London: Dinner Cruise with Elvis Tribute on the Thames River

If Elvis could sing to London, it would do this. The 3-hour Thames dinner cruise pairs a live tribute from award-winning Matt King with a proper three-course meal, while you cruise past big-city landmarks and get that close-up show energy. The main downside to think about is simple: drinks beyond the included glass are extra, and some nights can feel pricey at the bar.

You start the evening with boarding and a glass of sparkling wine, then settle in as the boat heads toward Tower Bridge. I like that the entertainment is built in two sets, so you get more than a quick performance, and the night doesn’t end the second dinner finishes. The one thing to watch for is pacing, because the cruise is timed, and a few diners mention they wanted a bit more time to linger after the meal.

Key Points Before You Go

• Boarding starts at 7.45 PM, so plan to arrive with enough time to settle before the boat gets moving
• Matt King performs with notable credentials, including European Championships wins in 2015 and 2016
• Two Elvis sets keep the show going through the meal, not just as a prelude or background
• Three-course dinner plus tea or coffee is included, but extra drinks cost extra
• Thames views toward Tower Bridge add real sightseeing value, even if you’re mostly there for Elvis

Why this Thames Elvis dinner cruise is such good value

This isn’t just a show with a ticket attached. You’re buying an evening format that mixes three things that London does well together: a smooth river ride, landmark views, and a proper sit-down meal. At $123 per person for a 3-hour cruise, the value hinges on whether you want all of that in one package, instead of piecing it together with separate dinner and separate entertainment.

What makes it work is timing. You get sailing time, you get the tribute in two sets, and you still get enough night left for dancing to Elvis-themed music. Even if you’re not an Elvis diehard, the cruise format turns a normal evening into an event.

Boarding at 7.45 PM, plus how the night actually feels

Boarding begins at 7.45 PM, and you’ll spend the early part of the cruise getting settled aboard. You’re served one glass of sparkling wine as you start, which helps you relax right away instead of waiting through the first stretch.

A fully-stocked bar is on board too, which is great for convenience. Just remember the bar is where costs can creep up, because extra drinks aren’t included. If you want to control spending, decide what you’ll allow yourself before you sit down.

Also, this is not suitable for children under 13. So the vibe will skew adult, and that usually matters for how you enjoy the music and dancing.

Tower Bridge views and the sightseeing glide past central London

The cruise heads toward Tower Bridge, and along the way you’ll pass London’s top landmarks from the water. You also get skyline views while the show and dinner are rolling, which is a big part of why this feels more memorable than an indoor performance.

Here’s the practical angle: a river cruise gives you movement without stress. No tube transfers, no long waits between locations, no hunting for dinner reservations. You’re simply on the Thames with the city sliding by.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes photos, this is one of those evenings where you’ll want a quick plan. When the boat is moving and lights are starting to glow, visibility is best. You don’t need to chase angles for hours, but it helps to know where you want to be when the skyline hits.

Matt King: the Elvis tribute sets and what to expect from the performance

The centerpiece is the live Elvis tribute. You’ll see two sets featuring Matt King, and he brings serious competition credentials to the role, including being a European Championships champion in 2015 and 2016.

What I like about this setup is that it’s not a one-and-done performance. Two sets usually means you get:

• one set that kicks your energy up before or during dinner
• another that keeps the evening rolling when you might otherwise settle into a quieter mood

It also supports the overall theme: rock’n’roll all night. The tribute is tied to Elvis-themed music for dancing until the end of the cruise, so you’re not stuck watching people dance while you feel too formal to join in.

One more thing to keep in mind: the offer is designed to let you feel close to the performer. If you’ve ever been to a tribute show where the stage distance kills the magic, this is the opposite goal. The experience is built around you feeling like you’re right there with the King.

The three-course dinner: what’s included, and where expectations should be set

This cruise includes a three-course dinner, followed by tea or coffee. There’s also the one included sparkling wine at boarding. That’s a clear, easy-to-understand package.

Now for a balanced take on the meal. The food tends to be described as better than you might expect on a cruise format, but it isn’t always flawless for everyone. Some people found the dinner only okay, and a couple notes suggest that having more flexibility or a clearer choice ahead of time would improve the experience.

So here’s my practical advice: treat the dinner as part of the evening, not as the main reason to book. If you’re a picky eater, or you want lots of menu options, you’ll be happier if you review what you can before you go and set realistic expectations.

Dancing, pacing, and planning your last hour on the Thames

After dinner, the vibe shifts into a dancing night. The cruise runs 3 hours, and the plan is built to end with Elvis-themed music so you can keep moving and singing along.

Because it’s time-limited, pacing matters. Some diners mention they were a bit rushed at the end, especially if they had lifts planned as if it would run closer to a full three hours. That’s not unusual for city cruises, but it’s worth respecting in your own scheduling.

If you’re arranging transport after, build in a buffer. If you think you’ll need a strict pickup time, you might be disappointed. In general, plan to be flexible at the end of the cruise, because the boat has to dock, and the evening has to wrap.

Price and value: what $123 buys, and what can quietly add up

At $123 per person, you’re paying for a full evening bundle: river cruising, two live tribute sets, a three-course dinner, and an included glass of sparkling wine, plus tea or coffee. For London, that’s not a bad deal if you want a single-ticket night out with minimal planning.

The value calculation gets clearer when you compare what’s not included:

• extra drinks are not included
• you’ll likely pay bar prices if you go beyond the initial sparkling wine

So the best way to keep the cost in check is to decide your limit early. If you’re traveling in a group, it helps to align expectations so everyone knows what you’re budgeting for, then you can enjoy the show without doing math in your head.

Also consider who this is for. If your priority is a top-tier theatrical production with complex staging, you might judge this differently. If your priority is a fun night with a performer who knows how to fill the room, plus a Thames cruise and dinner included, it can feel like exactly the right type of spend.

Who should book (and who might want a different option)

This cruise is a strong fit if you:

• love Elvis, or you just love the idea of an Elvis tribute with singing and dancing
• want a couples or group night out that doesn’t require restaurant planning
• like skyline views and an easy sightseeing component during dinner

It’s also a good choice if you want the simplicity of a package. You’re on one boat for the whole evening. You’re not switching plans. That matters on a busy London trip.

It may be less ideal if you:

• want total control over food choices and pacing, because the meal is part of a set cruise schedule
• are sensitive to drink costs, since the bar is there and extra drinks cost extra
• need a long, slow goodbye at the end, because you’re on a timed 3-hour cruise

Practical tips that make the evening smoother

A few small choices can make a noticeable difference on a cruise night:

• Bring layers. Thames evenings can feel cooler once you’re out on the water, especially when you’re standing or waiting to watch.
• Decide your bar plan early. With extra drinks not included, it’s easy to overspend if you wait until you’re already in the mood.
• If you care about show proximity, be ready when the performance starts. Two sets means you’ll get more chances to catch the energy, but early positioning can help.
• If you’re planning a pickup after the cruise, build in extra time. Docking and disembarking take a bit, and a tight schedule is a risk.

Should you book this London Thames dinner cruise with Elvis?

If you want an evening that’s equal parts sightseeing and show, with dinner and dancing built in, I think this is a smart booking. The big selling points are the award-winning Elvis tribute by Matt King with two sets, the included three-course dinner plus tea or coffee, and the Thames views toward Tower Bridge.

Book it if Elvis is your thing, or if you want a fun night out that feels like an event without a lot of logistics. Consider a different option if you’re mainly chasing gourmet dining, super flexible meal choices, or a long, lingering schedule at the end.

FAQ

How long is the dinner cruise?

The duration is 3 hours.

When does boarding begin?

Boarding begins at 7.45 PM.

What’s included in the price?

You get 1 glass of sparkling wine, a 3-course dinner followed by tea or coffee, and 2 sets featuring the award-winning Elvis tribute artist, plus Elvis-themed music for dancing.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Extra drinks are not included.

Is this suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 13.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.