London: Dinner Cruise with Elvis Tribute on the Thames River

If you want London at night without doing the usual checklist, this Thames dinner cruise with an Elvis tribute is a fun, easy way to turn one evening into a full-on show. I like that you get the River Thames views while you dine, not just a meal in the dark.

Two things I especially like are the live performer, Matt King, who brings an award-level Elvis style with two separate sets, and the fact that the music keeps going through the night so you can actually dance instead of just sitting and watching. One drawback to plan for: drinks are not included beyond the initial glass of sparkling wine, and a few guests find the timing a little tight for people needing outside transport right after.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Two Elvis performance sets from Matt King, including a championship-level performer with European titles (2015 and 2016)
• Cruise past major London sights, with Tower Bridge on the route as you head along the Thames
• Three-course dinner on board plus tea or coffee to finish
• One included glass of sparkling wine at boarding to get you started
• Dancing all night with Elvis-themed music until the end of the cruise

Why this Thames Elvis dinner cruise feels like a London night out

This is not the kind of tour where you race from landmark to landmark. It is slower, more social, and built around one idea: you relax on the Thames, eat well enough for a cruise dinner, and enjoy live Elvis-style entertainment that actually fills the space.

The best part is the combination. London’s skyline is gorgeous from the river, and a dinner setting makes the whole experience feel special without needing reservations at multiple venues. Add the Elvis tribute, and you get a night that is equal parts sightseeing and entertainment.

Boarding at 7:45 PM and how the evening really runs

Boarding starts at 7:45 PM, and the cruise runs for about 3 hours (you’ll want to check the exact start time available on your date). In practice, you should treat this as a single, smooth block of time. You arrive, get settled, have your first included drink, then the boat moves, the dinner comes, and the show builds through the evening.

You’ll be welcomed in English, and you’ll also have a host or greeter on hand. That matters more than people think, because river boats can feel confusing if you show up late or unclear about where to go. Showing up a bit early helps you settle in, find your seat, and feel ready when the music starts.

Cruising past Tower Bridge and the Thames views

The Thames cruise route is the backbone of the whole experience. You’ll head toward Tower Bridge, then enjoy views as you pass London’s top landmarks. The big value here is perspective: from the water, famous buildings look bigger, the lights look sharper, and you don’t have to fight for street-level photo angles.

This is also a good reminder that you are not just watching the show. You are part of the river. You’ll likely notice the skyline shifting as the boat moves, and the atmosphere gets better as night deepens.

Practical tip: wear something comfortable and layer up. Even in warmer months, a river breeze can cool you down, especially if you plan to stand and move around during the performance.

Matt King delivers the live Elvis show in two sets

The headline performer is Matt King, and the details matter here. He’s described as an award-winning Elvis impersonator with trophy credentials as a European Championships champion in 2015 and 2016. In plain terms, this is not a casual hobby act. You can expect a performance that aims for authenticity, not just impressions.

You’ll hear two sets. That structure is smart. It keeps the evening from feeling like one long show followed by an abrupt lull. The first set sets the tone, and the second set gives you a chance to get fully into it after dinner.

Most people who enjoy this style of entertainment want two things: songs they recognize and a performer who commits to the vibe. The included music is Elvis-themed and keeps going for dancing until the cruise ends, so you’re not trapped in a theater mindset. Think of it as a floating tribute night where you can sing along, clap, and move.

The three-course dinner, including tea or coffee

Food on a dinner cruise can go either way, so I like that this one is at least structured as a three-course dinner rather than a simple snack plate. You’ll also get tea or coffee after the main meal.

What you should realistically expect: cruise dinners are usually designed for easy service and broad appeal, so choice can be limited compared with a sit-down restaurant where you can fully customize. Some guests felt the meal was good but wished there were more guidance around the options, even noting they would prefer more flexibility or pre ordering. That’s useful to keep in mind if you are picky about mains or dietary needs.

Also note the pacing. Because you are on a moving boat with a show schedule, courses tend to be timed to keep the evening flowing. If you tend to eat slowly, you might feel a little rushed during the transition between dinner and entertainment.

Champagne start and what the included drink does for the mood

At boarding, you get one glass of sparkling wine. It’s a small inclusion, but it sets the emotional tone fast. It helps you settle in and stop thinking about logistics the moment you step on board.

After that, the bar is fully stocked, but extra drinks are not included. So if you like cocktails or beer with dinner, budget for it. One guest noted drinks can feel expensive, which is common on boats. The included sparkling wine is a nice perk, but it is also a reminder to decide early if you plan to keep it to one or two additional rounds.

Dancing until the end: when the night becomes a party

What makes this cruise different from a quiet sightseeing dinner is the emphasis on movement. The music is Elvis-themed and continues for dancing until the end of the cruise, so you can treat it like a show with a dance floor, not like a dinner theater where you only sit and watch.

That’s a big win for groups too. People who love Elvis get the performance they came for. People who just want a fun night out still have something active to do between landmarks and courses.

If you want the best experience, I suggest you choose your role. If you want photos, sit first and then move during the performance. If you want to dance, be ready for a more casual setting where you will naturally share space with others.

Price and value at about $123 per person

At around $123 per person, the value depends on what you want from your London night.

Here’s the balanced way to look at it:

• You’re paying for a 3-hour Thames cruise with scenic views plus a built-in live show.
• You’re also getting a three-course dinner with tea or coffee, which saves time compared with booking food separately while you enjoy the river.
• You get an included glass of sparkling wine, which reduces the pressure to find a bar right away.

Where the cost can feel less worth it is if you plan to spend heavily on extra drinks, or if you expected a fully restaurant-style menu with lots of detailed choices. But if you see this as an evening package, with sightseeing and entertainment bundled into one ticket, it tends to make sense.

Who should book this and who should skip it

This is a strong pick for:

• Adults who want London views at night without the work of coordinating multiple stops
• Elvis fans who want a live tribute that is staged for an active crowd, not a passive performance
• Groups who want a social experience, where dancing is part of the evening

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re traveling with kids, because it is not suitable for children under 13
• You prefer very quiet, formal dinners where the main focus is dining
• You need a precise, stress-free pickup right after the cruise. Some guests felt they were off the boat sooner than the full 3-hour plan, so give yourself a buffer for transport connections

If you’re celebrating something, this kind of night-out format also works well, because it already has the show energy built in.

Practical tips to make it feel worth your money

Here are the moves that help you enjoy this most:

• Go easy on extra drinks budgeting: you get one included sparkling wine, after that you’re on your own.
• Dress for river air: even if it’s warm out, you can feel cooler near open spaces on the Thames.
• Plan your timing cushion: if you are arranging a taxi or ride, add a little slack so you are not rushing out the moment you dock.
• Make peace with cruise pacing: you are eating while the evening is in motion, and dinner timing will align with the show schedule.
• If you have preferences, think ahead: since some guests wanted more clarity around the dinner options, it helps to go in with realistic expectations about choice and how service works.

Should you book the London Thames dinner cruise with Elvis?

If you’re the type of traveler who wants one ticket to deliver views, dinner, and a live show, I think this is a good match. The biggest selling points are the two Elvis sets by Matt King and the fact that you can go from dining to dancing without changing plans.

I would skip it if your priority is a calm, high-end dining experience with lots of menu choice and a very precise timetable. In that case, you’ll likely feel more frustrated by cruise dinner pacing and the add-on cost of drinks.

My recommendation: book it when you want a classic London night that’s equal parts sightseeing and party energy, and when Elvis music is something you actually want to hear live.

FAQ

How long is the London Thames dinner cruise with Elvis tribute?

The cruise lasts 3 hours.

What time does boarding begin?

Boarding begins at 7:45 PM.

What is included with the ticket price?

You get 1 glass of sparkling wine, a three-course dinner with tea or coffee, two sets featuring an award-winning Elvis tribute artist, and Elvis-themed music for dancing until the cruise ends.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Extra drinks are not included.

Is this cruise suitable for children?

No, it is not suitable for children under 13.

What is the cancellation policy?

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