Leave your 2020 worries behind and have a magical Christmas, while soaking up the splendour of the Mighty Murray River on Captain Cook Cruises seven-night Renmark to Mannum Christmas cruise departing Wednesday 23 December, on-board paddlewheeler, PS Murray Princess.

The Christmas cruise is an intimate journey that will follow in the footsteps of the great 19th Century pioneers. Join the Murray Princess as she explores Australian history along 420kms of the Murray River passing incredible terrain, towering limestone cliffs and a plethora of birds and wildlife combined with Christmas themed activities, festivities and carols, a traditional South Australian Christmas Day lunch and a Christmas beach party on the banks of the river.

Visit the historic towns of Berri, Waikerie Loxton and Morgan.  Enjoy leisurely afternoons exploring the riverside town of Berri and the picturesque Waikerie established in 1894.

At Loxton be treated to a special excursion to the Christmas Loxton Lights Festival. See Loxton shine with thousands of twinkling fairy lights, bright colourful banners and large clusters of residential streets decorated with over 350 illuminated Christmas scenes, paintings and coloured light displays.

Travel back to the early 1800’s at Morgan. Once a port to hundreds of paddle steamers carrying cargo and passengers up the Murray-Darling River system, the restored wharf precinct captures the early river trading days and the town’s museums bring to life the stories of the paddle steamer era.

On Christmas Day enjoy a guided nature walk and learn the secrets of the local flora and fauna before sitting down for a delicious Christmas lunch and delight in some Christmas festivities and even a visit from Santa.

Food and wine lovers will enjoy cellar door tastings and a tour of the gardens and orchards at picturesque Caudo Vineyard. Onboard sample the delicious local produce and wines from the Murray and Riverland regions at a food and wine tasting in the Sturt Dining Room.

Learn about Aboriginal history at the incredible Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, see the towering sandstone cliffs at Big Bend, while at Sunnydale experience a fun and very Australian Woolshed Shearing Show, followed by a visit to the native wildlife shelter.

Experience the excitement of navigating through five locks – Lock #5 at Renmark, Lock #4 at Bookpurnong, Lock #3 at Overland Corner, Lock #2 at Waikerie and Lock #1 at Blanchetown.

Get up close to the river, its 20-million-year-old cliffs and amazing plant and birdlife including darters, herons, pelicans and egrets on scenic tender boat rides aboard the ‘Dragon-Fly’ Flat Bottomed Boat vessel.

Onboard the Murray Princess take in the ever-changing picturesque river scenery on the top sun deck or in one of two air-conditioned paddlewheel lounges where the working paddle wheel can be seen through a spectacular two-story glass window.

Join the Captain for a general inspection of the wheelhouse, participate in a lively Christmas themed quiz, the ‘Murray River Cup’, play some bocce or cricket on the riverbank or relax with some fishing off the ship.

Optional activities, at an additional cost, include a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park, a Nocturnal Tour in a comfortable purpose-built cart at Sunnydale, a Bush Tucker Breakfast on the shores of the Murray River at Big Bend and  the new Dark Night Sky Tour to observe the stars of the Milky Way with night viewing binoculars and telescopes at the internationally recognised and Australia’s first, Dark Sky Reserve.

Hearty food and plenty of it is a highlight of the cruise. Indulge in a la carte hot breakfast each morning, a delicious two-course lunch each day and a three-course dinner each evening. The cruise also includes an Aussie-style barbecue dinner and bush dance on the riverbank, a traditional South Australian Christmas Day lunch and complimentary pre-dinner drinks with Officers on the final night.

The seven-night Renmark to Mannum Christmas Cruise departs Renmark Wednesday 23 December 2020 at 3.30pm returning Wednesday 30 December 2020 at 9.00am. Early Booking Saver Fares start from $2499 per person, twin share.

Fares include accommodation, all meals, Christmas Day lunch, onshore tours, guided nature walks and eco-excursions, onboard presentations, live entertainment, final night complimentary pre-dinner drinks (sparkling wine and soft drinks) with the Officers, use of the ship’s facilities including sun deck, bar, two lounges, dining room and scenic coach transfers from Adelaide CBD to Renmark and from Mannum to Adelaide CBD or Adelaide Airport, or secure car-parking in Mannum.

Private car transfers for up to four people are also available from and to Adelaide CBD to Mannum and return to Adelaide Airport for $150 per person each way, based on two people travelling.

Captain Cook Cruises implement Cruise Safe, Cruise Well protocols including extra practices undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These extra practices include:

• Hand Sanitising Stations at check-in, in the bar lounges, dining room and every cabin
• Enhanced cleaning
• Physical distancing including limited passengers in areas with a 2m2 per person limit allowed for each space, minimum 1.5m distance between guests, monitoring of number of passengers in each space and distance markers and hygiene signage are displayed.
• Modified Services including individual condiment servings, no buffet meals or shared servery areas, entertainment reviewed to Cruise Safe, Cruise Well guidelines

All crew have undertaken mandatory Covid-19 training, face masks and gloves are readily available for crew and temperature testing will occur prior to commencement of work shifts.

For further information visit www.murrayprincess.com.au and to book contact your local travel agent.

SOURCE: Murray Princess Cruises