Istanbul Dinner Cruise Review: Is It Worth It?

So, thinking about a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus while you’re in Istanbul? A pretty tempting idea, to be honest. You see pictures, you hear stories, but how is it, really? Let’s get into it, very piece by piece.

Setting Sail on the Bosphorus: What to Expect

Okay, first thing’s first: What even is this Bosphorus thing? It’s basically this waterway that cuts right through Istanbul, splitting Europe and Asia. Wild, right? A dinner cruise gives you, actually, this super cool perspective of the city at night. That’s when everything lights up, the old palaces get this golden glow, and it’s, well, pretty special. The main thing that makes it worthwhile too is the opportunity to glimpse both continents, and capture images of the stunning skyline, really. Most cruises are more or less 3-4 hours, just right to kick back and get taken away by, as a matter of fact, everything that makes Istanbul magical.

Pickups, those can be useful, right? Getting around Istanbul can sometimes feel like, basically, a bit of a challenge, traffic wise. Many cruise operators give you this hotel pickup option, so it saves you, in other words, the struggle of hailing a cab or figuring out public transport. To be honest, it is generally well-organized: a driver will typically meet you at your hotel at the given time and take you to the boat. One little consideration, though? Depending on where you’re staying, and on how many other people they need to collect, you could be in for a little ride.

Food, Glorious Food! (and Drinks?)

Let’s get right to it, about what everyone’s thinking: the food. The spreads typically feature what they call ‘meze’ – those little Turkish appetizers. Expect things almost like stuffed grape leaves (dolma), flavorful dips, and various salads. To be honest, they usually present it beautifully and are a tasty way to start. Often, there’s a main course option – perhaps grilled fish, chicken, or even a kebab. We found that main courses can be just a bit inconsistent; every so often it may not blow your mind but the selection is broad, which means the quality, like your own enjoyment, might vary a little. If you have certain tastes or allergies, reaching out in advance, maybe, to let them know couldn’t hurt at all.

Now, those optional drinks packages: a discussion point if ever there was one, right? Some cruises include soft drinks and water, while others offer those “unlimited” drinks packages. Now, the cost difference between packages can actually add up, so think about, in short, how much you actually think you’ll drink. If you fancy a couple of local drinks and that’s about it, buying them individually might, probably, be the better route. The cruises usually provide Turkish beer and local spirits, yet if you are wishing for some kind of fancy cocktail, this might not be that time, literally.

The Show’s the Thing: Entertainment on Board

Most dinner cruises have some form of Turkish entertainment, right? So, the lineup can vary, very much, but commonly features belly dancers, folk dance troupes, and often, live music. In that setting? It can be quite kitschy. It adds this really particular layer to the night.

Sometimes the music might get the whole place lively, sometimes there are cultural displays; they might, almost, draw you in, even get you to loosen up enough to give the dance floor a try. How much you like it is probably a case-by-case situation. Very, very few people, frankly, take a cruise thinking it will resemble a West End musical.

Is it Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

Okay, here’s a really valid question. Cost? Can really vary. So, consider all these things. So, look, if you want a very special night out with the views, that’s a check. With an okay meal and something, or anything, that looks Turkish? Yeah. However, look out for low-priced operations; they typically give the biggest range in, basically, guest experience, it’s almost like that. Plus, if the idea of being herded around with a ton of other tourists, actually, doesn’t sound wonderful? Give that some thought too. Very intimate, the tours aren’t.

Think about what matters most to you; the ambiance is gorgeous. You are never closer to, by the way, feeling Istanbul’s unique and exceptional setting than on a boat in the Bosphorus Strait. When, more or less, all’s said and done? Doing some comparison shopping might, almost, make all the difference in feeling satisfied, at the end of the day.

Making the Most of Your Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Right then, fancy making sure that you get the most out of it? I thought so. Dress comfortably but in a somewhat smart manner. The boats are typically pretty good at smoothing any waves, yet it is frequently windy on deck so it’s actually worth bearing that in mind, that’s an actual factor. Bring a camera: Istanbul lit up is like, essentially, what Instagram was practically designed for. Get up on the deck to get all those amazing views (however cold it is), but also keep a tight hold of personal possessions while in crowded areas. To be fair, a little preparation can improve your evening very significantly.

Try, even, and go on a clear night. Rainy skies can affect the views big time. Lastly, be prepared to go with the flow! These cruises are a fairly unique mix of relaxation, fantastic viewpoints, dinner and cultural expressions. Embracing the, actually, fairly touristy-ness is what is important for enjoyment! If you expect an sophisticated culinary experience you’ll almost surely be very disappointed. The enjoyment of, actually, any holiday event usually gets measured by going with, at the end of the day, what is presented!