7 Night Cruise sailing from Mannum roundtrip aboard Murray Princess.

THURSDAY 23rd DECEMBER
Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, 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. This evening enjoy the evening entertainment of ‘Murder on the Murray Princess

FRIDAY 24th DECEMBER (CHRISTMAS EVE)
In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards 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 Zoo (additional cost).Those who choose to experience Monarto Zoo will arrive back on board the PS 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, join in Christmas Karaoke and sing many of the favourite Christmas carols and Christmas songs with your fellow passengers.

SATURDAY 25th DECEMBER (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 to a festive Christmas lunch. Delight in some Christmas festivities with a traditional Christmas Day lunch and celebrations. Take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by as we start to cruise back downriver to the picturesque River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha).The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or cricket onshore before celebrating Christmas evening on the banks of the river with a Christmas beach party.

SUNDAY 26th DECEMBER (BOXING DAY)
Following an early morning departure, we arrive back in Mannum and board a luxury coach for a Mystery Day Tour around the beautiful Murraylands region. Late afternoon, return to the PS Murray Princess in Mannum before departing for our overnight mooring at Caurnamont. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew with a Christmas themed show.

MONDAY 27th DECEMBER
Daybreak and it’s 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 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. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.

TUESDAY 28th DECEMBER
After breakfast 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.

WEDNESDAY 29th DECEMBER
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 also take a scenic tender boat ride. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

THURSDAY 30th DECEMBER
We leave Younghusband and head back to Mannum. After breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf.

PS Murray Princess is purpose built for the Murray River. She is faithfully designed as a modern romantic representative of a time when hundreds of such vessels plied the river. Unlike most modern-day river vessels with imitation paddles, Murray Princess is propelled by an authentic, massive stern paddlewheel.

There’s no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback, its unique flora and fauna, and the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture close up than to drift unhurried and quietly under the power of the paddle-wheeler.

Accommodating just 120 passengers, Murray Princess brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the Murray River. The Captain and crew know the river intimately and are delighted to share with you their knowledge and stories. The lounges and dining saloon are spacious with a character and charm of yesteryear. Grand in name, yet relaxed and informal by nature, Murray Princess fosters a warmth and friendliness unique to the river.

From the Great Barrier Reef to the bays and beaches of Sydney Harbour to the outback vastness of the Murray River basin, Captain Cook Cruises draws on over 39 years of cruising knowledge to create unique and exciting travel experiences.

Small ship cruising takes you far from the beaten track and close up to places no other kind of cruising can reach. Our ship's small size means it can negotiate narrow waterways, shallow bays and quiet rivers where bigger ships cannot go.

Unlike big ships and large scale international ports, a small ship allows you to experience places where the nature, history and culture remain fresh, where the flood of tourists has not overrun them and will not overrun you. Places where you will meet and interact with the locals and discover how the waterway plays a vital role in their normal day to day lives.

Of course you still enjoy all the comforts larger ships provide: swimming pools, sun decks, bars, quality dining, massage and beauty treatments, entertainment and good company.

We encourage a hands-on approach, but always leave you in charge of your own activity level. If there is a headland to climb or a reef to snorkel, you are invited. If you want to take it easy by the onboard pool, just ask for a towel and maybe grab a thriller from the library.