A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Enjoying a Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Enjoying a Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo

Traveling solo is one of the most freeing activities in the whole world. The decisions about the time and place are yours and nobody has to persuade you to do or not to do something. However, to be perfectly honest, having dinner solo might seem a bit uncomfortable sometimes.

Entering the place that is crowded with couples, families and groups celebrating their special occasions all by yourself might make you feel awkward. Am I going to look like an idiot while eating dinner alone? Are the staff going to give me the same attention as they give to other guests? Is a dinner cruise reserved only for couples and groups?

If you are traveling solo in Cairo and trying to figure out whether you need to book a Nile dinner cruise, the answer is positive. Actually, having dinner cruise all by yourself can be the most relaxing and enjoyable night of your entire holiday. Let's talk about how you can have a wonderful night on the river.

Myth vs. Reality: Is It Weird to Go Alone?

This is something we need to get out of the way from the very start—no way!

Cairo is a huge city that loves tourists, and the boats cruising down the river are used to accommodating people from different backgrounds—from couples to family tours and single travelers from all corners of the world. So, when you get on the boat, no one will even bother checking whether you have come alone or with someone. All they will be thinking about is enjoying the view of the shining skyline of the city and entertaining themselves.

After you get rid of your self-consciousness, you understand that being single can give you a huge advantage when you are having a dinner cruise—you become completely flexible!

Step 1: Booking and Scoring the Best Solo Table

If you make the booking either online or via the local agent, be active in the following aspects of your seating:

Ask for Window Seat: While filling the notes in booking, or talking to the personnel during the check-in process, request a window seat. If you are alone, window table would be gold for you. It would give you the opportunity to have something to focus on, have a seat to see everything passing by and to have a view so that you don’t feel yourself looking awkwardly at nothing.

Have a Company (A Good Book or Journal): Even though you will not need it as soon as the views of the city and live show begin, it’s better to have a book, e-reader or travel journal at the beginning of the ride. It will help you relax and have something to do while drinking your welcome drink.

Step 2: Savoring the Solo Dining Experience

With the open buffet setting, there is no doubt that there are advantages to dining alone. There is no need to consider what other people would like to eat or share dishes with them or wait for someone to return from the desserts section.

You can leisurely walk around the buffet and try some of the baladi bread, salads, and grill dishes without any hurry. Since there is no intense discussion that needs to be held while dining at the table, you will be able to enjoy the food as well as the strange experience of enjoying hot food with the 5,000-year-old river flowing under your feet.

Step 3: Immersing Yourself in the Culture (On Your Own Terms)

The moment the band starts to play and the Tanoura or Oriental dancers begin their performance, it turns out that being alone makes things easier in some way.

Firstly, you do not need to think whether your partner enjoys the music or when it is time to go. All you need to do is relax, follow the rhythm and enjoy the bright colors of the performance without any restrictions. If you need to shoot some videos or pictures during the performance, there will be no problem with that – you can hold your phone in any position without disturbing other people.

Secondly, if the noisy and crowded indoor dining hall bothers you a little, you have a right to get up at any moment you want.

Step 4: Finding Peace on the Upper Deck

That’s when you will have your solo moment in full force.

After completing your meal, make your way out of the busy dining hall and make straight for the upper deck. During nighttime, this deck serves as an oasis, free from the noise of crowds.

Standing at the railings with the river wind in your hair, taking in the silhouette of the Cairo Tower and the bridges with their lights passing by, is a very relaxing and grounding experience. It allows you time to reflect on your travels and your trip while being surrounded by the stark beauty of Cairo at night.

Practical Tips for Solo Travelers on the Nile

In order to ensure your evening is smooth, safe, and hassle-free, remember these few quick pointers:

Book a Reliable Mode of Transport: Traffic in Cairo tends to get unpredictable at night. Rather than hailing a street taxi from Cairo at night when the boat docks after the trip, use a ride-sharing app (such as Uber and Careem) or book a round-trip transfer from your hotel.

Pack Lightly: There is no need for any huge bag or a backpack on the boat. Just pack your phone, wallet, jacket (the upper deck wind gets pretty cold!) and that’s about it.

Be Polite and Friendly: The crew on Nile cruise ships is very accommodating. All it takes is a small smile and a greeting. Do not be surprised to see them take additional care in making sure that you have the time of your life.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Solo Date

Feeling nervous about going on a Nile dinner cruise on your own? It's not! This is self-love and fun, and there is nothing wrong with taking some time to spoil yourself and experience all that good food, beautiful scenery, and culture that comes with it.

Don't hesitate about getting a ticket to a Nile dinner cruise if you are visiting Cairo on your own and aren't sure about it. Just find yourself a window place, hop aboard the ship, and have the best date ever!