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| About the PS Murray Princess |
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Ship Specifications
Owner: Captain Cook Cruises, Australia
Length: 212 feet
Beam: 48 feet
Cabins: 60
Passenger Capacity: 120
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View all of PS Murray Princess's voyages |
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| Ship Amenities | Deck Plans | Cabins | The Fleet |
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Ship Amenities |
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Ship facilities include two
saunas, two bars, two lounges, single seating dining room, gift shop,
library and video, laundry, and tea & coffee facilities. The cabins and public areas are modest and cozy and do not include casinos or nightly entertainment
Welcome Aboard
The PS Murray Princess, operated by the respected Captain Cook Cruises, is a true inland paddlewheeler custom built for cruising the Murray River. It echoes the time when hundreds of such vessels plied the river, much as paddlewheelers sailed the Mississippi in the days of Mark Twain. And, unlike most modern-day river vessels with imitation paddles, the Murray Princess is propelled by its massive stern paddlewheel, which powerfully drives the ship forward. You can actually see the great wheel turn, and take in a relaxing view of the river, from the Paddlewheel Lounge. Accommodating just 120 passengers, the Murray Princess brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the Murray River. The captain and crew know the river intimately and are delighted to share with you their knowledge and stories.
The ship’s lounges and dining salon are comfortable, with warm wood paneling that evokes the character and charm of yesteryear. Grand in name, yet relaxed and informal by nature, the Murray Princess fosters a warmth and friendliness unique to the river.
Meals feature a tasty mix of traditional Australian specialties and international favorites. Dining aboard Murray Princess includes the Captain's Dinner and buffet dining, with a campfire barbecue ashore one evening. Breakfasts are buffet-style with a wide selection of hot and cold choices. All meals are served in a single seating.
The cruise takes you north on the great Murray River from the historic riverport of Mannum to Blanchetown. As you cruise, you’ll experience the magic and majesty of the river’s natural splendor, from towering cliffs to expansive wetlands. Along the way, you’ll see a great variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and some of the 350 bird species that inhabit the marshes and shoreline along this magnificent waterway. During your river adventure, you’ll call at riverports and towns along the way. Highlights of your shore visits include a visit to a winery with a winetasting at the door of the wine cellar ... a tour of a typical Australian farm and woolshed ... a tasty Aussie barbecue on the banks of the river ... a visit to a wildlife shelter ... and a walking tour of one of Australia’s most significant archeological sites.
There’s simply no better way to see the Murray River and a slice of the hauntingly beautiful and dramatic Australian outback, its unique flora and fauna, and the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture close up than to drift unhurried and quietly under the power of the paddle-wheeler.
General Information About Your Ship
Cabins
After you board, you’ll settle into a modest outside cabin (approximately 120 square feet) equipped with a private bathroom, adjustable air-conditioning, twin beds, electric blankets, shampoo, and towels; serviced daily. These cabins are located on the Randell and Cadell decks, the ship’s two middle decks. They open directly to the outside deck and have a picture window for viewing the passing scenery.
Each evening while you are dining, a stewardess will conduct evening bed turndown and leave a copy of the following day’s itinerary.
Clothing
During the day, sportswear and casual clothing are suggested. Please 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 suit for the ladies. At the Captain’s Dinner on the final night of the cruise, a jacket and tie is recommended for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or pants suit for the ladies. Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses (polarized), and good sun blocks. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes, and tennis shoes are most suitable on deck and for shore excursions.
There is an optional “costume night” theme evening. Costumes may be rented from the ship for a small fee.
Currency On Board
The onboard currency is Australian dollars (AUD). For your convenience, the ship operates a cashless bar system. A credit card imprint will be taken on boarding as security, and you may use your Cruise Account for onboard drinks and some optional shore excursions. Your Cruise Account must be settled the evening prior to disembarkation using Australian dollars, AUD Travellers’ checks, or credit card (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Bankcard, and Diners Club). Personal checks are not accepted.
Dining
Dining aboard Murray Princess includes the Captain’s Dinner and buffet dining, with a campfire barbeque ashore one evening. Breakfasts are buffet-style. There is one sitting for all meals. Complimentary coffee and tea are available 24 hours in the Paddlewheel Lounge
The water from your cabin tap is not suitable for drinking. Spring water is supplied in your cabin — please feel free to refill the container from the spring water available in the Aft Lounge.
Special Meals
Passengers requiring special meals should advise the cruise line in writing at least two weeks prior to sailing and discuss them with the Cruise Director on boarding.
Electric Current
Electrical current on board is AC 240 volts, 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Guests are welcome to bring their own electric shavers and hair dryers, as well as converters if necessary.
Gift Shop
There is a gift shop located on Chaffey Deck offering a selection of souvenirs, toiletries, film, and hats.
Gratuities
As a general rule, tipping is not necessary. However, if you feel you’ve been provided exceptional service, you may feel free to give an appropriate gratuity.
Laundry
A washing machine, tub, and ironing board are available for passenger use in the ship’s laundry on Chaffey Deck. Washing powder can be purchased at the Souvenir shop. Laundry times are 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Towels
You may help the ship save water and the environment by hanging your used cabin towels on the bathroom towel rack to allow them to dry and be reused. If you would like your towel washed and replaced, please leave it on the bathroom floor for collection.
Porterage
Porterage is included for transport of luggage on and off the ship. Please leave your labeled luggage outside your cabin door prior to breakfast on the final day and your cabin key in the outside lock of your door.
Valuables
Your valuables may be lodged with the Captain for safe keeping in the Captain’s safe. The ship accepts no liability. Vantage recommends that valuables, such as expensive jewelry, be left at home.
Additional Services
- Library — A selection of books is available for your reading pleasure in the upper level of the Paddlewheel Lounge. Kindly return or swap the books so that others can also enjoy them.
- Sauna — The two saunas are open between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm. Passengers under 16 years of age are not permitted without a supervising adult. Use of equipment is at own risk.
- Exercise Equipment — An assortment of equipment is located on the Sun Deck. Passengers under 16 years of age are not permitted without a supervising adult. Use of equipment is at own risk.
- Onboard Tours — Wheelhouse tours are conducted during the voyage. Please see the Cruise Director for details. The ship regrets that Engine Room tours are not available due to insurance constraints.
Medical
The ship does not have a doctor, however, the ship’s officers are trained in first aid. There is no pharmacy on board, so passengers should bring an adequate supply of their personal medications.
Passengers warrant that they are physically fit and capable of undertaking the cruise. A certificate of fitness for travel by your doctor is required for passengers over 75 years of age and/or passengers with limited mobility. For full details, please refer to the Passenger Cruise Contract.
Elevator
The ship’s elevator operates between Sturt, Cadell, and Randell Decks and is located at the aft end of the ship. The following public rooms are situated on decks without elevator access: Chaffey Deck — Sauna, Laundry, and Souvenir Shop (accessible by stairwells only); Sun Deck (accessible by a steep shallow set of stairs only).
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed in cabins, on the Sun Deck, or public rooms at any time. Smoking is permitted on the outside decks only. As a courtesy to your fellow passengers, please refrain from smoking pipes and cigars.
Communications
The ship has an efficient emergency VHF radio link with shore management at the Mannum office (011-61-08-8569-2511). Urgent messages can also be sent from the ship. Mobile phone coverage is limited.
Excursions & Optional Tours
The ship offers a number of shore excursions (charges apply to optional tours) during your cruise that can be booked on board. You may also be requested to book your preferred times for excursions. As a courtesy to your fellow passengers, please be prompt to your marshalling station (details will be provided in your daily onboard itinerary) with any items you may need including sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, or walking shoes.
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