This cruise is provisional, subject to enough interest
In April 2023 we announced that we were considering two Murray River cruises – in 2025 and 2026. Both are subject to there being sufficient interest. We propose:
- a Lower Murray cruise out of Mannum on PS Murray Princess in late 2025/early 2026 – see details
- an Upper Murray cruise out of Echuca on the new PS Australian Star the following year
An Upper Murray cruise / conference
We propose, subject to sufficient interest, a 7 night package offering:
- a 4 night charter of the all new PS Australian Star, operated by Murray River Paddlesteamers Echuca. This would be exclusive to our group
- a 3 night conference & tour package based at Echuca/Moama
PS Australian Star – Australia’s first 5-Star riverboat
This will be launched in the 2nd quarter of 2025. Full details are yet to be announced, but this page sets out what we know. PS Australian Star will offer 19 staterooms, all opening to a deck and offering river views, ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen, TV entertainment system, seating and writing desk. Two of the cabins will also be available for guests with mobility issues.
Murray River Paddlesteamers director, Craig Burgess, said PS Australian Star would revolutionise overnight river cruising in Australia.
Cruise itinerary
Similar itineraries to current PS Emmylou cruises will be offered. Our cruise, if confirmed, will be based on the current 4 Night Murray River Explorer cruise. However, as a chartered cruise, we will adapt this to allow for our conference. A few presentations may be given on the cruise, as well as one-on-one or small group Research Help sessions. But the focus will be on maximising the cruise activities and experience generally.
Conference
We expect to offer around 15-20 conference sessions. A small number may be given on the cruise, but most will be at an Echuca/Moama based conference venue. Echuca/Moama region will also be the base for a few tours within and near the historic port and region.
The conference program will be headed by a leading Australian presenter, supported by others, and will offer a wide variety of topics.
And of course, being together for 6 days and 7 nights there is plenty of opportunity to interact with experts and others with similar interests. One of the great things about genealogy cruises / conferences.
Cruise date
With no suitable date available to us for a charter in 2025, we are provisionally targeting a late 2026 date – or early 2027. It is too soon to know the prices for this and availability of suitable charter dates.
Cost
Being two years away and on the all-new 5 star PS Australian Star, the prices are somewhat higher than current Emmylou cruises. Though not announced we are advised that the list prices for 2025 for most cabins will be $3560 per person twin share. There are two suites which will be $4400 and $5000 per person twin share. These prices may increase in 2026. The solo cabin surcharge will be 75%, but availability will be limited.
The above costs are for the cruise fare only. The conference fee will add to this. This will be advised if/when the cruise is confirmed, but is likely to be around $300 per person.
Confirmation of interest in this cruise
We will need confirmation from enough who are definitely interested in this cruise before we finally sign up with a commitment. It is too early to ask for this but we welcome any feedback you might care to give in the meantime – at alan@gould.com.au.