Cruise |
Murray Princess, Christmas Cruise 2021 ex Mannum Return |
Cruise Line |
Captain Cook Cruises |
Ship |
Murray Princess |
Destination |
Australian Rivers |
Brief Description |
7 Night Cruise sailing from Mannum roundtrip aboard Murray Princess. |
Type of Cruise |
River |
Departure Date |
23 Dec 2021 |
Cruise Description |
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.
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Sailing Dates |
23 Dec 2021 |
23 Dec 2020 |
Pricing |
Please enquire for pricing |
Cruise Itinerary
Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
23 Dec 2021 |
Mannum, South Australia |
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24 Dec 2021 |
Murray River, Australia |
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25 Dec 2021 |
Murray River, Australia |
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26 Dec 2021 |
Mannum, South Australia |
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27 Dec 2021 |
Blanchetown, South Australia |
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28 Dec 2021 |
Sunnydale, South Australia |
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29 Dec 2021 |
Younghusband, South Australia |
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30 Dec 2021 |
Mannum, South Australia |
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All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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