All the reasons you deserve a Murray Princess escape this year

When cruising on the elegant PS Murray Princess, you can expect to find scenes of absolute comfort and relaxation. No one is ever in a hurry and the most stressful thing for the day can be choosing what you will have for dinner! Whether you’re sitting on the top sun deck with your feet up and reading a book, while slowly sipping your morning cuppa – or if you’re relaxing in the Paddlewheel Lounge catching up with newfound friends over a game a cards, it all looks the same. Calm, comfortable and carefree.

When cruising on the elegant PS Murray Princess, you can expect to find scenes of absolute comfort and relaxation. No one is ever in a hurry and the most stressful thing for the day can be choosing what you will have for dinner!

Whether you’re sitting on the top sun deck with your feet up and reading a book, while slowly sipping your morning cuppa – or if you’re relaxing in the Paddlewheel Lounge catching up with newfound friends over a game of cards, it all looks the same. Calm, comfortable and carefree.

For those who prefer to use Aussie-isms, it is what we like to call a ‘laid back’ holiday.

When onboard the Princess, the amazing crew are there to provide exceptional service, impeccable spaces to enjoy the scenery and brilliant on-shore excursions – they create an atmosphere that sets the tone for your entire trip, which allows each guest to do as much, or as little as they please. And let’s be honest, when you’re on Murray River time, that’s exactly how it should be.

A lot goes in to making Princess guests dial back the stress, and the crew prides themselves on the extra touches they provide each day to ensure that laid back level never expires! And the wonderful thing that doesn’t need any intervention is the exceptional views along the river. No matter where you are on board, no matter the weather, the views are still spectacular.

These views are always there for you too, when on board the Princess. From the moment you wake up and peek out your door, you’ll capture the relaxing ripple of the water, the birdlife and the amazing sunrises (if you are an early riser)!

Start planning your time away now with a range of special event cruises coming up in the 2021/22 cruising calendar. Take a relaxing 7-night Mannum to Loxton cruise departing on Friday, 19 November, as the Princess travels upstream, making stops at many smaller townships along the way, hearing about the history from your Captain and First Officer.

It might also act as the perfect ‘treat yourself’ break from a 2021 caravanning holiday. The Princess has hundreds of cruise guests each year, who leave their vans in the caravan park or secure parking lot and hop on board for a few days to take some time out from everyday chores. When onboard the Princess, all your meals are prepared, all your dishes are washed, and your cabins are cleaned each day – what bliss!

Spring is a wonderful time of the year to cruise on the Murray River. The weather is mild, the birds are chirping, and the wildlife is prolific.

If a short cruise is on your agenda, why not book yourself in for a 3 Night Discovery Cruise, departing on selected Fridays, making the perfect long weekend away on the Murray. These short cruises are the perfect short getaway. While cruising you will be able to enjoy live entertainment from your onboard musician but mostly, you’ll get the chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful lower Murray River between Mannum and Caurnamont. Adding to your experience will be the fabulous Sunnydale Woolshed Show with the crew from Big Bend By Night, plus you’ll get to taste the Riverland’s wonderful food and wine, take guided nature walks, head out to meet the River’s birdlife on the ‘Dragonfly’ flat-bottomed boat, sneak in a trip to Monarto Safari Park, or… just chill out and relax on board.

If you’d like to take a few extra days to do a longer cruise, there’s plenty to choose from, like the 7-night cruise from Loxton to Mannum departing 26, November. This cruise will take you through three locks along the river. It’s exciting to see the process of moving through a tight lock as the Captain navigates the Princess with such ease. You’ll also join a tour through Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, cruise past the towering ochre cliffs at Big Bend and plenty more.

One thing we’d recommend every passenger does, is spend some time looking UP! The Princess spends a lot of it’s time cruising through, and mooring underneath the recently accredited River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. This is – now formally – known as one of the best places on the planet to stargaze. The area – nearby Swan Reach has a core so dark is measures at 21.99 on a scale out of 0-22 for darkness. The area is protected from artificial light making it brilliant most of the year (except for clouds), and on board the Princess, you’ll have it all to yourselves.

Adam Goode

Did we also mention that on this beautiful paddle wheeler (the largest inland variety of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere) that there are free coach transfers to and from Adelaide, and free secure parking for guests?

If you’re looking for an extra special way to finish up your year, escape the chaos of Christmas and join the festive 7-night Christmas cruise departing 23 December. There is also a 4-night New Year’s Eve cruise departing 30 December. Let the crew take care of your entertainment, meals while you enjoy the scenery and dance your way into the New Year.

So dial up your friends, tell them to clear their schedules, and get along to the Murray River for a calm, comfortable, and carefree cruise along one of the world’s most spectacular natural waterways in the world.

(*Special: Book your cruise more than 90 days in advance and save up to 20% off standard fares with the Early Booking Saver Fares. See the website for details.)