REVIEW · LONDON
London: Dinner Cruise with Elvis Tribute on the Thames River
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by City Cruises Limited · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Elvis on the Thames sounds like a party for a reason. This 3-hour London dinner cruise pairs a live tribute by award-winning performer Matt King with city-night views and a dance-friendly soundtrack.
Two parts are especially hard to beat: you get a real dinner afloat (plus tea or coffee), and you also get two Elvis performance sets that keep the energy up rather than fading after the first song. One thing to think about first: the included drinks are limited to a glass of sparkling wine, and the fully-stocked bar means your final bill can climb if you plan to drink cocktails all night.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go
- Why an Elvis Dinner Cruise Works on the Thames
- Boarding at 7.45PM and Getting Your Bearings
- Cruising Toward Tower Bridge and Past London Landmarks
- Matt King’s Elvis Tribute: Two Sets and Real Energy
- The 3-Course Dinner: What You Should Expect
- Price and What You Get for About $123
- Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
- How to Make the Most of Your Night
- Should You Book This London Thames Dinner Cruise with Elvis?
- FAQ
- How long is the dinner cruise?
- What time does boarding begin?
- Where does the cruise go?
- Is the Elvis tribute included?
- What food is included?
- Are drinks included besides the sparkling wine?
- Is this suitable for families with kids?
- What languages are available?
Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go
- Matt King is an award-winning Elvis (European Championship wins in 2015 and 2016)
- Two Elvis sets, not just a brief performance while you eat
- Tower Bridge and skyline views as the boat moves along the Thames
- 3-course dinner plus tea or coffee included in the ticket
- Dance music runs until the end of the cruise
- Extra drinks are not included, so budget matters
Why an Elvis Dinner Cruise Works on the Thames
There’s a smart reason this type of night out lands well in London: it’s one plan that does three jobs at once. You’re eating (proper seated dinner), you’re watching (views from the river), and you’re being entertained (a live show that encourages singing and moving).
On paper, an Elvis tribute can sound like a themed novelty. In practice, it makes the whole experience easier. Instead of juggling a dinner reservation, transport, and a separate show, you’re already onboard with everything happening in sequence. And because the music is Elvis-themed through the evening, it feels like one continuous night rather than a quick performance sandwiched between courses.
The other big win is the setting. The Thames gives you that London-at-night feeling: lights reflecting on the water, landmarks sliding by, and an atmosphere that’s hard to recreate from a restaurant table.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in London
Boarding at 7.45PM and Getting Your Bearings
The cruise starts with boarding that begins at 7.45PM. That timing matters because you’ll want a little buffer to get settled, grab a drink, and find a comfortable spot before you head out.
Right when you join, you’ll receive one glass of sparkling wine, then you’ll get acquainted with the vessel and the flow of the evening. There’s also a fully-stocked bar onboard, and you can keep the party moving as you cruise and watch the skyline roll past.
A practical note: you’re on a boat for three hours, and most river venues run on a tight schedule. If you have dinner plans elsewhere or you’re counting on exact timing for onward transport, plan with a little extra breathing room.
Cruising Toward Tower Bridge and Past London Landmarks
Once you’re underway, you’ll cruise along the River Thames, heading toward Tower Bridge and passing London’s top sights. Even if you’re not a hardcore photo person, this part is worth treating like part of the show. The river motion changes how London feels. Buildings don’t just sit there behind glass; they glide past, and the skyline looks different with each angle.
What I like about the way this is set up is that the views are woven into the evening instead of being a brief sightseeing add-on. You’re moving while you eat and while entertainment is happening, so you’re never stuck in a single moment.
If you’re planning to take photos, choose your spot early. You’ll be on the water for hours, so switching positions often during the busiest parts of the night can be a little annoying. Pick where you’ll want the landmark views first, then build your evening around it.
Matt King’s Elvis Tribute: Two Sets and Real Energy
The centerpiece is the live Elvis performance by Matt King, who’s described as a trophied Elvis performer and a champion in European competitions in 2015 and 2016. That matters because it signals you’re not just getting background music. You’re getting a performer who’s trained for the role and judged on it.
You’ll hear two Elvis sets, which is a key detail for anyone deciding if this is worth it. One set can be fun and then it’s over. Two sets mean there’s a longer arc to the entertainment, with space for the crowd to really get into it.
And it’s not only about watching. The night is designed for dancing. After the dinner portion kicks in, the cruise keeps you in the Elvis mood with Elvis-themed music for dancing until the end of the cruise.
If you love Elvis, you’ll enjoy the consistency: songs and atmosphere that feel true to the theme rather than switching into something unrelated. If you’re more of a casual Elvis fan, the structure still helps—you get multiple chances to enjoy the show, and the party vibe carries even if you’re not planning to sing along all night.
The 3-Course Dinner: What You Should Expect
This ticket includes a 3-course dinner served onboard, followed by tea or coffee. That’s a big value point because you’re paying for more than a cruise and more than a show. You’re also covering the core meal of the evening.
Based on feedback patterns, the dinner experience tends to land in the better-than-you’d-expect category for a night like this. Still, it’s not being positioned as a luxury tasting menu. Think of it as a solid cruise dinner: enough to feel like a proper meal, but not the kind where you’ll obsess over fine dining details for days.
A couple of practical considerations to keep in mind:
- Menu choice may feel limited if you’re picky about options.
- Some people also wished the meal flow felt less rushed and that the end of dinner details (like tea or coffee) felt more complete in the moment.
If you want to maximize enjoyment, treat the dinner as part of the evening pacing. Don’t plan to race off right at the three-hour mark. Let the show and the meal finish while you’re onboard, and you’ll feel less pressure around timing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London
Price and What You Get for About $123
At $123 per person, this is priced like an experience, not like a budget cruise. The good news is the ticket is doing real work for that price.
Here’s what you’re getting included:
- 1 glass of sparkling wine
- 3-course dinner
- Tea or coffee after dinner
- Two Elvis tribute sets
- Elvis-themed music for dancing until the cruise ends
What’s not included is also important: extra drinks. The bar is fully-stocked, which is great for atmosphere and convenience, but it’s also where costs can add up fast if you don’t set limits.
So is it good value? For the right buyer, yes. It’s strongest if you want a full night out in one package—food, views, and entertainment—without needing to line up multiple reservations. It’s less strong if your priority is fine dining or if you usually spend heavily at bars. In that case, you can enjoy it, but you’ll want to watch your drink budget.
Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
This cruise fits best with people who want a fun, themed evening on the Thames.
It’s a strong match if:
- You’re an Elvis fan (especially if you want a performer with real credentials)
- You like the idea of dancing and singing along
- You want a straightforward London night plan that combines multiple parts
It’s not suitable for children under 13, so plan around that if you’re traveling with younger kids.
I’d be a little cautious if you’re expecting a quiet, romantic whisper-only experience. The entertainment is built to keep energy up, and the music continues through the night. If you prefer slow-paced dining with minimal crowd energy, you might find the vibe more lively than you want.
How to Make the Most of Your Night
A few small moves can make a big difference on a dinner cruise like this:
- Arrive ready to settle in. Boarding begins at 7.45PM, and you’ll enjoy the evening more if you’re not scrambling once the boat is already moving.
- Decide your drink plan before you’re tempted. Your included drink is a glass of sparkling wine, and the rest comes from the bar. If you like cocktails, set a rough cap early.
- Pick your view spot early. You’ll be cruising and landmarks will come into view, especially as you head toward Tower Bridge. Once you’ve chosen a spot, stay put during the most active show moments.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Dancing goes on for the duration of the cruise, so comfort beats style here.
- Give yourself buffer time. Some people felt the timing could run tighter than expected, so if you’re using lifts or tight connections after the cruise, build in extra slack.
Should You Book This London Thames Dinner Cruise with Elvis?
I’d book it if you want a “one-ticket night out” that feels like London after dark: river views, a real meal onboard, and two live Elvis sets by Matt King with dancing until the end.
I would skip it if you’re mainly looking for upscale dining, or if you know you’ll spend a lot at the bar and prefer to control costs tightly. In those cases, you can still have fun, but you’ll likely feel the ticket price and the drink extras more sharply.
If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and at least one person loves Elvis, this is the kind of night that creates a story. It’s not trying to be highbrow. It’s aiming for a good time, and the structure supports that goal.
FAQ
How long is the dinner cruise?
The cruise lasts 3 hours.
What time does boarding begin?
Boarding begins at 7.45PM.
Where does the cruise go?
You’ll cruise along the River Thames, heading toward Tower Bridge and passing London’s top landmarks.
Is the Elvis tribute included?
Yes. You get 2 sets featuring an award-winning Elvis tribute artist, Matt King.
What food is included?
The ticket includes a 3-course dinner, followed by tea or coffee.
Are drinks included besides the sparkling wine?
Only 1 glass of sparkling wine is included. Extra drinks are not included.
Is this suitable for families with kids?
It is not suitable for children under 13.
What languages are available?
The host or greeter is English.
