Record demand recorded for iconic Murray River Cruises

13 new departures added in 2022

By  Editor DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
If you are planning an iconic  Murray River adventure aboard a genuine paddlesteamer this year,  now is the time to act.
I  love sailing on the Murray - it's the kind of laid back cruise experience that has something interesting to see  all day, every day.
Now, you can save up to 15% on overnight Murray River Cruises
plus free wine and beer with dinner, beverage credit and free parking  if you book by June 30.
Record high demand for overnight river cruises on Australia’s longest and most famous river has led Murray River Paddlesteamers to release 13 new sailing dates in 2022, creating an unprecedented 57 departures next year from Echuca aboard the deluxe paddlesteamer, PS Emmylou.
And to mark the launch of the new sailings on the iconic Murray River, savings of up to 15% are available on selected 2022 departures as well as an onboard beverage credit and free parking. The offer is available for bookings made by June 30, 2021.
Adding to the exceptional value, fares aboard the boutique, 16-guest PS Emmylou now include selected beers and wines with dinner and soft drink, bottled water and tea/coffee throughout the cruise as well as multi-course meals and daily shore excursions.
The enchanting riverboat offers two to six-night journeys along the meandering Murray River round-trip from Echuca year-round, with visits to wineries, historic farm stations, indigenous sites and the World Heritage-listed river red gum wetlands at Barmah.
Murray River Paddlesteamers Director, Craig Burgess said eight new four-night sailings and five three-night departures had been added to the 2022 cruise schedule, creating a record program of 57 overnight cruises of between two and six nights.
“We have seen excellent demand for our river cruises with 2021 now 92% sold out,” Mr Burgess said.
“We have just 35 cabins left for sale in our 2021 program and, already, we have strong demand for our 2022 sailings.”
“With international borders not expected to open for some time yet, we have decided to release additional new departures now as people are keen to lock in future travel as soon as possible.  "Our local industry partners are delighted to see so many people travelling to the Murray region again from all over the country, with travellers certainly staying longer with pre and post hotel bookings now added to most bookings.”
Carrying just 16 guests, powered by a restored 1906 steam engine and totally refurbished with deluxe cabins and ensuites, the boutique Emmylou paddlesteamer starred in the hit 1983 TV mini-series, ‘All the Rivers Run’, starring Sigrid Thornton, and is still one of the most recognisable and iconic paddlesteamers in Australia.
Guests enjoy meals on deck or in the charming saloon, riverside picnics, a memorable campfire dinner on the riverbank under the stars and the chance to join the crew in the wheelhouse and even try their hand at steering the boat alongside the skipper.  At dusk, the rare, wood-fired paddlesteamer ties up at tranquil and remote moorings, allowing guests to experience the serenity and wildlife of the bush at night.

Savings for bookings made by June 30, 2021
Savings of up to 15% cent on selected cruises in 2022, free undercover carparking in Echuca during the cruise worth $25 per night and an onboard beverage credit per cabin of $100 are available for bookings made by June 30, 2021.
Including the discount, fares in 2022 are available from $884 per person, twin-share, for a two-night cruise - a saving of $312 per couple – plus a beverage credit and free carparking worth another $150.
 A four-night cruise – the most popular itinerary – is now available from $1904 per person, twin-share, including the discount, which represents a saving of $672 per couple plus free carparking and beverage credit worth another $200.
A 10% saving is also available for solo travellers.
The special offers are available until June 30, 2021.
Fares include onboard meals, daily shore excursions, selected beers and wines with dinner and soft drink, bottled water and tea/coffee throughout the cruise.
* Call Murray River Paddlesteamers on 03 5482 5244 or visit www.psemmyloucruises.com