Celebrate Christmas on the Murray Princess
Highlights of this charming river itinerary include a tour gardens and orchards and visit a cellar door, an Aussie barbecue beside the river, a wildlife shelter visit, and a guided walk through one of Australia’s most significant aboriginal archaeological sites.
Christmas Cruise Highlights:
- Depart historic Renmark
- Experience the excitement of navigating through Lock #5 at Renmark, Lock #4 at Bookpurnong, Lock #3 at Overland Corner, Lock #2 at Waikerie, and Lock #1 at Blanchetown
- Visit the picturesque townships of Berri, Waikerie and Morgan
- Experience the bright and colourful Christmas Loxton Lights Festival
- Christmas Festivities & Carols
- Traditional South Australian Christmas Lunch & a visit by Santa on Christmas Day (25th Dec)
- Tour the gardens and orchards and visit the cellar door at Caudo Vineyard
- Big Bend towering sandstone cliffs
- Sunnydale Woolshed Show and Native Wildlife Shelter
- Enjoy a Riverside Aussie Barbecue
- Optional Nocturnal Tour at Sunnydale in a comfortable purpose-built cart (additional cost)
- Optional Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost)
- Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites
- Delight in scenic tender boat rides during the cruise
- All meals (table d'hote and a la carte menus)
- An exciting selection of onshore tours
- Guided nature walks & eco-excursions
- Onboard presentations
- Use of Mini Gym
- Live entertainment
- 24 hour self-service tea & coffee bar
- Complimentary return coach transfers from Adelaide or return to the Adelaide Airport or car parking in Mannum (bookings essential)
This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements. Captain Cook Cruises reserves the right to amend itineraries and tours without notice.
FRIDAY 23rd DECEMBER 2022
Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Renmark, located in South Australia’s Riverland region, and cruises under the Paringa Bridge. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising down river through the first of five locks we’ll encounter on this cruise down to Mannum.
This evening we moor at the picturesque area upriver from Berri while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
SATURDAY 24th DECEMBER 2022 (CHRISTMAS EVE)
Early morning, we depart to continue cruising downriver and after breakfast, explore the riverside town of Berri at your leisure. During lunch, we navigate through Lock 4 and the Kamikaze Flats before arriving at the township of Loxton for dinner. After dinner, be treated to a special excursion to the Christmas Loxton Lights Festival. See Loxton shine with thousands of twinkling fairy lights, bright colourful banners and large clusters of residential streets decorated with over 350 illuminated Christmas scenes, paintings and coloured light displays.
SUNDAY 25th DECEMBER 2022 (CHRISTMAS DAY)
Merry Christmas everyone! Wake up Christmas morning and experience the magic of the Murray River by taking a guided nature walk where your guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before sitting down for a festive Christmas lunch. Delight in some Christmas festivities with a traditional Christmas Day lunch and celebrations. Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. Mid-afternoon we secure at Cobdogla for our overnight anchorage and this evening, enjoy the music of Christmas Carols to celebrate the festive season.
MONDAY 26th DECEMBER 2022 (BOXING DAY)
This morning, the Murray Princess will navigate the 3rd lock on her journey on the way to Waikerie. Enjoy a leisurely morning as we continue cruising downriver with time to relax and appreciate the on-board facilities. Mid-afternoon discover the picturesque river town of Waikerie, which was established in 1894 when its first settlers arrived by paddlewheeler. Enjoy some free time before returning to the Murray Princess and enjoying the evening entertainment.
TUESDAY 27th DECEMBER 2022
Early morning, we depart Waikerie and negotiate Lock 2 before securing at Caudo Vineyard where we will enjoy cellar door tastings and a tour of the gardens & orchards.This afternoon we secure the vessel at Morgan where you can hop ashore and enjoy some free time exploring the historic township. During the 1800’s, Morgan was the home port of hundreds of paddle steamers which carried cargo and passengers up the Murray-Darling River system. The restored wharf precinct captures the early river trading days and the town’s museums bring to life the stories of the paddle steamer era. Early evening, we depart Morgan and continue cruising downriver while you enjoy your delicious dinner and delight in the on-board entertainment. This evening, we moor the Murray Princess around the 310km mark, downriver from Morgan for our overnight stay.
WEDNESDAY 28th DECEMBER 2022
Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, wrens, and swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising downriver through Lock 1. 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 by powerful spotlights. Special stops along the way are included to view the spectacular night sky which is part of the River Murray International Dark SkyReserve.
THURSDAY 29th DECEMBER 2022
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, adventure seekers can take a scenic tender boat ride or participate in a Trivia Quiz. Tonight, delight in a delicious final night dinner in the Sturt Dining Room with your fellow passengers.
FRIDAY 30th DECEMBER 2022
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
One Departure Only - 23 December 2022
Inside Cabin:
- Twin share from $2,815 per person
- Solo Traveller from $3,851 per person
Outside Cabin:
- Twin share from $3,615 per person
- Solo Traveller from $4,971 per person
Stateroom:
- Twin share from $4,775 per person
- Solo Traveller from $6,595 per person
Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your Christmas getaway!
Please note pricing is subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
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 Renmark Friday 23rd December 2022 at 3:30pm. Boarding from 2:00pm. Cruise arrive in Mannum Friday 30th December 2022 at 9.00am.
ADELAIDE COACH TRANSFERS
Subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential.Complimentary coach transfers are available to/from the AdelaideCBD as well as a return to Adelaide Airport. Please refer to theAdelaide Coach Transfer Map for selected hotel pick-up locations and times accompanied with this itinerary and map.
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
Clients are to drop off their car at Mannum by 11am and the coach transfer will depart Mannum at 11.30am and arrive in Renmark at approx. 2.00pm. No transfers are available back to Renmark on the conclusion of this cruise in 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
- Lift access from Randell Deck to Sturt Deck
- Paddlewheel Lounge
- Sturt Bar
- Sturt Dining Room
- Sun Deck
- Onboard Souvenir Shop
- Public Amenities
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions.
Full payment is required at time of booking confirmation.
- ^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
CANCELLATION BY THE PASSENGER:
- More than 60 days before departure - $50 per person
- Between 30 and 60 days before departure – loss of deposit
- Between 15 and 30 days before departure – 50% of total cost
- Less than 14 days before departure– 100% of total cost
- For cancellations made 15 days or more before departure, the full value (less an administration fee of $50per person), may be applied to another cruise if completed within 12 months of the original booking. If the re-booked cruise is of a greater value, the difference must be paid upon re-booking
FITNESS TO TRAVEL:
A Doctor's Certificate of fitness to travel is required from all passengers aged 80 or over and a copy must be produced on request. If passengers have pre-purchased Travel Insurance which covers medical expenses, a doctor’s certificate may not be required. All Passengers: The Carrier reserves the right to refuse passage to a passenger, or to disembark a passenger, who has failed to give proper notice of physical disability, illness or handicap requiring special care, attention or treatment or who in the Carrier's opinion is physically or mentally unfit for travel. The Carrier in its sole discretion may require the production of a Doctor’s Certificate in this regard.
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