Can’t cruise overseas? Hop on board the Murray Princess instead

If cruising around international waters has been what you’ve done in the past, then you should consider a switch to fresh water, to our inland paradise. So where should you start? With the Murray Princess of course, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most spectacular inland stern paddlewheeler. The award-winning Princess will take you through stretches of the Murray River and past incredible river-cliff scenery that you never knew existed.

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that we live in the most magnificent country in the world. Because while our international borders have been closed, it’s given us the chance to see more of Australia.

Both 2020 and 2021 have seen many of us fall back in love with our home soil as we’ve been encouraged to explore our gorgeous landscapes and authentic experiences closer to home.

But… even though the quintessential Aussie road trip can yield us some pretty impressive memories, we’re here to tell you that some of the best ones are those you haven’t yet explored – and they are right here, along the beautiful, mighty Murray River.

Big Bend – @mattorrz

The Murray River is a place that leaves a lasting impression on your soul. So, if cruising around  international waters has been what you’ve done in the past, then you should consider a switch to fresh water, to our inland paradise – and we promise that our you will be blown away.

So where should you start? With the  Murray Princess of course, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most spectacular inland stern paddlewheeler. The award-winning Princess will take you through stretches of the Murray River and past incredible river-cliff scenery that you never knew existed.

During one of their 3, 4 or 7 night cruises, you can expect to see the colour of the landscape change as the day goes by, with the sunlight reflecting onto the giant cliffs and riverbanks. You’ll wake up to the birdlife singing in chorus each morning as you’re served coffee and breakfast by the friendliest crew who will also entertain you with a variety of onshore excursions during your cruise.

In fact, the professional and friendly Princess team are what makes this cruise extra-special for many. One of the recent guests on board the Princess left this review:

“Great friendly service from all staff, as well as a beautiful vessel to cruise up and down the River. Meals and entertainment were faultless and was a pleasure to be on board.”

While another said:

“Exceptionally organised entertainment and trips throughout, outstanding meals and friendly staff.”

Everything has been so well thought out on the Princess, that on any given day you can choose to be as relaxed or energetic as you like. You’re not locked into any tours, excursions or entertainment. You can wake up and simply choose your own adventure depending on how you feel at that time – and the obliging crew will always accommodate you.

The team at Murray Princess will help plan your entire Murray Princess cruise, with onshore excursions, winery visits, guided tours, bush tucker breakfasts and even a trip to Monarto Safari Park.

For example, on board the 7-night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to take a tour of the Monarto Safari Park, follow a historic tour of Murray Bridge’s restored Roundhouse, get close-up with native birdlife on board the flat-bottomed ‘Dragon-Fly’ boat, visit the Swan Reach Museum, watch the Sunnydale Woolshed Show and go to the Native Wildlife Shelter (at Big Bend By Night), venture out on a nocturnal tour in purpose-built open top carts, explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological sites with an expert local guide, and more.

On the 3 and 4 night cruises you can sneak a few of these in as well – remembering that you can take each day as it comes – take an onshore excursion or eco-walk, or you might just prefer to simply spend a day on the sun-deck reading a book and watching the world go by.

Another great part of the Princess experience is the on-board, live entertainment. Whether it’s an evening with Bobby singing and cracking jokes, or taking part in group games, guests are always surprised about how much fun they have with the daily on-board activities.

One guest said: “Everything was well organised, right from our booking onwards. Bobby Hunter’s music was wonderful to listen to, and his humour!”

But of course, you can’t talk about cruising without talking about the food – and the Murray Princess serves this up like no other. In fact – food is one of the most talked about guest experiences, with guests repeatedly reporting that “you’ll never go hungry on a Murray Princess cruise”.

The menu on board is seasonal, and includes local, fresh produce from across South Australia – with breakfast, lunch and dinner all served in the beautiful Sturt Dining Room.

In addition to the delicious meals served on board, you’ll also have the option to join the Big Bend Bush Tucker breakfast on the 4 and 7 night cruises. Here you can sit amongst the rivergums, listening to the sounds of the river and birdlife, taking in spectacular views of the cliffs, all while you tuck into a gourmet breakfast of double smoked bacon, scrambled eggs, wattleseed pancakes and more, from the purpose-built decking overlooking the river.

If you decide to book a Princess cruise, consider taking a few extra days to explore before or after your cruise. The team at Murray Princess welcomes many caravanners and groups on board, and they’ll often spend a few nights at the Mannum Caravan Park, before jumping on board for a 3, 4 or 7-night cruise.

Or head to nearby Murray Bridge and stay at the spectacular new Bridgeport Hotel overlookingthe Murray River. The Bridgeport is definitely best new spot to stay, eat and play – and boasts an upstairs cocktail bar and infinity pool for guests! The perfect start or end to your cruising holiday.

Another bonus when travelling with Murray Princess, is the complimentary return coach transfers from Adelaide to Mannum, with pick-ups and drop-offs at Adelaide CBD hotels. The Murray Princess also has access-friendly cabins and a lift – meaning no matter your age or ability – you can still enjoy all the beauty of the Murray River on board this beautiful vessel.

So what’s stopping you?

Book your Murray Princess cruise now and come cruise, play, eat, explore, and relax with us!