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While the cruise was winding down, the action didn't. On the final night's program was the Elvis "Gold"-themed production show and there was a lot going on all afternoon leading up to it--autograph sessions, Elvis Bingo, stage stories with the TCB Band and Joe Guercio, remembrances of "Driving With Priscilla" hosted by Jerry Schilling, and another top finalist in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest performed before dinner. Capping the evening was the final round in our own passenger Elvis Tribute Artist challenge.

Reflecting on The Elvis Cruise
Although I've sailed on 80-something cruises since 1989, The Elvis Cruise was a first for me--the first time I've participated in a full-ship charter. It was different in numerous ways.

Joseph E. Hall, International Finalist in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest 2007

First, everyone on board had an interest in Elvis Presley and enjoyed his music. I expected most passengers to be of a certain age... that is to say, "seniors" who grew up listening to Elvis. Granted that we were in the majority; however, I had the pleasure to meet newlyweds, Ensign Rebecca Johnson and her husband Lieutenant Junior Grade Adam Johnson, who serve in the United States Navy, stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport. At only 24, Rebecca confided that she and Adam, who is 28, selected "Can't Help Falling In Love With You" to share their first dance together as a married couple. That's certainly a testament to the endurance of Elvis' music.

Elvis Tribute Artists were also abundant on Celebration, ranging from finalists in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest 2007 held in Memphis, to passengers who participated in an onboard challenge of their own. My favorite was Drake, a 9-year old who has the looks, the moves, and even (temporarily) the finest back up singers possible... he ran across The Jordanaires at the pool and they appeared with him on stage as he performed "Blue Suede Shoes" for an appreciative audience. Drake didn't win the contest, but he's certainly the voice of the future and a really nice young man.

An Elvis Favorite: Fried Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich Breakfast, with Milk

While there were some typical cruise ship activities available, such as an art auction, and the casino, spa, fitness center, and Camp Carnival facilities all operated as usual, the producers of The Elvis Cruise were at the helm for all other activities. The Elvis theme began with a Sail Away party hosted by Elvis' friend Jerry Schilling and carried on virtually non-stop through scheduled autograph sessions, Sing the King Karaoke, Elvis Radio, Elvis Quiz Show, Elvis movie showings (both on cabin televisions and the big screen in a lounge), and informal talks presented by Elvis' friends and members of the TCB band. Even the ship's gift shop was transformed into The Elvis Store and well stocked with Elvis CDs, DVDs, and other memorabilia.

To answer questions and lend a hand during The Elvis Cruise, passengers had access to a Hospitality Desk manned by Jazz Cruises LLC staff members. I can't praise them highly enough for their professionalism.

Best of all was the entertainment! To be perfectly honest, I wasn't sure what to expect. After all, it's been three decades since Elvis "left the building" for the last time. His music is legendary, but I wondered how the performers could pull it off without him center stage. Any doubt I harbored was washed away the moment Terry Mike Jeffrey began singing. His sessions with The Jordanaires and the TCB Band were indescribable. You had to be there to appreciate the spectacular concerts he and Ronnie McDowell headlined.

And, as The King of Rock 'n' Roll himself would say, "Thank you. Thank you very much."

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