Experience the magic of a winter Christmas in July on the Mighty Murray River, aboard Captain Cook’s three, four and seven-night cruises on the Southern Hemisphere’s largest paddlewheeler, the PS Murray Princess.
Christmas in July cruises intertwine the popular three, four and seven-night cruises, and for the first time the seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise itinerary, with Christmas festivities, Christmas carols and a traditional South Australian Christmas dinner or lunch.
Murray Princess cruises feature exciting day trips that explore the Murray River’s fascinating history, culture and wildlife.
Visit historic ports, learn about Aboriginal history at the incredible Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, experience a fun and very Australian Woolshed Shearing show and fall in love with the animals at a Native Wildlife Shelter.
Follow the food and wine trail for tastings at several vineyards and cellar doors or sample some local food and wine, while learning more about the Murray and Riverland regions and their produce, with tastings in the Sturt Dining Room.
Enjoy guided nature walks and learn about the flora and fauna and ecology of the river. Get up close to the river, its 20-million-year-old cliffs and amazing plant and birdlife including darters, herons, pelicans, and egrets on the ‘Dragon-Fly’ Flat Bottomed Boat vessel.
Onboard relax in comfort inside the cosy paddlewheel lounge and watch the paddlewheel turning while admiring the winter enchantment of the river as the Murray Princess cruises past magnificent towering limestone cliffs, riverbanks lined with mallee scrub, willows, and red gum forests and everchanging picturesque scenery.
Join the Captain for a general inspection of the wheelhouse, participate in a lively quiz, play some bocce on the riverbank, or relax with some fishing off the ship.
Optional activities at an additional cost include the Monarto Zoo Wildlife Tour, Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour (included in seven-night cruise), Swan Reach Museum, a Nocturnal Tour at Sunnydale with Dark Night Sky experience, and a Bush Tucker Breakfast.
Food is another highlight of the cruise and in addition to a traditional Christmas feast, indulge in a la carte hot breakfast each morning, a delicious two-course lunch each day and a three-course dinner each evening.
This year the seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise will also celebrate Christmas in July. This cruise explores the northern area of the Murray River from Mannum to Morgan, before returning to Mannum.
Visit the historic towns of Waikerie, Morgan and Swan Reach; enjoy wine tastings at Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre and at Caudo Winery and at Blanchetown be afforded the unique experience of going through Lock No. 1, one of thirteen along the river. This amazing cruise also visits Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve and the Woolshed and Native Wildlife Shelter at Sunnydale.
The three-night Discovery Cruise Christmas in July departs Mannum at 4.30pm on Friday 2nd, 9thand 23rd July 2021. Early Bird Saver (EBS) fares start from $836.00 per person twin share.
The four-night Outback Heritage Cruise Christmas in July departs Mannum at 4.30pm on Monday 5th, 12th and 26th July 2021. EBS fares start from $1148.00 per person twin share.
The seven-night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruises Christmas in July combine the three and four-night cruise and includes a Barossa Wine and Heritage tour. The cruise departs Mannum at 4.30pm on the above dates and EBS fares start from $1825.00 per person twin share.
The special Christmas in July seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise departs Mannum at 4.30pm on Friday, 16th July and EBS fares start from $1984.00 per person twin share.
Prices include accommodation, all meals, guided nature walks, eco-excursions, onboard presentations, onboard WiFi, live entertainment, use of ship’s facilities including sun deck, bar, lounge, restaurant, and mini gymnasium.
Complimentary scenic coach transfers from Adelaide, or secure car-parking in and Mannum post cruise coach transfers to Adelaide are also included.
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.
