proud mary day cruise

The cruise left from Murray Bridge and went up the river as far as Blanchetown before coming back downstreanm to Murray Bridge.It was an enjoyable relaxing time seeing the beautiful Murray River sights as we cruised.Each day we were off the boat to look at various attractions along the river. Food and cabin service was great as we cruised in a friendly atmosphere with only 32 passengers aboard.

We very much enjoyed our 2 night cruise aboard the Proud Mary. It was as good as we hoped and in some aspects, better than we expected. Our air-conditioned cabin, while small (not unexpectedly) was clean and tidy with a comfortable bed and ample storage space. The en-suite bathroom was very tidy with modern fittings and a full sized shower with plenty of hot water. The boat itself seems to have been recently painted and was kept in a clean, presentable state for the entire journey. There are several seating areas: both forward and aft and the gangways are easy to manage. Without doubt the most impressive room - and the most used - is the dining/sitting room. This is traditionally furnished with comfortable dining settings and some lovely Chesterfield lounges.Meals, particularly lunches, were of a high standard although the use of terms like 'gourmet BBQ' and 'sumptuous breakfasts' overstates the facts a bit.It took a little while to warm to the staff (and they to us no doubt) but I think it's fair to say they were always personable and helpful. Some of the commentary however was inane and bordering on condescending. At times, it was just a tad above kindergarden playtime. The bulk of our fellow passengers were older than us which may help explain, but not excuse this. The two included tours (an eco tour in a small punt and a coach trip to the Mannum falls) were well managed and worthwhile.The check-in process is a bit of a shambles. There are no signs advising where or when to assemble and the car parking instructions are vague at best... you just 'follow the crowd'. However, once tickets have been checked, the actual boarding process runs very smoothly. Now the best part! The river is wide and handsome in this part of SA and the scenery on and beyond the river's banks is wonderful - spectacular in parts. The Proud Mary provides a very comfortable, relaxing and refined way of viewing it. We hope to do it again one day.

It's a year since I experienced the beautiful Murray River on the Proud Mary. The ecology, history and indigenous knowledge imparted by Captain John was amazing. Birds were ever present roosting in the beautiful cliffs of various colours. The visit to Mypolonga School was so refreshing and restored my faith in youth. The country kids were so engaging. When we left in the coach they all ran down the footpath after the coach or waved at the fence making we oldies feel valued. Camping on the river bed at night was so peaceful. Food was delicious and varied with lots of themed nights. Would like to have a top deck cabin next time as they open on to thelarge communal deck. I'd definitely revisit in a flash.

This was a very pleasant 5 nights. Comfort levels were good (bed was good, either twin or double, and en suite pretty impressive) although for the 3 nights that the generator ran, in our cabin, there was a constant engine noise that even ear plugs couldn't hide, not great for sleeping in. Good individual air conditioning in the cabins.The food was good but was on the heavy side (catering to an older audience maybe). It was hard not to over eat as the quality was generally very good. The service and communication were brilliant and the staff work very hard. Every day there was an activity off shore, nothing strenuous. There was almost an overkill of information about the area. We were two couples and we played cards a lot. The rest of the passengers were several decades older than us which was a bit disappointing. It was overall a very relaxing time and a good atmosphere, and very well organised.

This was a pleasant couple of nights on a boat that, on balance, probably delivers a little more than it promises. It looks very basic, and is, but comfort levels were surprising (bed was good and ensuite pretty impressive). The food was good but lunches were heavy (catering to an older audience) and there's no gym on board to work it off! The had an ex Crown Resorts chef on board and they are well trained. Outdoor sitting area astern was a great idea and spacious but is hot and noisy. Sit up top in front of the bridge for a much better vista. The dining room was well appointed and service was attentive and consistent.The Saturday night entertainer for the barbecue at Teal Flat was pretty ordinary but I guess it's hard to get Neil Diamond or Bruce Springsteen down to Murray Bridge. He spent most of the night complaining about the bugs than focusing on entertaining clients!This is a cruise that seems to target and cater to the elderly - a few Octogenarians on our boat - but the stairs are very tricky, Navy-style, so you need to be very careful.All in all: OK. Another of life's experiences.

A great little getaway of 5 nights cruising this grand Murray River, with its picturesque surrounds and numerous "landside" visits of interest. The visits/tours include those with ecological value, Aboriginal history, local industry and innovative initiatives, and a privileged stop at the Mypolonga School - to see their very real educational initiative at work (great stuff). Passenger safety and enjoyment are keynote features when aboard "Proud Mary". The staff are "top shelf and friendly", food and drink aplenty (both quality and quantity), and a bonus onshore BBQ with entertainment and top quality tucker gives this trip a true Aussie flavourAll in all, a value packed journey of discovery and interest, whether you're from this great country or abroad.

We did the two day cruise, booked by family. What an experience, comfortable cabins, superb food and very attentive staff. An outstanding feature was the BBQ and the Eco cruise was realyy informative, so much wildlife. I have some photographs that would grace National Geographic! Very highly recommended. They also cater well for all diets. Well done!

We went on a two night cruise. The weather was bitterly cold but the boat is warm and cosy. The wild life experience is something to behold. The crew are friendly and helpful. The food is out of this world with a top chef on board who would put plenty of restaurants to shame. Breakfasts were stunning,Lunchtime meals more stunning and dinner was incredible. Every meal was different and mainly buffet. Our final meal on the cruise consisted of a full roast turkey,prawns,ham on the bone and many other roast foods.As part of the trip we had a barbecue on the banks of the Murray River with outstanding food and live entertainment. The boat has a full bar. The cabins are a little small but clean and comfortable. The Proud Mary coach will also take you to the boat and drop you back to your hotel. All your luggage is carried by them as well. I could say more about this cruise as there are so many good things to talk about. Just be prepared to have put on several kilos when you leave.

What a great time! The cruise up to Blanchtown was so interesting. Excursions from the boat on most days meant that we got to see a lot of the countryside and wildlife. The entire crew were great, so friendly. And the FOOD, do not expect to lose weight!

Having read a few of negative feedback reviews but also the positive ones, I went on the 5 day cruise with an open mind and truly my wife and I had the best holiday. The cruise was relaxing and moreover all of the cabins have been recently refurbished and are an excellent standard. The crew were friendly and helpful and the food was 5 star. We did not loose weight on this holiday and the river was great with just enough activities to keep us busy. The onshore excursions are terrific with the highlight for us being the school craft shop at Mypolonga. I will really recommend to experience this wonderful cruise.

It was May and we saw a 2 for 1 voucher in the Entertainment book and decided to go on a Monday lunch cruise, as they weren't in the book for the following year. We drove to Mannum and lots of parking at the Mary Anne reserve. Wasn't sure what to do, but after a while got on board as we had arrange to pay on board after ringing to book. We were waiting for the bus to arrive from Adelaide with 40 or so other guests. We seemed to be the only locals. It's smaller than the paddle boat moored next door. The bus trip arrived and we had been warned to grab a table before lunch as the dining area would be full. So secured out place and then when we took off on time went out on deck to see the riverbank views. We cruised down the river with commentary from the Captain. You can visit the wheel house at any time. Lunch is early, the call is 11.30 am. Lovely lunch with turkey roll, ham off the bone, prawns, salads and fruit platter. Drinks from the bar reasonably priced. Tea and coffee when you want. We had to be there at 10.30 am for 10.45 departure. Dropped us back at 1 pm. Nice cruise. Make sure you get out on deck. Need to be able to navigate stairs. Take time before going home for a wander around the town. There's a nice lookout on the high bank. Worth doing if you don't fancy a longer over night cruise. The cabins looked a bit small.

Just back from two nights/three day cruise on Proud Mary. I escorted 24 senior citizens for a relaxing trip. Our connecting bus from our flight was an hour an half late, with no phone call on my mobile explaining why, where the travel agent had all my details of communicating. My group was ages 80 and up. Finally got to the boat and the Captain wasn't the most pleasant person, no smiling, very direct towards us. (He needs to take a customer service training) Rooms are ok, very dated they need to badly upgrade their cabins. Meals were very good, staff did an excellent job. Dining area very pleasant, situated well for viewing the beautiful Murray River. But please beware that there is no lift, there are very steep stairs, very difficult to go level to level. And in the AM hours, the moisture can make the steps VERY slippery. The staff didn't set up the deck chairs for guests, they were stacked against the walls. We had to collect them and put them out. No cushions on the seats, we had to wipe them down. The cruise itself was very relaxing once you did your own setting up to view on the decking. Part of the excursions were nice, Mannum is a lovely town, worth walking about. The nature boat trip was very well enjoyed by my residents, so do do that. But, if you want to feel a bit more spoiled,.. and not have to set up your own decking chairs,.. have a lift instead and not walking up and down very steep stairs and be in a more modern cabin, book Murray Princess Captain Cook,.. we are going to do that one next time. Also to add,.. there was nothing planned in the evening for the guest on the boat, there could easily been planned trivia night with the guests or even a fun movie night with popcorn,... nothing. You choose.

After booking weeks ahead we were informed 1and a half hours before boarding the boat that the cruise was over booked and they cancelled our cruise for 4 passengers.They don't consider peoples feelings and couldn't give a stuff about planing work arrangements around the cruise the reply we got when asking why we couldn't go was "that's the way it goes" very unprofessional. We will plan another lunch cruise but certainly not with Proud Mary, they guarantee nothing in regards to another booking so don't go there !!!

We recently went on the five night cruise from Murray Bridge on the Proud Mary. In the last six months we have cruised from Amsterdam to Basle on the Scenic Diamond, and Monte Carlo to Rome on the six star Seabourn Legend. They were all great cruises but the Proud Mary was special. The accommodation was basic but quite acceptable with an ensuite. The dining and lounge area was quite luxurious and being on the third level was great for observing as you travelled along. What made the Proud Mary cruise great?Our chef produced meals equal if not better than the luxury ships.With only forty passengers we got to know people well.The crew were down to earth local people who worked very hard.The itinerary was outstanding. A coach follows the boat. Michael the driver would take us to see the local towns and sights and he is an absolute gem. At the end of the cruise you will appreciate the current and past history of the area. The bird and animal life is spectacular. You will tie up one evening to a couple of red gums have a great barbecue under the stars, around a roaring camp fire! And the cost is far less than Europe!

Our Proud Mary experience commenced with a delightful coach ride departing from Adelaide at 6pm to Murray Bridge. Our driver Michael was pleasant and very informatiive filling us in on all the sights between the pick up and drop off points. We were greeted by the friendly boat crew and ushered to our cabin. After settling in, we had a meet and greet fellow passengers and crew before setting off up river to our first point of interest, AT this stage time was getting on and we were then offered a delightful (Light supper). Nothing light about it, we had a wonderful selection of fried calamai, two curries, rice, garlic bread, cheese, nuts, biscuits and fruit. The meals throughout the weekend were superb, the only downer was that we had to have our scheduled BBQ meal on board, as the weather on Saturday night was most unkind. We were entertained that evening by a one man band, Mel Cliff, Quests and crew had a marvellous time. I would be amazed if anyone retired feeling hungry or bored. We had a wonderful time, thanks to all who made our trip memorable. We met a lovely couple from Adeliade and hope to keep in touch.