it’s also a chance to enjoy various onboard entertainment. Depending on the Nile cruise packages you will book, you could partake in various entertainment amenities and events as your ship sails along the river. 

If you’re curious about the type of entertainment on a Nile cruise in Egypt, then here’s what you need to know.

Evening Entertainment on a Nile River Cruise.

As the sun beautifully sets over the Nile, your cruise ship comes alive. Depending on the Nile cruise packages you have booked, your evenings can be filled with traditional folklore shows, live music and bands, and belly dancing shows.

* Traditional Folklore Shows

One of the highlights of your evenings on a Nile River cruise in Egypt is being able to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage through folklore performances. These usually include the colorful Nubian dance shows, which showcase the culture of the Nubian people, mostly those from southern Egypt and northern Sudan.

In some cruises, you could witness the Tanoura (whirling dervish). This is a centuries-old spiritual dance that originated from the Sufi ritual of active meditation. You’ll see performers dance in colorful skirts known as the “tanoura”. It’s a popular form of entertainment in Egypt, which you’ll have a chance to witness when you book the best Nile cruises.

* Live Music and Bands.

On some Nile River cruises, your evenings can be spent listening to some upbeat or relaxing sounds of live bands, including soulful Arabic classics, Jazz, and contemporary tunes performed by talented local performers. You can enjoy their performance with a refreshing drink, surrounded by the stunning sunset views along the Nile.

* Belly Dancing Shows.

Belly dancing is a staple of entertainment in various Nile cruises in Egypt. Beautiful performers will captivate you with their rhythm and grace while wearing dazzling costumes as they move to the beat of traditional Middle Eastern music. In some of the best Nile cruises, guests are even asked to join in the fun!

* Themed Nights and Parties.

Many Nile cruises also have themed nights and parties to make your evening on the ship even more entertaining. These include the Galabeya party and a Captain’s Welcome or Farewell Dinner.

* Galabeya Party.

Galabeya Party is an Egyptian celebration where attendees are expected to wear the galabeya, a long, loose-fitting robe for men and women. Just like any party, there will be music, lots of dancing, and even lighthearted competition.

When booking Nile cruises, you may be asked to prepare your own galabeya if you want to take part in the celebration. You can choose to buy the galabeya before departure or from the local markets in Egypt, which you’ll likely visit during shore excursions.

* Captain’s Welcome or Farewell Dinner.

In many Nile River cruises in Egypt, one of the most cherished traditions is the Captain’s Welcome or Farewell Dinner. This special evening gathers guests to celebrate their journey along the Nile. Hosted by the captain and the crew, these parties will include multi-course meals in an elegant dining setting.

The welcome or farewell dinner is a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with fellow travelers, and even the captain of the ship! It is one of the most anticipated activities on a Nile River cruise in Egypt.

Leisure and Relaxation.

Besides the parties and entertainment, cruises on the Nile will also include opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Depending on the cruise, there may be movie nights, library or reading corners, board games, and more.

* Onboard Cinema or Movie Nights.

Some Nile River cruises in Egypt include the added treat of movie nights or onboard cinema, allowing you to relax and watch a good movie after a day of sightseeing. In some cruises, the screenings may feature documentaries about ancient Egypt and the history of the Nile. They may also show classic movies and popular blockbusters. For family-friendly cruises, they can screen cartoons and child-friendly shows. Movie nights are often scheduled in advance and are indicated when you book a Nile cruise package.

* Library or Reading Corners.

On some of the Nile River Cruises, you can relax and enjoy quiet moments by reading a book in a library. It’s a great option for bookworms! Besides a library, some cruises will have quiet reading corners or cozy spaces stocked with interesting books and magazines, usually about Egypt and the Nile River.

* Board Games and Lounge Games.

Many Nile River cruises also provide a great selection of board games and lounge games. This is another form of entertainment that guests can take advantage of during their free time on the ship. These games include classics like checkers, chess, backgammon, Scrabble, and even playing cards.

Entertainment for Families and Kids.

When you book family-friendly cruises on the Nile, the onboard entertainment options can include activities to keep you and your little ones engaged and entertained.

Depending on the Nile River cruise that you book, kids can take part in arts and crafts sessions, movie nights, game nights, storytelling, and many other child-friendly activities.

Some cruises will also have supervised play areas and organized game sessions. That way, the parents can relax while the kids have fun and meet new friends!

FAQs

What types of evening entertainment can I expect on a Nile River cruise?

Most cruises on the Nile provide various entertainment options. These usually include traditional folklore shows, a Galabeya Party, belly dancing presentations, and sometimes game nights and onboard parties.

Are the entertainment activities already included in the cruise price?

Yes, in most cases, onboard entertainment is already included in the overall price of a Nile Cruise package. However, there are some special events and activities that you may have to pay for separately. It is best to double-check the details of your cruise to find out if the entertainment activities you want to avail require you to pay extra.

Do all Nile River cruises have the same entertainment options?

No, the entertainment offerings on a Nile River cruise can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, and cruise line. Some luxury cruises can include more elaborate parties and events. Smaller or budget cruises may only include simple or basic entertainment.

Can I participate in themed nights like the Galabeya Party without a costume?

Yes, you can. Wearing a costume for onboard parties is always optional. But if you want to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, it’s a good idea to wear a galabeya, which also enhances the overall experience. You can even take home the costume as a souvenir from your Nile River Cruise.