New Year's Eve Cruise Highlights:
WEDNESDAY 30th DECEMBER 2020
Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Caurnamont you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species.
This evening, participate in a fun table quiz and enjoy the music from our on-board entertainer.
THURSDAY 31st DECEMBER 2020 (NEW YEAR’S EVE)
Enjoy a leisurely morning, listen to the First Officer talk about the history of paddle steamers and pioneers in the Sturt Dining Room. After lunch, we continue cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water.
This afternoon we moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, we join a guided tour of Burk Salter Boutique Winery and surrounding vineyard and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars.
Tonight, join the Captain and Officers for the spectacular New Year’s Eve Dinner and celebrations as we celebrate the year of 2020 and welcome in 2021.
FRIDAY 1st JANUARY 2021 (NEW YEAR’S DAY)
It’s a new year and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. After breakfast, we arrive at Roonka Conservation Park where you can explore the area and take a tender boat ride around the protected area. Keep a look out for prolific birdlife including pelicans, wrens and swans.
This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver to Pelican Point where we will turn around and cruise down river to our overnight mooring location at Donald Flat Lagoon. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.
SATURDAY 2nd JANUARY 2021
Following an early morning departure, we continue to cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s and was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area and is now home to native flower and fruit growers.
The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel where you can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River (own expense). Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry).
After a leisurely lunch, continue cruising downriver with time to relax and enjoy the on board facilities. Catch up with friends over a coffee or a drink or chill out on the top deck and enjoy the majestic views.
When we arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show as we recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later we visit the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia’s most interesting native animals are cared for. And then of course, there is the great Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River.
An optional Nocturnal tour (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls.
SUNDAY 3rd JANUARY 2021
After an optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, we slowly cruise downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years.
We reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites, for a step back in time – tens of thousands of years – for a guided boardwalk tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about aboriginal history in the area.
We return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, participate in a music quiz or scenic tender boat rides. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular farewell Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.
MONDAY 4th JANUARY 2021
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
30 Dec 2020-04 Jan 2021
This is a special event cruise and special event fares apply.
Inside Cabin:
Outside Cabin:
Stateroom:
Above fares are based on cabins with 2 x single beds. Inside and Outside Cabins with a double bed incur a surcharge (no surcharge applies for Staterooms).
Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your cabin NOW!
The PS Murray Princess has 60 cabins and staterooms each with private bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, soap, shampoo, towels, hairdryers and daily servicing. Each cabin is approximately 12sq metres. Four of the outside cabins and their ensuite bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. Two cabins located on Randell Deck are opposite the lift for easy access to the dining and lounge decks.
Stateroom:
Our spacious Staterooms are located on the Randell and Cadell decks. Each stateroom offers a queen bed (some have an extra single bed) and open onto the outside deck walkway. Mini-bars, fridges and tea and coffee making facilities are also included.
Outside Cabin:
Outside cabins are located on Randell and Cadell Decks and the majority of these cabins have twin bedding with limited double bedded cabins available. Each outside cabin opens onto the outside deck walkway with picture windows to view the passing scenery.
Inside Cabin:
Inside cabins are located on the lower Chaffey Deck and open onto a wide inside passageway. Inside cabins offer twin bedding with limited double bedded cabins available and have portholes facing the outside. Inside Cabins are accessed via stairs, there is no lift access to this deck.
CRUISE TIMES:
Cruise departs Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum on Wednesday 30th December 2020 at 4.30pm and returns to Mannum the following Monday 4th January 2021 at 9.00am.
ADELAIDE COACH TRANSFERS:
Subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential. Complimentary coach transfers are available to/from the Adelaide CBD as well as a return to Adelaide Airport. Please refer to the Adelaide Coach Transfers Map for selected hotel pick-up locations and times in your Murray Princess Passenger Cruising Guide.
PRIVATE CAR TRANSFERS:
Additional charges apply and pre-bookings are essential.Private car transfers are available to/from the Adelaide CBD as well as a return to Adelaide Airport.
CAR PARKING:
Subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential.Complimentary car parking is available at Mannum. Your Travel Document will include your coach, private transfer or car parking details if arrangements have been made. Please check your Travel Document or Itinerary for full information.
FACILITIES:
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions.
*Early Booking Saver (EBS) fares shown are based on a 10% discount on Special Event fares and valid for bookings that are made up to 90 days prior to departure, subject to availability. Excludes Staterooms.
^Outside Cabins and Staterooms can accommodate an extra person based on 1 double bed and 1 single bed, but availability is limited. Outside Cabin Extra Person prices available on enquiry.
Above fares are based on cabins with 2 x single beds. Inside and Outside Cabins with a double bed incur a surcharge (no surcharge applies for Staterooms).
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.