All Aboard Elvis Tribute Cruise
First Live Music Tribute Cruise Targets Presley Fans
New theme cruise: Elvis Tribute set for Labor Day aboard Carnival cruise ship Celebration to feature live performers, contests, costume party, plus Presley pal as host
Cruise lines already know that rock 'n' roll senior travelers -- including older baby boomers -- are a huge market. Now Jazz Cruises LLC have announced a theme cruise over the Labor Day Weekend this summer that's sure to appeal to those who grew up with the the King of rock 'n' roll.
The company says it sought an opportunity to offer a cruise dedicated to the life, times and music of Elvis Presley that makes the Elvis experience as authentic and as rich as possible. So it obtained the blessing of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., which owns the licensing and publishing rights to the Presley legacy. The host will be Jerry Schilling, a pal of Elvis's from Memphis days and a former exec with the licensing company.
"No one knows Elvis better or could provide us not only with someone to interact with our guests, but also to counsel us on the way to present the program," a spokesman for the host charter outfit said. Added Shilling, "This is a project that I have thought about for years. As a personal friend of Elvis, I am constantly asked to participate in events, but I will only do so if I believe that the event will truly honor his memory, be first class and celebrate his greatness. The Elvis Tribute Cruise does all three."
Jazz Cruises promises that onboard entertainment will include performances by top Elvis tribute musicians. Passengers will be able to see Elvis movies, compete in an Elvis Tribute Contest with a $10,000 prize and attend a costume party. Each of the days and nights is scheduled to be dedicated to one of the phases of Elvis’ life and career:
- Elvis in Las Vegas
- Elvis in Hawaii
- Elvis in the Movies
- Elvis Gospel
The voyage takes place Aug. 30-September 3, aboard the Carnival Cruise ship Celebration. The ship departs Jacksonville, Fla. on Thursday, sails to Freeport and Nassau, and returns to Jacksonville Monday. Prices range from $450 to $2499 per person.
The Elvis Tribute Cruise was a natural progression for Jazz Cruises, LLC, based in St. Louis. It's the largest music charter company in the world and produces and promotes the only full ship charters in the world dedicated to jazz music. Its other offerings are The Jazz Cruise; The Smooth Jazz Cruise, hosted by Wayman Tisdale; Dave Koz & Friends at Sea; North Sea Jazz Cruise, hosted by Marcus Miller; and The Latin Music Cruise, hosted by Arturo Sandoval.
More information is available from the Jazz Cruises special Elvis cruise Web site. Bookings can be made via phone at 1.800.704.3034. You can e-mail the company at sales@theelvistributecruise.com.
