REVIEW · LONDON
London: Dinner Cruise with Elvis Tribute on the Thames River
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by City Cruises Limited · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Want a London night with real attitude? This Thames dinner cruise pairs a three-course meal with an award-winning Elvis tribute and keeps the energy up with two live sets. It’s an easy way to get out on the river, see famous sights, and still end the night singing along.
What I like most: you get the show close enough to feel personal, and the evening is built around music and movement, not just watching. The other big win is the onboard meal format: you start with sparkling wine and a full three-course dinner, then keep going with tea or coffee after.
One thing to keep in mind: the evening includes one glass of sparkling wine, but the rest of the bar is extra. If you want cocktails all night, plan ahead because it can add up fast.
In This Review
- Key things I’d circle before you book
- Why this Thames dinner cruise feels like a night out, not a float-and-fade
- Boarding and getting comfortable before Tower Bridge
- The Elvis tribute: Matt King, two sets, and the pacing of the show
- What you see on the Thames: landmarks from the waterline
- The three-course dinner: what’s included and how to make it work
- Drinks and dancing: how the bar works (and how to control the bill)
- Who should book this London Elvis dinner cruise (and who shouldn’t)
- Price and value: is $123 per person worth it?
- Practical tips so your night runs smoothly
- Should you book this London Thames dinner cruise with Elvis?
- FAQ
- How long is the London Thames dinner cruise with Elvis?
- What time does boarding begin?
- Is the Elvis tribute performer included?
- What’s included with the dinner?
- Are drinks included?
- Is it suitable for children?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
- What language is used during the experience?
Key things I’d circle before you book

- Matt King performs two sets, so you’re not waiting forever for the main act
- Three-course dinner onboard with tea or coffee after, so you’re not doing London food math
- Cruising toward Tower Bridge with skyline views during the night
- Elvis-themed music until the end, built for dancing and casual sing-alongs
- Extra drinks cost extra, even though the bar is fully stocked
Why this Thames dinner cruise feels like a night out, not a float-and-fade

This is the kind of London experience that gets your evening started for you. You’re not just paying for transportation and views. You’re paying for a rhythm: the boat moves, the skyline rolls by, and the show gives you a clear reason to stay present.
The “Elvis up close” promise matters here. It’s not a distant soundtrack. The performance is designed as a live event, with two sets, plus Elvis-themed music for dancing through the end of the cruise. That means you can choose your vibe—sit back and watch, or join in without feeling like you’re interrupting something.
And because this is a dinner cruise, the timing works in your favor. You don’t have to find a restaurant, then line up a backup plan for after dinner. You’re already on the boat, so the night can keep going.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in London
Boarding and getting comfortable before Tower Bridge

Boarding begins at 7:45PM, and the cruise runs about three hours. You’ll start with a glass of sparkling wine, then get oriented to the vessel and the evening’s flow before the boat heads out.
A practical tip: when people are settling in, they often stay where they first sit. If you want the closest experience to the stage, watch what happens when the show gets rolling and position yourself accordingly. You’re told you’ll see the tribute artist up close as you head toward Tower Bridge, so arriving ready to move matters.
Also, plan your expectations for the river views. You’ll have skyline views during the cruise, and part of the appeal is seeing London’s highlights from the water at night. This won’t feel like a day-trip panorama. It’s a darker, moodier view with the lights turned on.
The Elvis tribute: Matt King, two sets, and the pacing of the show

The live performer is Matt King, described as a trophied Elvis performer and champion at the European Championships in 2015 and 2016. That’s not just a fun detail—it tells you what kind of show you’re likely to get. This isn’t random karaoke cosplay. It’s a focused performance built around Elvis’s sound and stage presence.
You’ll get two sets, not one long block. That pacing is a big deal on a moving boat. It keeps energy consistent while you switch between dinner and entertainment. It also gives you a second chance to settle in after your meal is underway.
Here’s what that looks like in real terms: you can enjoy the first set while you’re still adjusting to the boat and the river air. Then dinner follows as the night continues, and the second set helps you reset into show mode again. One of the strongest compliments tied to this experience is that the Elvis performance keeps people singing along and engaged—so don’t treat the tribute as background.
If dancing is your goal, you’ll also get Elvis-themed music after the dinner/show moments, running until the end of the cruise. That means the night doesn’t stop when the act finishes. It keeps moving.
What you see on the Thames: landmarks from the waterline
This cruise is built around sightseeing from the river. You’ll pass London’s top landmarks and head towards Tower Bridge, and the whole route is framed as a three-hour ride with views during the evening.
Even without a minute-by-minute list of every landmark, the “from the Thames at night” part is the attraction. The river changes the angle. You see city lighting where you’d normally see traffic and buildings from street level. From a boat, London feels less like landmarks on a map and more like a continuous scene.
One more thing: you’ll be on the river while the tribute is happening, so the viewing experience and entertainment blend together. It’s not a sightseeing-only stop-and-stare situation. The best way to enjoy it is to alternate: watch the river for a few moments, then give your attention to the show, then look out again when you hear the music shift.
The three-course dinner: what’s included and how to make it work

The cruise includes a three-course dinner with tea or coffee after. You’ll also begin with one glass of sparkling wine. That’s a straightforward package: you’re covered for the meal structure, and the timing is designed to fit between the live sets.
Now, let’s talk about expectations. Reviews tied to the meal are a mix, but the pattern is clear. People generally found the dinner good, sometimes better than expected. At the same time, at least one person felt the meal could improve—specifically wanting a better sense of choice, such as pre-ordering options.
So my advice is simple: if you’re picky about food, don’t assume you’ll get a custom experience. The data we have doesn’t describe meal customization. If you care a lot about your exact course options, you may want to check with the provider before you go, so you’re not stuck hoping the menu matches your taste.
Also note the tea or coffee after dinner. One review suggested they wanted something to fully round out the meal, so while it is included, don’t drift away at the exact moment the dinner wraps up. If tea or coffee is part of your idea of a proper finish, be ready when it’s offered.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London
Drinks and dancing: how the bar works (and how to control the bill)

The cruise includes one glass of sparkling wine. After that, you’ll have a fully-stocked bar, but extra drinks are not included. That’s the clearest budget warning in the whole experience.
If you’re the type who orders one or two drinks and then switches to water or stays light, this can be a very reasonable night. If your plan is cocktails for the whole three hours, your final cost could jump quickly.
The good news: the energy on board is built to keep you entertained even if you’re not drinking heavily. Elvis-themed music runs until the end of the cruise, and the tribute is the main event. That means you can still have a full experience on the included drink plus whatever pace you choose after.
For dancing, wear shoes you can move in comfortably. A river boat doesn’t give you stadium flooring. You’ll be on your feet more than you think if the music hits the right track. Keep that in mind if you usually bring heels into your London planning.
Who should book this London Elvis dinner cruise (and who shouldn’t)

This is a strong fit if you want one easy ticket that covers multiple parts of the evening: river views, dinner, and live entertainment.
You’ll probably enjoy it most if:
- You like Elvis music and want a live tribute that feels like a proper show
- You want your London night to include dancing or at least singing along
- You’re short on time and don’t want to build an evening itinerary from scratch
- You’d rather watch the city from the river than squeeze in more museum stops
It’s not suitable for children under 13. That’s important if you’re traveling with a family. For adults and older teens, it’s a lively, themed night out.
Price and value: is $123 per person worth it?

At about $123 per person for a three-hour dinner cruise, the value comes from the bundle. You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You get:
- A glass of sparkling wine (included)
- A three-course dinner
- Tea or coffee after
- Two sets with Matt King
- Elvis-themed music for dancing through the end
If you were booking dinner plus a separate live show, the total usually adds up. Here, you’re paying for the full evening package in one place, on a route built for nighttime views.
The main factor that can affect value for you is drinks. Since extra bar purchases are not included, your budget depends on how much you order. But if you treat the included wine as your starter and keep other drinks reasonable, the price can feel fair for what you’re getting: food, entertainment, and scenery without extra planning.
Also, one of the highest praises tied to this experience is that Elvis made the evening. When the show is the reason you’re there, the price is easier to justify.
Practical tips so your night runs smoothly

Here are a few small moves that make a big difference on a cruise like this:
- Arrive ready at boarding time
Boarding begins at 7:45PM. If you’re late, you lose time before the boat gets moving and the show begins to shape the evening.
- Decide your role early: watch or dance
If you want a better chance at feeling close to the performance area, pick where you’ll stand or sit with that in mind. If you’re dancing, don’t crowd yourself into awkward spots.
- Plan for a full dinner flow
You’ll have three courses, then tea or coffee. If you show up hungry, good. If you’re not a big eater, eat at a steady pace so the later part of the night doesn’t feel rushed.
- Mind the timing if you’re catching later transport
The cruise is described as 3 hours. Still, give yourself a little buffer for leaving the boat and getting where you need to go after. One concern raised around the experience was feeling slightly rushed at the end, so plan your next step with extra time.
- Bring a jacket if you get cold on the river
Night air over water can cool you off faster than you’d expect. This isn’t stated as required, but it’s a smart habit for Thames evenings.
Should you book this London Thames dinner cruise with Elvis?
I’d book it if you want a fun, easy night that mixes skyline views, a real live tribute, and a proper dinner—without doing extra legwork. Matt King’s credentials, plus the two-set format and the dancing-friendly music afterward, are the pillars of why this works.
Skip it if you’re extremely budget-sensitive on drinks or you’re expecting a food experience with lots of customization. The meal can be good, but the clearest uncertainty in the data is about menu choice rather than basic quality.
Bottom line: if Elvis is your vibe and you like the idea of seeing London from the Thames at night while dinner is taken care of, this is a strong pick.
FAQ
How long is the London Thames dinner cruise with Elvis?
The experience lasts 3 hours.
What time does boarding begin?
Boarding begins at 7:45PM.
Is the Elvis tribute performer included?
Yes. You’ll see a live Elvis tribute artist for two sets.
What’s included with the dinner?
You’ll get a three-course dinner, followed by tea or coffee.
Are drinks included?
You receive 1 glass of sparkling wine. Extra drinks are not included.
Is it suitable for children?
No. It is not suitable for children under 13.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.
What language is used during the experience?
The host or greeter is in English.






























