Christmas in July on the Murray River
Cruises Depart between 1 - 28 July 2022
Christmas in July celebrations first began in 1933 in North Carolina where it became an annual event for a summer camp. Australia has a thriving multicultural society and in South Australia many townships such as the German village of Hahndorf have strong Winter Christmas traditions. Murray Princess brings the best of our Northern Hemisphere winter culture to the Murray River for Christmas in July cruises. When winter comes around it's time to break out the mince pies, puddings and Yuletide treats. For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, that transforms into Christmas in July.
Join us on selected 3, 4 or 7-night cruises in July 2022, and snuggle up in the warm cosy lounges while enjoying great company.
About The Cruises
Departing on selected Mondays and Fridays in July 2022, you'll still enjoy the standard inclusions of our cruises. You'll also enjoy Christmas festivities, carols and a traditional South Australian Christmas Lunch or Dinner.
- Christmas festivities, carols and a traditional Christmas Lunch or Dinner
- All meals (table d’hote and a la carte menus)
- An exciting selection of onshore tours
- Guided nature walks & eco-excursions
- Onboard presentations
- Live entertainment
- Complimentary return coach transfers from Adelaide or return to the Adelaide Airport or car parking in Mannum (bookings essential)
Sample itinerary: 3-night Murray Princess "Christmas in July" cruise
FRIDAY
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 Mundurra, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
SATURDAY
In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built atEdwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, choose to join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park (additional cost).
Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland.This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.SUNDAYThis morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the PS Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver.
Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River ViewLodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges.
The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before a delicious final night dinner in the Sturt Dining Room.
MONDAY
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.
Optional Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour (additional cost)
Discover Australia’s richest and best-known wine making region– the Barossa. Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You will visit Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and enjoy a two-course lunch at Lambert Estate, where you’ll have time to take in the views of this popular vineyard. Your final stop is Gully Gardens at Angaston, a local producer of dried fruits and confectionery before returning to Mannum. You will then transfer to a luxury coach for your journey back to Adelaide arriving at approximately 5.30pm or Adelaide Airport at approximately 6.00pm.
3-night Christmas in July Cruises
Friday 1, 8, 22 July 2022
- Inside cabins from $1089per person twin share / $1525 solo
- Outside cabins from $1449per person twin share / $2029 solo
- Staterooms from $1949 per person twin share / $2729 solo
4-night Christmas in July Cruises
Monday 4, 11, 25 July 2022
- Inside cabins from $1499 per person twin share / $2099 solo
- Outside cabins from $1939 per person twin share / $2715 solo
- Staterooms from $2599 per person twin share / $3639 solo
7-night Christmas in July Cruises
(An extended version of the existing 3-night itinerary above.)
Friday 1, 8, 22 or Monday 4, 25 July 2022
- Inside cabins from $2379 per person twin share / $3331 solo
- Outside cabins from $3229 per person twin share / $4521 solo
- Staterooms from $4319 per person twin share / $6047 solo
7-night Upper Murraylands Christmas in July Cruise
Friday 15 July 2022
- Inside cabins from $2589 per person twin share / $3625 solo
- Outside cabins from $3389 per person twin share / $4745 solo
- Staterooms from $4549 per person twin share / $6369 solo.
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:
Cruises depart and return to Mannum
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
- 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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