London: Dinner Cruise with Elvis Tribute on the Thames River

Elvis performs on the Thames, with London’s skyline sliding past the windows and a three-course dinner served along the way. Matt King, a European championship-winning tribute artist, supplies the evening’s main event, while the boat heads toward Tower Bridge and the city lights come on.

I like the mix of live music and landmark views, and I like that the evening includes a glass of sparkling wine plus dinner rather than charging separately for every basic extra. The main caution is the bar tab. Extra drinks are not included, and one recent evening found the service ending a little sooner than the advertised three hours.

Key points

• Matt King performs two Elvis sets, including songs designed to get the room singing along.
• Boarding begins at 7:45 PM for a three-hour cruise on the River Thames.
• Tower Bridge and central London landmarks provide the backdrop as the boat moves along the river.
• A three-course dinner and tea or coffee are included, but meal choice may be limited.
• Dancing continues until the cruise ends, with Elvis-themed music between the live sets.
• Children under 13 are not allowed, making this an adults-focused night out.

A Thames dinner cruise with a clear main attraction

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise with a little background music. It is an evening show built around Elvis, with dinner and London views serving as the supporting cast.

You board in the evening, receive one glass of sparkling wine, and settle into the boat before the music gets going. The cruise lasts three hours, enough time for a meal, two live performances, skyline views, and dancing.

The strongest reason to book is simple: you want a lively night out rather than a formal meal with a view. The atmosphere depends heavily on the performer, and that is good news here. Matt King won the European Championships in 2015 and 2016, so this is presented as a serious tribute act rather than a casual impersonation.

You should still keep your expectations in the right place. This is not a concert in a dedicated music venue, and the dinner is not the main reason to book. You are paying for a combined evening of entertainment, food, and sightseeing.

What happens after boarding at 7:45 PM

Boarding begins at 7:45 PM. The available details do not give a full dock address in the information provided, so check your booking confirmation carefully for the exact meeting point and any arrival instructions.

Once aboard, you receive a glass of sparkling wine. This gives you time to get settled and look over the boat before the evening’s program takes over.

The cruise then moves along the Thames toward Tower Bridge. The river is particularly useful for seeing London from a different angle. Instead of walking from one sight to the next, you watch the city pass by in one continuous view.

The exact order of dinner and performances may vary, but the basic structure is clear: a three-course dinner, two Elvis sets, and recorded Elvis-themed music for dancing through the end of the cruise.

That structure matters. You are not expected to sit silently through a long meal, and you are not confined to a single short performance. The evening has several parts, which helps the three hours pass at a comfortable pace.

London landmarks from the river

The cruise passes top London landmarks, with Tower Bridge specifically part of the route. River views are one of the best features of the evening because they give you a broad view of the skyline without the interruptions of city streets.

You will not be stopping at the landmarks. This is a sightseeing backdrop, not a hop-on, hop-off cruise. If you want detailed commentary on London’s buildings, this probably is not the right choice. The supplied information names an English-speaking host or greeter, but it does not promise a full guided talk about each sight.

The value is visual and atmospheric. You can eat while watching the lights and riverfront buildings move past, then turn your attention back to the stage when the show begins.

Tower Bridge is a particularly useful point in the evening because it gives the cruise a clear visual marker. The boat heads in that direction while Matt King performs and the city skyline fills the windows. If you are visiting London and want a night away from museums and pubs, this combination has a strong sense of place.

Matt King and the Elvis performances

The live entertainment is the heart of the cruise. Matt King is described as an award-winning Elvis tribute artist and the European Championships winner in both 2015 and 2016.

You get two sets rather than one brief appearance. That is important because it gives the evening room to build. The first set lets you see the performer and the room’s mood. By the second, the audience is more likely to sing along and dance.

The performance style is aimed at recognizable Elvis songs and a strong stage presence. One recent evening was praised for keeping the room singing along and entertained, while another described the act as a true representation of Elvis. Those comments point to the practical strength of the show: it is designed for audience participation, not quiet background listening.

You should book this only if you enjoy classic pop and rock music. Elvis-themed songs fill the evening, including the music played for dancing after or between the live sets. If Elvis is merely tolerable to you, three hours may feel long.

If you know the songs and enjoy a bit of theatrical fun, the setup works well. You can watch the performance, sing from your table, or get up and dance. The boat gives the show a social, informal setting that suits the material.

The three-course dinner and what to expect

The package includes a three-course dinner followed by tea or coffee. That makes the $123 price easier to judge because the ticket includes both a meal and a headline-style performance, along with the cruise and sparkling wine.

The meal is best viewed as part of the evening rather than a destination restaurant meal. One recent assessment found the food better than expected, while another called it simply okay and suggested that a choice and pre-order system would improve it.

That is useful guidance. If you have strong dietary preferences or want several menu options, check the available menu before booking. The supplied details do not list the individual dishes or confirm the range of choices.

Timing can also matter. A recent evening did not include tea or coffee as smoothly as expected, despite it being part of the stated package. The included drinks are a small detail, but they help finish a meal properly, so it is worth asking staff if they are not offered.

The meal may suit you if you want dinner taken care of while you enjoy the show. It may disappoint you if you are booking primarily for fine dining. The food is not the star, and the entertainment remains the main event.

Drinks, dancing, and the evening’s pace

One glass of sparkling wine is included. Additional drinks are extra, and the bar is fully stocked.

That phrase gives you plenty of choice, but it also means the final bill can rise quickly. A recent evening specifically found the drinks expensive. I would set a drinks budget before boarding, especially if you plan to stay at the bar during the full cruise.

The dancing is included in the entertainment. Elvis-themed music continues until the cruise ends, so you are not limited to sitting through two stage sets. You can move around, join in, and make the night as active as you like.

This is one reason the cruise suits a celebration, date night, or group outing. The format gives you something to do throughout the evening. It is less suited to someone seeking a peaceful dinner where conversation is the main focus.

The three-hour duration sounds generous, but the evening may feel shorter once dinner and both performances are included. One recent guest felt the boat departed around 20 minutes earlier than expected and was rushed off, despite planning around the advertised three-hour length. Allow for the possibility that the actual on-water time may not feel like a precise three hours.

Is $123 a fair price?

At $123 per person, this is not a budget dinner. The price makes more sense when you count the separate pieces: a three-hour Thames cruise, one glass of sparkling wine, a three-course meal, two live sets by Matt King, and dancing with Elvis-themed music.

A standard sightseeing cruise would not normally include this kind of live show, and a concert ticket would not normally include a river cruise and dinner. You are buying an all-in-one night rather than a single activity.

The value is strongest for you if you would otherwise pay for dinner and evening entertainment. The included sparkling wine also gives the night a more special feel without an immediate extra charge.

The value is weaker if you mainly want landmark views. In that case, a sightseeing cruise without dinner or entertainment might better match your priorities. It is also weaker if you expect a high-end meal or plan to order several drinks from the bar.

I would consider the ticket reasonable for a celebration or a music-focused London night, but I would not call it a bargain. The quality of the evening rests on three things: your enjoyment of Elvis, your tolerance for extra drink costs, and your expectations for the meal.

Who should book this cruise?

This cruise fits adults and older teenagers who enjoy Elvis, singalong entertainment, and a social evening. Children under 13 are not permitted, so it is clearly aimed at an adult audience.

It also suits visitors who want to see London from the water without giving up a proper evening program. You get landmark views, dinner, and live music in one booking.

Couples may like the sparkling wine and skyline setting. Groups may appreciate the dancing and familiar songs. Elvis fans have the clearest reason to book because the live performance is the central feature.

I would be more cautious if you need a quiet meal, a broad menu choice, low drink prices, or a tightly timed three-hour schedule. The dinner has received mixed reactions, and the entertainment can make the boat lively rather than calm.

The English-language format is straightforward, with an English-speaking host or greeter and English-language entertainment. No other language option is listed.

Booking details that matter

The cruise lasts three hours, with boarding beginning at 7:45 PM. Check the available start time when booking and use the confirmation for the exact meeting point.

Free cancellation is available up to three days in advance for a full refund. That is useful if your London plans are still shifting, but the deadline is firm enough that you should not leave the decision until the last moment.

The experience provider is City Cruises Limited. The stated rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 43 ratings, which fits the overall picture: strong entertainment, attractive river views, and a generally enjoyable night, with some complaints about meal choice, drinks pricing, and timing.

Should you book the Elvis Thames dinner cruise?

Book it if you want a playful London night built around music, not a quiet gourmet dinner. Matt King is the reason to choose this particular cruise, and the combination of two live sets, dancing, dinner, and Tower Bridge views gives the evening a clear identity.

Go in expecting a decent included meal rather than a fine-dining event. Watch the extra drinks, confirm the meeting details, and allow for the possibility that the boat may finish a little earlier than the full advertised duration.

For Elvis fans, couples, and groups looking for an easy evening of entertainment, $123 can be fair value. If your priority is detailed sightseeing, a wide food selection, or a calm meal, choose a different Thames cruise.

FAQ

How long is the Elvis dinner cruise?

The cruise is advertised as lasting three hours.

What time does boarding begin?

Boarding begins at 7:45 PM.

Who performs the Elvis tribute?

Matt King performs two sets. He is described as an award-winning Elvis tribute artist and a European Championships winner in 2015 and 2016.

What food is included?

A three-course dinner is included, followed by tea or coffee.

Is sparkling wine included?

Yes. One glass of sparkling wine is included.

Are additional drinks included?

No. Extra drinks are not included in the price.

Does the cruise pass Tower Bridge?

Yes. The boat heads toward Tower Bridge during the Thames cruise.

Is dancing part of the evening?

Yes. Elvis-themed music plays for dancing until the end of the cruise.

Are children allowed?

Children under 13 are not suitable for this activity.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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