7 Night Proud Mary Christmas in July Cruise PM7MBMX

Itinerary

• 1 Friday (Supper)

  Make your way to the Adelaide Bus Station for your coach transfer or self-drive to Murray Bridge.

  Your seven night cruise departs from Murray Bridge just 1 hour from Adelaide, where you will be welcomed aboard by the friendly Proud Mary Crew. Enjoy a supper at approximately 8.15pm as you cruise and the Proud Mary’s powerful floodlights illuminate the shore. It is a perfect opportunity to view the nocturnal animals of Australia in their natural habitat. Later the Proud Mary ties up for the night at Woodlane

• 2 Saturday (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  Your cruise continues upstream as you enjoy a delicious breakfast before a mid-morning Proud Mary arrival in the picturesque Mannum, the birthplace of the river boat trade. Here you will have the chance to explore Historic Mannum. Return to the Proud Mary at the conclusion of the tour where lunch is served as you cruise upstream to Walkers Flat. Tonight you will enjoy “Australiana Night” featuring typically Australian dishes. Following dinner this evening you will experience a guided Nocturnal Discovery Tour, an insight into abundant wildlife of the Murraylands region including the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat.

• 3 Sunday (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  After breakfast the Proud Mary departs Walkers Flat and cruises further upstream. Your cruise this morning takes you into Swan Reach. Board your waiting coach for a tour to visit an Almond Farm, and the historic Swan Reach Museum. Mid-afternoon experience one of the highlights of the cruise as you cruise through Lock 1 at Blanchetown. The Proud Mary moors overnight on a beautiful beach amongst towering River Red Gums at McBeans Pound. After dinner it is time to get the competitive juices flowing with trivia night!

• 4 Monday (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  Depart your tranquil overnight mooring cruising toward Morgan. Mid-morning will be an informative talk by the Proud Mary Captain on the Majestic Murray River. Lunch will be served on board before arriving into the township of Morgan. In its heyday, Morgan was one of the busiest South Australian Murray River ports. Board the Proud Mary coach to visit Waikerie and its heritage sites of this riverside town as well as Caudo Winery on the banks of the Murray River. At the conclusion of your tour re-join the Proud Mary for a delicious dinner and relaxed evening on board while the boat cruises upstream before returning to Morgan.

• 5 Tuesday (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  After breakfast board the Proud Mary Coach for a visit to the many heritage sights of this once booming river town. Re-join the Proud Mary & enjoy a traditional Xmas lunch & even look for a visit by a person in red & cruise through Lock 1 securing at Sugar Shack. Tonight join the crew for a fun filled evening of “Bingo.

• 6 Wednesday (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  You will wake this morning in one of the most unspoilt and picturesque areas of the River Murray. This morning the Cruise Director will lead a walking tour on the history and significance of Swan Reach before reboarding the Proud Mary for lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon at the Big Bend. The cliffs are spectacular and a highlight of your cruise is a guided tour lead by an ecologist aboard a small boat through the lagoons and inlets of Big Bend. This evening there will be a traditional Australian BBQ around a campfire on the banks of the River at Big Bend with live entertainment.

   

• 7 Thursday (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  The Proud Mary continues downstream through some of the most spectacular scenery on the entire River Murray system. We arrive at Ngaut Ngaut – a historical Aboriginal site. Here with your Aboriginal tour guide you will have an informative talk on the significance of the site and its heritage dating back from 3000 to 20,000 years ago. Late afternoon arrive in Mannum for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a formal Captain’s Dinner.

• 8 Friday (Breakfast, Lunch)

  Enjoy breakfast whilst cruising to Woodlane. There you will board the waiting coach for a tour to the Reedy Creek Environment. You will be joined by your guide for a tour of this fascinating area. Discover this permanent watercourse from waterfalls, through swamps and wetlands. Reedy Creek and the waterfalls played a significant part in the lives of the ancient Nganguruku and Ngaralta Aboriginal Tribes.

  Today, lunch is a superb buffet prepared with fresh local produce. This afternoon there will be more spectacular scenery before the vessel ties up once more in Murray Bridge, the Captain and crew bid farewell to guests and new-found friends before disembarkation at 4.00pm.

*All itineraries are subject to change due to river and weather conditions and change at short notice.

Daily itineraries will be provided on board. For more information regarding coach transfer, garaging, dress suggestions, embarkation times, please refer to embarkation information leaflet.

Your Boat

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.

Additional Information

Fuel Levy Cost
From 1 April 2023 a fuel levy of $8 per person per night will be added to each customer’s onboard account payable upon the completion of the cruise.

Cabins
All Cabins have a private ensuite, double or twin beds (your choice), air conditioning/heating, and tea and coffee facilities. If you would like to select a particular cabin of deck you can, for an additional $40 per day. Wi-Fi is available onboard. 350MB is free and then the cost is $10 per 1GB. Service can vary along the river.

Passengers travelling by coach
The ‘Proud Mary’ Coach departs from the Adelaide Central Bus Station (Bay 2) at 85 Franklin Street at 6.00 pm sharp (please check-in by 5.30 pm at Bay 2), arriving at Clark Street Car Park, Murray Bridge at 7.00 pm. Please note due to new coach terminal regulations the coach must leave on time. Should you be unable to make the departure time, alternative arrangements to get to Murray Bridge will have to be made. On the completion of your cruise, you will be collected from Clark Street Car Park, Murray Bridge by the ‘Proud Mary’ coach at approximately 4.00 pm for your transfer to Adelaide Central Bus Station where you will arrive at approximately 5.30 pm.

Passengers garaging your car
Please make your own way to Clark Street Car Park, Murray Bridge at 7:00 pm. Upon arrival, the Proud Mary Crew will advise as to the garaging of your vehicle.

Travelling from Adelaide
Take the South Eastern Freeway out of Adelaide to the first Murray Bridge exit. Carry on into Murray Bridge and turn right after the third set of traffic lights. This is East Street with the Bridge Port Hotel on the corner. Turn left onto Olympic Drive, left onto Wharf Road, and slightly left onto Clark Street leading to the Clark Street public car park.

Travelling from the Eastern States
After traveling through Tailem Bend take the Murray Bridge exit and continue onto the township over the bridge. Take the first left once off the bridge. This is East Street with the Bridge Port Hotel on the corner. Turn left onto Olympic Drive, left onto Wharf Road, and slightly left onto Clark Street leading to the Clark Street public car park.

Booking Terms and Conditions
Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

Supplier Terms and Conditions Cancellation Summary:
Full payment is required 120 days from departure
Cancellation under 120 days but more than 91 days from travel – loss of 50% of the package cost.
Cancellation under 90 days from travel – loss of full package cost.

Cruise Reviews

Great way to experience the Murray. We went on the 2 night trip that leaves on Friday at 7pm from Murray Bridge and returns Sunday at 4pm. This is a great way to experience the river as there is plenty of time to sit on the back deck under cover or at the front of the boat to watch the river go by. They also include a small boat tour along the cliffs on Saturday afternoon and bird watching and a trip to the Mannum waterfalls on a bus on Sunday. On Saturday morning you get around 2 hours to wander in Mannum which has some interesting buildings and shops. Saturday night they provide a BBQ on the banks of the river plus a band that sings for a couple of hours. Our airconditioned cabin was very nice with everything that you need – it can be a bit tight in the bathroom/shower area. The meals were good but you all get served the same meal even for breakfast (due to COVID and no serve yourself). They do cater for different dietary requirements though. We had 30 on our trip so its not crowded and you get to chat to most of the guests. The stairs are quite narrow and so you have to be careful getting around. David R

5 night river cruise. This is an interesting and relaxing cruise. Fantastic friendly and attentive service, a nothing is too much trouble approach. Courtney and Karen are perfect hosts. Julien and Bertrand outstanding French Chefs – every meal was above and beyond! Peter the captain can drive a boat, guide a tour and do a pretty good stand up routine, all simultaneously. Steve the engineer was absolutely tireless. Michael the coach driver and guide was amusing and had a wealth of knowledge about the river. The excursions were of real interest and everything ran like clockwork. The cabins are smallish , but with ample storage, en-suites are great. Bar drinks are very reasonably priced. My only suggestion would be for some more comfortable seating on the top deck. anncar0

The Magical Mysterious Murray. My wife and I went on the 5-night river cruise on the Proud Mary. Forget European River cruises. You will not have a better cruising experience anywhere. We were 2 of 36 passengers. That means no crowds, personalised attention, and it’s in Australia. You have all seen hordes of people disgorge from boats at scenic sights in Europe. Forget all that. This is boutique cruising at its best. You will see spectacular scenery, have fabulous food with superb service, excellent excursions, calm cruising at a pleasant pace, and commentary. The Murray is an astonishing surprise packet. You’ll be amazed by Big Bend, Ngaut Ngaut, the orchards, the feeding pelicans, and the tranquillity. So much tranquillity. While you are there eat at the Murray Bridge River Cafe with its excellent food and service. Peter

5 night indulgence. Very enjoyable. Everything from the crew, rooms, dining were A+ could not fault the trip Have read reviews re noise but our cabin was on the top deck so very quiet. Range of activities was enjoyable. rose17

FAQs

• Can I get picked up for the Proud Mary by the bus at my hotel?

  Proud Mary Cruises coach transfers depart from the Central Bus Station in Adelaide and not at individual hotels.

  These are available to and from Murray Bridge at the small cost of $55 each way ($110 return).

  The coach departs from the Adelaide Central bus station, 85 Franklin Street.

  Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. Coach transfer need to be prebooked.

  • Friday and Sunday coach departure times from Adelaide for cruises departing from Murray Bridge – 6:00pm
  • Friday and Sunday coach arrival times into Adelaide for cruises disembarking in Murray Bridge – 5:45pm
• I have limited mobility, is there anything I need to know for a Proud Mary cruise?
  For the cruises on the Proud Mary, has no lift and all passengers will need to be able to manage stairs to access the dining room.
• Is there a doctor onboard?

  The ships crews do not include a doctor, however the ship’s Officers are trained in First Aid. There is no pharmacy onboard. Please ensure you bring adequate prescription medicines you may require.

• Can we swim in the river?
  Yes. If you wish to swim in the river please seek advise from one of the deck staff as to the easiest and safest method of doing so.
• Are my valuables safe?

  For your convenience valuables may be lodged with the Captain for safe keeping in the Captain’s safe. The company accepts no liability.

• What will the weather be like?

  Rain or shine, waters on the Murray always make for smooth sailing. As a guide, expected seasonal temperatures range from 16-35 degrees Celsius during summer and 6-17 degrees Celsius during winter.

• Can I smoke on the boat?

  Smoking is only permitted in the areas designated for smoking, such as the rear deck. As a courtesy to your fellow passengers please refrain from smoking pipes and cigars. Cigarettes are not sold onboard.

• Is there electricity onboard the boats?

  The ships electricity is AC 240 volts 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Hairdryers are provided on the cruises, how ever you are welcome to bring your own shavers and hairdryers if you wish.

• What should I wear?

  During the day, sportswear and casual clothes are suggested. We kindly ask that you do not wear bathing suits, singlets or brief attire in public rooms and lounges, especially in the Dining Room. Footwear is requested in both the Dining Room and Lounges. During the evening smart casual wear is recommended – an open neck shirt and slacks for gentlemen and a dress, skirt and blouse or pants outfit for the ladies. At the Captains Dinner on the final night of the cruise, a jacket and tie would not be out of place for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or pants outfit for the ladies. Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses and good sun blocks. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes and tennis shoes are most suitable on deck and for shore excursions.

• How much baggage can I bring?

  Baggage is limited to what you can stow in your cabins, so you would be advised not to over pack. All bags must be clearly labelled with your name. Bags have to be handled by crew and we would appreciate a weight limit of 15 kg.

• We have a special occasion to celebrate, what can you do for us?
  You may want to order a cake, champagne or make some other celebratory arrangement for that special occasion. Please give two weeks notice before sailing.
• What do we do with special requests or dietary requirements?

  Once we leave the wharf these ships cannot obtain additional supplies or medicines. Special requests or dietary requirements must be advised to your booking agent as early as possible. Upon boarding please consult with your Cruise Director. Please also ensure you bring any prescription medication you may need.

• Do I need to bring anything at check in?

  The following information is required at check-in: – Photo identification for each passenger (drivers license or passport) – Your cruise confirmation number (located on your e-ticket) – Your credit card (as security against your onboard Cabin account)