3-Night Murray River Cruise on the Classic Murray Princess

Set out on a captivating journey along the iconic Murray River aboard the Classic Murray Princess. This 3-night cruise offers an intimate and immersive experience, showcasing the region’s enchanting natural beauty and rich heritage. Travellers can expect guided nature walks, wildlife safaris, and opportunities to savour local wines and delectable meals. With well-appointed cabins and attentive service, this paddle wheeler cruise promises a truly relaxing and unforgettable exploration of Australia’s picturesque river landscape. But what makes this adventure truly unique, and why should you consider adding it to your travel itinerary? Let’s dive deeper into the details.

This experience made our list of the 23 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Adelaide.

Key Points

• Three-night cruise along the Murray River on the traditional paddle wheeler, PS Murray Princess, showcasing scenic gorges, historic towns, and diverse wildlife.
• Inclusive package with outside cabin accommodation, meals, nature walks, small-boat wildlife safaris, and food/wine tastings led by the expert crew.
• Organized embarkation process with courtesy hotel pick-ups and luggage assistance, ensuring a timely and efficient departure.
• Intimate experience with a maximum capacity of 120 travelers, allowing for personalized attention and accessibility for all ages and fitness levels.
• Positive traveler feedback highlighting the helpful crew, delicious food, engaging wildlife encounters, and relaxing ambiance of the classic paddle steamer.

Cruise Overview

The Murray River cruise aboard the PS Murray Princess, a traditional paddle wheeler, offers travelers a three-night journey along Australia’s longest river, showcasing its scenic gorges, historic towns, and diverse native wildlife.

Guests can look forward to a range of engaging activities, including nature walks and small-boat wildlife safaris, providing opportunities to enjoy the local environment.

The cruise also features tastings of regional food and wine, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the Murray River region.

With a maximum capacity of 120 travelers, this intimate cruise experience is particularly well-suited for older adventurers seeking a relaxing and enriching journey through the heart of the Australian outback.

Inclusive Offerings

A three-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Murray Princess includes accommodation in an Outside Cabin, as well as all meals – 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.

The cruise also features a backwater wildlife boat tour and a food and wine tasting experience. Gratuities are included, and drinks are available for purchase.

Guests have the option to visit the Monarto Safari Park at an additional cost. This comprehensive cruise package allows travelers to fully enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of the Murray River without worrying about additional expenses.

With its inclusive offerings, the Murray River cruise provides excellent value and a truly memorable experience.

Departure and Meeting

Courtesy pick-ups from selected Adelaide hotels, requiring 48 hours’ notice, provide travelers with a seamless start to the Murray River cruise.

The meeting point is the Adelaide Central Bus Station, located at 83 Franklin St, where the cruise departs promptly at 1:20 PM. This convenient location ensures a straightforward departure for guests, who can easily make their way to the ship from the central bus station.

The crew is on hand to assist with luggage and guide passengers to their cabins once aboard the PS Murray Princess.

With a maximum of 120 travelers per tour, the embarkation process is efficient and organized, allowing the cruise to depart right on schedule.

Accessibility and Group Size

The Murray River cruise tour has a maximum capacity of 120 travelers per departure, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for all guests. While the vessel isn’t wheelchair accessible, the tour does accommodate service animals, catering to the needs of a wide range of travelers.

The small group size allows for more personal attention and a more immersive experience exploring the Murray River’s scenic gorges, historic towns, and abundant wildlife.

Guests can expect a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, with ample space to relax and enjoy the passing river views.

The tour’s activities, such as nature walks and small-boat wildlife safaris, are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels.

With the option to visit Monarto Safari Park at an additional cost, the tour offers a diverse range of experiences for adventurous and nature-loving guests.

Operator and Booking Process

Captain Cook Cruises, a well-established operator, manages the Murray River cruise, ensuring a seamless booking process for interested travelers.

Guests can conveniently meet the tour at the Adelaide Central Bus Station, with the option of a courtesy pick-up from select hotels within the city, provided they give 48 hours’ notice.

The cruise is popular, with a maximum of 120 travelers per tour, and confirmations are received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Traveler Feedback and Ratings

Traveler reviews for the Murray River cruise highlight its popularity among older guests, with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 across 20 reviews. Guests consistently praise the cruise’s helpful crew, delicious food, and excellent wildlife experiences.

Key highlights mentioned in the reviews include:

• Fascinating small-boat wildlife safaris that allow up-close encounters with native Australian animals

• Informative presentations on the region’s history, culture, and local food and wine offerings

• Scenic cruising through the picturesque Murray River gorges and landscapes

• The relaxing, old-world ambiance of the traditional paddle steamer PS Murray Princess

Scenic Highlights and Activities

Beyond the glowing traveler reviews, the Murray River cruise offers a wealth of scenic highlights and engaging activities for guests to enjoy.

Sailing along Australia’s longest waterway, passengers can enjoy the region’s striking natural landscapes, from towering river gorges to serene backwaters teeming with native wildlife.

Along the way, they’ll have opportunities to disembark for guided nature walks, exploring the riverbanks and spotting birds, kangaroos, and other local fauna.

Another highlight is the small-boat wildlife safari, which allows for up-close encounters with the diverse ecosystems.

Throughout the journey, travelers can learn about the river’s history and ecology through onboard presentations and tastings of the region’s renowned food and wine.

Local Food and Wine Experiences

Guests aboard the Murray Princess can savor the flavors of South Australia’s renowned food and wine scene through a variety of onboard tasting experiences. From sampling locally-produced wines to indulging in regional delicacies, these culinary highlights allow passengers to enjoy the distinct culinary identity of the Murray River region.

The cruise features:

• Wine tastings showcasing the area’s premier vintages

• Demonstrations on preparing traditional Australian bush tucker

• Opportunities to meet local producers and learn about their craft

• Gourmet meals highlighting the region’s fresh, seasonal ingredients

These immersive food and wine activities complement the cruise’s scenic highlights, providing a well-rounded exploration of the Murray River’s natural and cultural treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Cruise Length?

Yes, the cruise length can be extended. Passengers have the option to book additional nights on the cruise, subject to availability. This allows them to further explore the Murray River and its surroundings at a more leisurely pace.

Is There a Dress Code for Onboard Activities?

There is typically no formal dress code for activities on cruises, allowing passengers to dress comfortably. Casual and smart-casual attire is generally appropriate, though guests should avoid overly casual or revealing clothing during onboard activities.

Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?

The cruise operator has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning, physical distancing measures, and mask requirements in certain areas. Guests are encouraged to check the latest policies prior to travel.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Cruise?

The cruise allows passengers to purchase drinks on board, but does not permit them to bring their own alcohol. This policy helps maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy typically allows for full refunds up to a certain number of days prior to the cruise. Closer to the departure date, partial refunds or credits may be offered, subject to the cruise operator’s terms and conditions.

Recap

The Classic Murray Princess offers an enchanting 3-night cruise along the picturesque Murray River.

Travelers can expect an intimate journey with stunning gorges, historic towns, and diverse wildlife.

The cruise includes guided nature walks, a small-boat safari, and local wine tastings, providing an immersive exploration of Australia’s river landscape.

With well-appointed cabins and attentive service, this cruise promises a relaxing and memorable experience.