Frequently Asked Questions

You can check-in from 2.30pm. Please ensure you arrive at the vessel no later than 4.00pm. We sail at 4.30pm. For Special Event Cruises, please refer to your itinerary for boarding times.

Travel on the South Eastern Freeway (National Highway M1) and take the Monarto Turnoff. Follow the signs to Mannum. When you arrive into Mannum, turn off Randell Street into Trewartha Street to Mary Ann Reserve. Park your vehicle in the carpark in Mary Ann Reserve and proceed to check-in onboard the Murray Princess.

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Car parking is available at Mannum for $15 per day, is subject to availability and pre-bookings are essential. Your Travel Document will include your car parking details if arrangements have been made.

Park your vehicle in the car parking area in front of the Murray Princess at Mary Ann Reserve. After you have checked in your luggage with our crew, they will direct you to the parking facilities. Please note every care will be taken but parking is at guest’s own risk.

We are unable to accommodate caravans or motorhomes in our parking facilities. Please contact the Mannum Caravan Park on 08 8569 1402 to make a booking.

Yes, our crew will deliver your luggage to your cabin after you have checked in.

You will require Photo ID for each passenger (driver’s licence or passport), or some form of acceptable identification and your travel documents.

Your travel is subject to the Standard Fare & Travel Terms and Conditions. The Fitness to Travel Declaration must be completed by all passengers at final payment of balance or at least 60 days prior to travel. For bookings made online or within 30 days of travel, the declaration needs to be completed within 48 hours of booking.

Access to Murray Princess whilst it is berthed at Mannum is via Mary Ann Reserve. You will need to walk across approximately 100 metres of grassed parkland. There is a cement path from the Coach transfer vehicle. Boarding is via a gangway onto Randell Deck. The gangway is of suitable width for wheelchair use.

Coach transfers are available between Adelaide and Mannum (approx 90 minutes travel from Adelaide to Mannum) for $100 per person, and are subject to availability – pre-bookings are essential.

Adelaide Coach Transfers depart and return from the following CBD locations:

Adelaide Central Bus Station 85 Franklin Street, Adelaide

Hilton Adelaide 233 Victoria Square Adelaide

Majestic Roof Garden Hotel 55 Frome Street, Adelaide

Crowne Plaza Adelaide, 27 Frome Street Adelaide

Stamford Plaza Adelaide, 150 North Terrace, Adelaide

The Terrace Hotel Adelaide, 208 South Terrace, Adelaide

The return arrival time to Adelaide on Monday and Friday is approximately 11am to 11.30am and an option to be transferred to Adelaide Airport is available – pre-bookings are essential.

Please leave your labelled luggage outside your cabin door prior to breakfast on the final day and your cabin key in the outside of the door before you disembark. Luggage will be taken ashore by the crew where you can collect it if you have your own car. If you are catching the coach transfer, your luggage will be automatically transferred to the coach for you.

All cabin accounts must be settled the evening prior to disembarkation.

There are 60 cabins across three decks and there are 3 categories of accommodation including inside, outside and staterooms. There are 9 inside cabins, 45 outside cabins and 6 staterooms, all with private ensuites.

All inside and outside cabins have either twin share or double beds (doubles on request only and surcharge applies) with two of them having a double and a single bed. The staterooms have a Queen bed with 2 of the staterooms having an extra single bed.

Cabins are located on Chaffey, Randell and Cadell Decks. Cadell Deck cabins are most suitable for passengers with limited mobility. All outside cabin doors open outwards, so care must be taken when walking around the decks. All cabins (except the disabled cabins), have one step up into the bathroom and one step over the shower tray to enter the shower.

Chaffey Deck inside cabins are only accessible by stairwells and there is no lift access to this deck. Randell Deck cabins have one step outside and one step inside to enter the cabin. There are no steps into the cabins for Chaffey and Cadell Decks.

Each cabin has electric blankets, clothes cupboard, dressing table, mirror and stool. Soaps, hair shampoo and conditioner is also provided along with towels and hairdryer. Each cabin is serviced daily and is approximately 12 square metres. The vessel’s electricity is AC 240 volts, 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Power points are available inside your cabin and you are welcome to bring your own shaver and mobile phone chargers.

Small fridges are available in the Staterooms only. All other inside and outside cabins do not have fridges. If you have any medication that requires refrigeration, please note this on your Cruise Contract and notify crew on check-in.

There are four cabins specially designed for wheelchairs. Two cabins feature twin beds and two feature a double bed and single bed. Accessible cabins feature wheelchair access doors and bathrooms, continuous level bathrooms, telephone contact with 24-hour emergency numbers, handrails, handheld shower, 2 mirrors in bathroom (one at normal height and one at wheelchair height). All cabins have shower chairs and other equipment is available on request. The height of the beds is 60cm from floor to top of mattress to enable guests to slide off chair onto bed with no difficulty.

Yes it does. The lift operates between the Sturt, Cadell and Randell Decks and is located at the aft end (rear) of the vessel. The following public rooms are situated on decks without lift access: Chaffey Deck - laundry and gym (accessible by stairwells only); sun deck - (accessible by a steep, shallow set of stairs only). The inside cabins are also only accessed via a stairwell.

The Dining Room and Bar are located on Sturt Deck which has lift access. The normal closing time for the Bar is midnight.

The Paddlewheel Lounge is situated at the stern of the vessel over two levels. The lower lounge has a gift shop and café selling souvenirs, toiletries, hats and barista espresso coffee. Opening times are announced daily and purchases can be charged to your cabin. The upper lounge is situated on Cadell Deck and has a small library and board games.

The top deck is called the Sun Deck and has comfortable outdoor chairs and tables. It is a great place to relax, read a book and take in the views. The Sun Deck is only accessible by a steep set of shallow stairs.

There is a guest laundry located on the Chaffey Deck and accessible by a stairwell only and free of charge to use. A washing machine, clothes dryer and ironing board are available for you to use. Washing powder can be purchased on board. The laundry is available from 7.00am to 3.00pm each day. If you wish to use the laundry washing facilities, please make a booking at the Paddlewheel Cafe.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, however coverage can be irregular along the river.

EFTPOS facilities are available at both the Sturt Bar and the Paddlewheel Lounge and can be used for purchase only. No cash withdrawals can be made. ATM’s can be found in most of the townships we visit.

An onboard cruise account will be opened for each cabin for the duration of your cruise. You may use your cruise account for onboard drinks, souvenirs and some optional onshore tours. You may wish to bring some cash with you for onboard activities and onshore excursions. When you settle your account, you can pay by AUD$ cash or credit card (Visa and MasterCard), however we advise personal cheques cannot be accepted.

You will need to settle your account the night prior to disembarkation.

There is no doctor or pharmacy on board the vessel, however our Officers are trained in First Aid. Please ensure you bring any prescription medicines you may require.

In the event of a medical emergency, please immediately notify a crew member. If you cannot locate a crew member, an emergency telephone is located next to the Port Aft door to the Paddlewheel Lounge on the Randell Deck. Please use this telephone only in an emergency and your call will be directed to a crew member. The Murray Princess crew will contact ambulance services in life threatening situations.

The nearest Medical Centre and/or Pharmacy is located at Mannum. There are no public transport facilities available, transport is only available via taxicab.

The following is a guide only of taxicab charges:

Blanchetown to Mannum $270

Swan Reach to Mannum $190

Walker Flat to Mannum $100

Mannum to Adelaide $270

Please note, due to the long distances involved, taxi companies may require a credit card pre-payment.

Your attention is drawn to Clauses 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e of the Standard Fare and Travel Terms and Conditions.

(b) If, in the opinion of the Company, a Passenger is in need of medicine, surgical attendance, medical assistance or treatment (Treatment) during Sailing and is unable to request it, the Passenger hereby consents to the Company making such medical arrangements as it deems necessary, at the cost of the Passenger.

(c) Except where Treatment is provided under clause 7(b), the Passenger accepts any Treatment provided by a medical service provider during Travelling at the Passenger’s sole risk.

(d) To the greatest extent allowable at law, the Company is not responsible for the acts or omissions of any medical services providers engaged by the Company as independent contractors. The Company is not responsible for the quality or nature of any Treatment, or for any consequence arising in relation to Treatment, received during Travelling.

(e) In the event of an epidemic, pandemic, or other health emergency, Passengers must comply with: directions issued by the South Australian and Commonwealth governments (as applicable); and directions issued by the Company (including the Master and crew while Travelling).

Luggage 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 and cabin number. As luggage has to be handled by crew, we would appreciate a weight limit of 15 kilograms per bag. Your suitcases and bags can be stowed under the beds in the cabins.

Yes, our crew will deliver your luggage to your cabin after you have checked in.

During the day, sportswear and casual clothing is 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 always requested in both the dining room and lounges. During the evening, smart casual wear is recommended – an open neck shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a dress, skirt or pants and blouse for the ladies.

Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses and good sun block/sunscreen. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes, walking shoes or sneakers are most suitable on-deck and for onshore excursions.

Tipping is always a personal choice. As a general guide, tipping is not required but is always gratefully received.

Urgent messages or emergency information can be transmitted to the vessel by contacting our Mannum Operations Department, telephone +61 8 8569 2511.

If you require special meals please advise us either at the time of booking, or as part of completing your Fitness to Travel Declaration. It is recommended that you then confirm your dietary requirements with the Cruise Director when boarding. Where possible, we will endeavor to meet your requests. As a guide we regularly cater for gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, diabetic and non-seafood requirements.

Yes you can. If you’d like to order a cake, sparkling wine or make some other celebratory arrangement for a special occasion, we’d be happy to assist. Please give us at least 14 days’ notice prior to sailing to ensure we can accommodate your request. Pre-payment is also required.

You are welcome to visit the wheelhouse, however, please avoid times when the vessel is maneuvering into or departing a port. Wheelhouse tours are conducted during the cruise. Please see the Cruise Director for details.

The Murray Princess has a tender boat which offers speedboat rides. Passengers are required to ‘climb’ directly into the tender from the Murray Princess vessel. The deck crew are always on hand to assist and to help passengers with life jackets.

During the cruise the Murray Princess stops at a number of riverside locations where passengers can go ashore via the gangway. The steepness of the gangway will vary depending on the location (varying from steep riverbanks to flat historic wharves). The crew are always on hand to assist passengers ashore. The terrain will also vary depending on river conditions. Rough ground, inclines and sand may provide obstacles to those with limited mobility. Wheelchair access for onshore tours may not always be possible.

Please be advised that the Sun Deck, all cabins and public rooms are non-smoking. Smoking is permitted in designated areas of the outside decks only. As a courtesy to your fellow passengers, please refrain from smoking cigars and pipes. Cigarettes are not sold on board.

Effective from 1 March 2024, smoking will no longer be permitted on the Murray Princess. Smoking is allowed onshore, only when the vessel is moored, with exceptions when a fire ban is in place.

Our licensing laws do not permit alcohol to be brought on board the vessel by guests. Bottles of wine purchased from the wineries visited during the cruise can be brought back on the vessel but are not to be consumed whilst on board the cruise.

During the cruise, a number of onshore tours are available (charges may apply to some optional tours). You may also be requested to book your preferred times for excursions with the cruise director.

As a courtesy to your fellow passengers, please be prompt to your marshalling station with any items you may need including sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, hat or walking shoes. Details of the marshalling station and times will be provided in your daily on-board itinerary.

You are welcome to stay on-board the vessel if you do not wish to participate in excursions.

Rain or shine, waters on the Murray always make for smooth sailing. Below is a guide for the four seasons of Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.

Summer (Dec – Feb) Average temperatures 13C min. 28C max.  

The Murraylands enjoy a Mediterranean climate so pack for the warmer weather conditions, however it is always a good idea to include a light cardigan or jacket for the cooler nights or the odd cool day. Make sure you bring a sun hat and sunscreen as well. You’ll have fun as you cruise along the river watching all the holidaymakers enjoying their holiday shacks (some are palaces!), houseboats, water skiing, outdoor dining and fishing. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes during the day but feel free to dress up for dinner.  

 Autumn (Mar – May) Average temperatures 8C min. 27C max.  

The weather on the Murray is simply beautiful at this time of the year.  The autumn colours start appearing in the trees and on the foliage along the riverbanks as the days start getting a little cooler. Pack some warmish clothes for the milder weather and it is advisable to bring layers of clothing so that you can add and remove as needed. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes during the day but feel free to dress up for dinner. 

 Winter (Jun – Aug) Average temperatures 5C min. 18C max.   

Winter on the Murray really shows up the ambience and peacefulness of this mighty river.  Stargazers and dark sky chasers will be in heaven with the Big Bend area being named as an International Dark Sky Reserve, the first of its kind in Australia.   

Pack your winter wear for this season to stay cozy and warm and bring layers of clothes and a warm coat for your outdoor adventures. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes during the day but feel free to dress up for dinner. 

Spring (Sept – Nov) Average temperatures 7C min. 26C max.  

Nature lovers and birdwatchers will relish a cruise along the Murray during spring.   Make sure you have your cameras and binoculars ready and take time to view some of the migratory birds that fly over at this time of the year.  This weather is perfect for walks along the riverbanks and townships when you disembark, so make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing for day time and warmer, layered clothing for the evening but feel free to dress up for dinner.