Put on your blue suede shoes and celebrate The King of Rock and Roll’s 80th birthday with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in Spring 2015

Join Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 929-guest Braemar as she sets off from Harwich on 13^th April 2015 on a five-night Elvis cruise (M1510) with a difference! This very special ‘Elvis Party Cruise’ will celebrate what would have been The King’s 80^th birthday, with a visit to the only ‘Graceland’ outside the United States, and will feature award-winning Elvis tribute acts Ben Portsmouth and Ben Thompson, as well as Elvis discos, film shows and a great Elvis party at sea!

One of the highlights of this Fred. Olsen ‘Elvis at 80’ cruise is an overnight stay in Aarhus, Denmark. From here, guests can travel a short distance to Randers, which boasts the only replica of Presley’s Memphis home, ‘Graceland’, outside the United States! This authentic replica houses iconic Elvis memorabilia – from film posters to nostalgic photographs and reminders of the musician’s glittering career.

Guests can get an insight into what it would have been like living amongst The King’s lavish furnishings and elaborate wardrobe – marvel at the showman’s spectacular and often outrageous stage costumes, including the trousers that he wore during the recording of ‘I Want You, I Need You, I Love You’. Make a pit stop and relive the days when ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ was smashing the music charts on the retro jukebox in the ‘50s-style diner – complete with candy stripes and strawberry milkshakes!

Guests will also get the chance to revel in ‘all things Elvis’ with the two award-winning tribute acts on board this Elvis experience cruise.

Ben Portsmouth, a multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter, had Elvis' DNA in his blood from an early age! His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up to a diet of Elvis classics. Having honed his musical talent, Ben started his journey as an Elvis tribute artist in 2005, when he formed the ‘Taking Care of Elvis’ band.

In August 2012, Ben made history when he won the Elvis Presley Enterprises’ ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest’ in Memphis, crowning him the ‘Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist’ –the only performer outside the United States to ever win this prestigious title.

Ben's career in Europe has also taken off, and he is playing on the biggest stages and delighting thousands of Elvis fans! However, he remains humble and down to earth; when he performs, it is as if he is inhabiting the persona of Elvis, and he does all that he can to give his audiences a fitting tribute to The King of Rock and Roll.

From a young age, Ben Thompson has been a committed Elvis fan and has always loved listening, watching and learning about Elvis. Ben has gone on to become one of the leading Elvis tribute artists in the UK and on the international stage, with his magnificent and sincere tribute to The King.

Since starting his tribute act over four years ago, Ben has gone from strength to strength. 2013 proved to be a fantastic year for Ben, when he won Europe's ‘Ultimate Elvis Contest’ in Blackpool. That same year, Ben's dream of performing in Memphis, Tennessee also became a reality; with his first appearances in America, Ben made the ‘Top Five’ in the world at the ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist’ contest in Memphis. In August 2013, Ben was cast as Elvis Presley in his first theatre production, ‘If I Can Dream’ at Salford’s Lowry Theatre.

Ben is one of few Elvis tributes who can replicate every era of The King’s musical life; from the distinctive, ground-breaking rhythm-and-blues style of the ‘50s; to the overwhelming charisma of the ‘60s; through to the phenomenal stage presence and showmanship of the ‘70s.

Ben's performance is a professional and respectful tribute to Elvis Presley, and he takes great pride in his stage appearance, with authentic costumes and clothing tailored by the same company that Elvis used. There was only one Elvis, but Ben considers himself to be one of the closest tribute acts around in terms of Elvis' looks, singing voice and stage charisma.

Prices for this exceptional Elvis experience start from just £449 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, Inside cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board – including the very special Elvis tribute acts – plus port dues.

So, put on your blue suede shoes and rock to the tunes of The King on this very special Fred. Olsen Elvis experience at sea!

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – proud to be named ‘Best for Enrichment’ in the 2014 ‘Cruise International Awards’, for the third time – visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm; Saturday, 9am – 5pm; Sunday, 10am – 4pm), or see an ABTA travel agent.