Following the tremendous success of the inaugural “Elvis Cruise” last year, Carnival Cruise Lines and St. Louis, Mo.-based The Elvis Cruise, LLC, announced today the second “Elvis Cruise.”  This year, it will be a four-day voyage aboard the Carnival Fantasy in August 2008. 

The only authentic, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.-licensed specialty cruise that celebrates the music and life of the legendary Elvis Presley, “The Elvis Cruise” will sail round-trip New Orleans and visit Cozumel, Mexico, departing Thursday, August 28, and returning Monday, September 1, 2008.

 The one-of-a-kind voyage will be hosted by Jerry Schilling, longtime friend and confidante of the late Elvis Presley, and author of the book, Me and a Guy Named Elvis.  Entertainment during the cruise will include live shows from artists who performed with Elvis and have been recognized for continuing his musical legacy, including the TCB Band, the Imperials, the Dempseys, Ronnie McDowell, Terry Mike Jeffrey & Band, Andy Childs, Ruby Wilson and others.

Famed conductor Joe Guercio will serve as musical director.  Best known and admired for his work with Elvis Presley, Guercio has had a prolific career. He was musical director and conductor for Elvis’ concert shows from the summer of 1970 to the summer of 1977, when Elvis made his last concert appearance.

The Elvis Cruise is unique in that the nightly Vegas-style shows celebrate the various phases of Elvis’ musical life and career.  “And with the voyage departing from the historic Port of New Orleans, we are introducing a new show featuring the sights and sounds from Elvis’ most dramatic role in his memorable film, ‘King Creole,’” said Guercio.

A number of themed events also will be featured, including an on-board Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, which will award $12,500 in prize money.

Other activities will range from autograph and Q&A sessions with the musicians and hosts, to the Elvis Cruise T-shirt Party, Elvis-themed bingo, an afternoon at the movies with host Jerry Schilling and more.

“Having the opportunity to participate in the only licensed Elvis cruise is particularly special and the fact that the voyage sails from New Orleans only adds to the excitement,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. “This cruise provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Elvis fans to come together and enjoy the exceptional music and memories of one of the world’s most celebrated performing artists, all combined with a truly outstanding ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience,” he added.  

“All of us at The Elvis Cruise are thrilled to partner with Carnival Cruise Lines for this exciting celebration of Elvis’ life,” said Michael McKay, Elvis Cruise executive producer. “We are excited to provide individuals who are passionate about Elvis with the exclusive opportunity to interact with fellow enthusiasts and revered performers in a spectacular and festive cruise setting.  This is really the magic of the whole experience.”

The “Fun Ship” Carnival Fantasy features a diverse selection of lounges, bars and nightspots, along with a health and fitness center, Wi-Fi Internet access, cellular phone service, and three pools, one of which features the line’s signature “Twister Waterslide.”

The 2,056-passenger vessel also houses three restaurants, including two elegant main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists, and a poolside eatery offering a wide variety of cuisine and 24-hour pizza and self-serve ice cream/frozen yogurt. A sushi bar and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service are also available.      

Reservations are currently being accepted for the upcoming “Elvis Cruise” aboard Carnival Fantasy. Prices begin at $699 per person based on double occupancy and include all “Elvis Cruise” activities.  Pre- and post-cruise New Orleans land stays are also available.

For additional information or to book, call The Elvis Cruise, LLC at 1-800-704-3034 or visit www.theelviscruise.com.

About The Elvis Cruise

The Elvis Cruise is the only EPE approved and licensed cruise in the world. It is dedicated to the life, times and music of Elvis Presley. The inaugural sailing of The Elvis Cruise was in August 2007.  A second full-ship charter “Elvis Cruise” will take place on Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,052-passenger Carnival Fantasy.

For additional information about The Elvis Cruise, please visit www.theelviscruise.com or call 1-800-704-3034.

About Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, Tennessee with additional offices in Los Angeles, California.  In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects.  For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.Elvis.com.  EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (www.CKX.com), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market® under the ticker symbol “CKXE.”

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, Bermuda, Europe and South America. 

The line currently has three new ships on order – the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, set to debut in Europe July 2, 2008; and the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic, scheduled for delivery in October 2009 and June 2011, respectively.

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