Construction has started on Australia’s first five-star river ship,
PS Australian Star, a 38-guest vessel which will offer year-round,
all-inclusive, overnight cruises on the Murray River from Echuca in
Victoria.
Murray River Paddlesteamers said the vessel will begin operations in
April 2025, succeeding the smaller 16-guest PS Emmylou which currently
offers overnight cruises on the Murray.
The 35-metre PS (Paddle steamer) Australian Star will become
Australia’s first five-star river cruise experience, the largest paddle
steamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star
accommodated paddle steamer in the world.
The three-deck PS Australian Star will offer cruises lasting three
and four nights with guests able to combine the two cruises for a longer
seven-night cruise.
Fares, to be announced in July, will be all-inclusive, covering rail
transfers from Melbourne, daily shore excursions, and a campfire dinner.
Bookings for Australian Star will open in September.
PS Australian Star will also 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 and draw new high-yield domestic and international visitors
and lucrative tour group business to Victoria.
Murray River Paddlesteamers will offer a 10% commission for travel agents plus bonuses for multiple bookings.