Proud Mary Cruises

About the Proud Mary

About the cruises

Operating two, five-night and special event cruises 365 days of a year, departing from and returning to Murray Bridge, just 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Adelaide, the Proud Mary caters for a maximum of only 36 passengers. This boutique product provides the ideal environment for passengers to explore, experience, indulge and discover the Murray River. The well-appointed bar, lounge and dining area provide the perfect location for indulging in the culinary delights of the resident chef, while viewing the passing Australian scenery.

Australia’s River Murray is one of the world’s legendary rivers, in fact, the fourth longest river system in the world. Mysterious, massive and meandering 3,700 kilometres, it ranks with the Mississippi, the Nile and the Amazon. Boasting some of the most spectacular and rugged Australian landscapes, the River Murray is home to an array of abundant wildlife and bird life. It is aboard your intimate cruising that you can discover the River Murray’s ecosystem at its best.

Facilities

This boat boasts 18 spacious river-view cabins that have been renovated, a lounge, a dining area, and well-appointed bar.

Order a drink and venture out onto the boat’s spacious open decks or enjoy the intimate lounge and dining area. The captain’s commentary may spark an interest to peruse the vessel’s resource centre and learn more from one of the many books available. You may like to enjoy a cuppa from the continuous tea and coffee available in the dining room or browse the souvenirs available for purchase.

Explore at your leisure any of the spectacular mooring locations; enjoy a walk through the bushland or discover the backwaters in one of the available canoes. For those who like a spot of fishing, reels, and bait are available, simply ask one of the crew.

Wi-Fi is available on board. 350MB is free and then the cost is $10 per 1GB. Service can vary along the river.

Accommodation

Your boat boasts 18 spacious river-view cabins. With only one room type, each cabin has twin or double beds, individually controlled air conditioning units, private en-suite. tea & coffee making facilities and hair dryers. Each cabin is approximately 9 square meters and the ensuite is 2.5 square metres. All rooms offer spectacular river views and open onto balcony areas. Cabins are serviced twice daily.

Cabin Selection – Although all cabins are lovely, en-suite, outside cabins with a river view, some passengers may prefer a cabin on the View Deck (middle deck) for easy access. Other passengers may like the Sun Deck (top deck) as it is a little quieter. We are happy to request the deck of your choice, however, a surcharge applies per cabin per night will be applied for all cabin requests. Cabin requests are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. View the deck plan.

History

This cruise boat is a boutique vessel providing an intimate and friendly atmosphere, offering a true insight into South Australia’s Outback. A modern vessel built to provide the ideal way to experience Australia’s most famous river, The River Murray. Accommodating only 36 passengers in deluxe river view cabins, the boat provides a unique nature-based experience with a touch of luxury.

The vessel, originally designed by Mr Peter James, a Naval Architect was built in Berri, South Australia on the banks of the River Murray, by the Berri Ship building company in 1982. Purpose-built with a shallow draft, allowing the vessel to safely navigate shallow sections of the river. The original style of the vessel was taken from the Mississippi River cruisers.

The first cruise was in August 1982 from Murray Bridge in South Australia. The proprietors have owned & operated the vessel since it was built and has been refurbished on a periodical basis since 1982. The vessel produces its own power from onboard generators and wastewater is stored onboard and then removed when in port in accordance with environmental guidelines.