All Shook Up For The Third Annual Elvis Cruise

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., Sixthman, LLC, and Carnival Cruise Lines have proudly announced the public sale of The Elvis Cruise, now entering its third year of sailing as a music-themed cruise. This is the only officially licensed cruise by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. The Elvis Cruise will set sail on the 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration Nov 12-16, 2009, round-trip from Tampa, Florida, calling at Cozumel, Mexico.

Hosted by Elvis’ close friend and entourage member, Jerry Schilling, the cruise will feature live music and entertainment from some of Elvis’ former band mates and backup singers along with the best Elvis tribute artists in the world. The artists will perform nightly in “Vegas” style shows and in more intimate settings in the various lounges and performance areas on board the Carnival Inspiration. Currently scheduled to perform are The TCB Band, The Imperials, The Sweet Inspirations, Joe Guercio, D.J. Fontana, Terry Mike Jeffrey & Band, Andy Childs, Ronnie McDowell and The Dempseys along with Elvis Tribute Artists Gino Monopoli, Victor Trevino, Ted Torres, Dwight Icenhower, Jay Zanier, Simon Patrick, Bryant Scott, Mark Anthony, Joseph Hall (pictured above), Kevin Mills, and George Thomas. Joining the cruise for the first time this year are Elvis’ movie co-stars Celeste Yarnall from Live a Little, Love a Little, Cynthia Pepper from Kissin Cousins and Chris Noel from Girl Happy. Another addition this year is famed Elvis photographer Al Wertheimer.

From the Carnival Inspiration’s 7-deck-high Atrium, gift shops and dining rooms to the bars, Lido Deck and main stage, you will find the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and his music around every corner. In addition to Elvis-themed entertainment, guests will also enjoy in-room Elvis movies, meet and greet sessions with celebrity guests, an Elvis fashion show featuring officially licensed merchandise, Elvis Monopoly and trivia tournaments, ice carvings, and many other Elvis-themed activities.

While the primary focus of the cruise is Elvis and live entertainment, guests will also enjoy the offerings and culture that go along with a visit to Cozumel. The vibrant reefs of the Mexican isle are a magnet for snorkelers and divers while a brief trip inland allows passengers to explore the rich Mayan heritage and landmarks around the island. Participants can also enjoy all that the amenities and facilities aboard the “Fun Ship” Carnival Inspiration, which last year underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar refurbishment that saw the addition of a water park, adults-only retreat, resort-style pool and numerous other features.

“This marks the third time that Carnival Cruise Lines has hosted ‘The Elvis Cruise’ and we’re very proud to serve as the venue and to partner with Sixthman and Elvis Presley Enterprises for this unforgettable tribute to a legendary music pioneer,” said Cherie Weinstein, Carnival’s Vice President of Group Business Development.

Cabins for The Elvis Cruise are now on sale and start at $599 per person based on double occupancy plus taxes and fees. For more information about the full ship charter, go to The Elvis Cruise web site.

For a peek at what's in store, Cruise Diva shares her memories of the maiden sailing of the Elvis Cruise aboard Carnival Celebration.