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Murray River Paddlesteamers, Echuca - Great Local Experiences

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DISCOVER Murray River Cruising

Choose your Dream Murray River Cruise

Explore the Murray River

Unrivalled Luxury

Sail aboard the PS Australian Star, a brand-new luxury paddlesteamer launched in 2025. Enjoy local cuisine and a wide range of all-day onboard beverages. With 19 staterooms, the ship caters to 38 guests, ensuring an exclusive and indulgent Murray River experience.

Luxurious Accommodation

The PS Australian Star features 19 luxurious staterooms, with all enjoying panoramic views of the Murray River. All staterooms feature ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen televisions and ample storage space.

Expertly Crafted Travel Experiences

Your APT Cruise Director will provide seamless service and attention to detail. Enjoy an enriching journey, savouring each and every moment as you discover the Murray River aboard a brand-new luxury paddlesteamer.

Murray River Heritage

Delve into the Murray River’s rich history while discovering the artistry of local silos, exploring historical precincts, and visiting unique attractions like the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum. Our curated shore excursions will immerse you in the cultural tapestry of the Murray River region.

Best-in-class fleet

Experience  the PS Australian Star, a brand-new luxury paddlesteamer. The ship features 19 luxury staterooms and exceptional facilities. The Hopwood Lounge and outdoor seating area are the perfect places to relax and watch the river go by, while the Randell dining restaurant offers delicious and locally sourced fare with a fresh menu every day.

PS Australian Star

The Randell Restaurant

Explore the tranquil Murray River region aboard our brand-new luxury paddlesteamer the PS Australian Star, relishing in gourmet cuisine, discovering the region’s cultural delights and enjoying luxurious accommodation on board.

The Randell dining restaurant offers guests a new menu every day showcasing fresh and delicious local produce and cuisine.

The PS Australian Star features 19 luxuriously appointed staterooms and offers a variety of accommodation styles, from the King and Queen Owner's Suites to the generously sized Queen Cabins. All staterooms open to a deck, with Owner's Suites enjoying their own private balconies.

Incredible Experiences

Signature Experiences

Seize unforgettable moments to enrich your Australian journey. Indulge in delectable dining and thrilling adventures, embracing exclusive opportunities that elevate your travel escapades.

Luxury Murray River Cruises in Echuca Moama

0409 173 376

Your must do Murray River Experience …

20/10/2024 Explore the Murray region on a tour with day cruising along the best parts of the river. Call now for $100 off per person!

On Sale 7-Night Cruise or 7-Night Upper Murraylands Cruise on Sale – Save $150 per person – Exclusive Offer

• Australian Star

Australian Star FAQs

Step aboard the Australian Star , the newest addition to cruise the Murray River, launching in June 2025. This state-of-the-art vessel combines heritage charm with modern luxury to offer an extraordinary river cruising experience like no other. As you prepare to embark on this exciting new journey, you may have questions about the Australian Star , the cruise, and the unforgettable experiences awaiting you along the iconic Murray River. Our Australian Star FAQs provide a wealth of information, designed to guide you through every detail of your upcoming adventure. Join us as we set the stage for your voyage aboard the most luxurious paddle steamer on the river!

What type of shore excursions are available?

Depending on the cruise itinerary you select these are the shore excursions offered with the Australian Star: – Join the owner for a tour of Restdown Winery with lunch – Explore Perricoota Station’s enchanting gardens, the location for the iconic Australian television series, All the Rivers Run. – Immerse yourself in the Silo Arts Tour, with lunch at the Colbinabbin Pub.Embark on an eco-cruise adventure aboard the Murray Explorer. – Echuca’s historical sites on a narrated coach tour. – Riverside BBQ dining experience under the stars, with live entertainment. – Cruise aboard the venerable 110-year-old PS Canberra, sipping on traditional morning tea. – Explore the Heritage Farm Museum during an onshore tour. – Tastings of table and fortified wines at St Anne’s Winery. – See Torrumbarry Weir and its surroundings

Can I get picked up from my hotel before the cruise?

– Complimentary return V/Line train fare from Melbourne – Complimentary transfer to/from Australian Star

What is the dress code on a cruise?

During the day, sportswear and casual clothes are 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 requested in both the Dining Room and Lounges. During the evening smart casual wear is recommended – an open-neck shirt and slacks for gentlemen and a dress, skirt, and blouse or pants outfit for the ladies. At the dinner on the final night of the Australian Star cruise, a jacket and tie would not be out of place for gentlemen, and a cocktail dress or pants outfit for the ladies.

Are meals included on a cruise?

All meals are included on Murray River Cruises. Beverages incur an additional cost.

What kind of on-board entertainment is available?

Depending on the cruise you select there may be additional activities. Most cruises will include music at night or sometimes movies are offered. WiFi is usually available along the river. A book or cards are a great addition to your onboard entertainment. 

How do I book a cruise?

You can book all our cruises through our website, Murray River Cruises. Alternatively, our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team will make booking a cruise an easy and seamless experience. Call 1800 994 620 now to organise your cruise.

What is included in the cost of a cruise? Can you confirm that this is correct for all cruises?

All meals (table d’hote and a la carte menus),  An exciting selection of onshore tours (if applicable), Guided nature walks & eco excursions (if applicable), Onboard presentations and Live entertainment (if applicable) are included in your cruise, depending on the specific cruise booked.  Fares exclude drinks not stated, optional tours if provided, and additional services. Please view your specific booking for details of your cruise inclusions.

Is there an age limit for cruises?

The passenger warrants that they are physically fit and capable of undertaking the cruise. Guests must notify in writing at the time of booking of any physical or mental illness, disability or other conditions for which special accommodations are required.  The vessel does not carry a medical doctor aboard. Acute medical conditions will require you to disembark to be attended to by shore-side emergency and/or medical response.

What do I need to bring on a cruise?

Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses and good sunblock. Pack comfortable clothing and swimwear as well as a lightweight raincoat and waterproof shoes. You will also require insect repellent. Don’t forget your personal toiletries and medications and of course your camera and any chargers you may need.

I have limited mobility, is there anything I need to know for an Australian Star cruise?

If you require further information please  contact us  to discuss.

Is there a Doctor on board ?

The ship’s crews do not include a doctor, however, the ship’s Officers are trained in First Aid. There is no pharmacy onboard. Please ensure you bring adequate prescription medicines you may require. Acute medical conditions will require you to disembark to be attended to by shore-side emergency and/or medical response. The nearest Medical Centre and/or Pharmacy is located at Echuca. There are no public transport facilities available, transport is only available via taxicab.

Are my valuables safe?

For your convenience valuables may be lodged with the Captain for safekeeping in the Captain’s safe. The company accepts no liability.

Can I smoke on the boat?

Smoking is not permitted anywhere aboard the vessel including inside cabins and suites.

Is there electricity available on the boat?

The ship’s electricity is AC 240 volts 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Hairdryers are provided on the cruises, however you are welcome to bring your own shavers and hair dryers if you wish.

How much luggage can I bring?

Baggage is limited to what you can stow in your cabins, so you would be advised not to overpack. All bags must be clearly labelled with your name. Bags have to be handled by crew and we would appreciate a weight limit of 15 kg.

We have a special occasion to celebrate. What can you do for us?

You are welcome to order a cake, or champagne or make some other celebratory arrangement for that special occasion. Please give four weeks’ notice before sailing.

What do we do with special requests or dietary requirements?

Once we leave the wharf these ships cannot obtain additional supplies or medicines. Special requests or dietary requirements must be advised to your booking agent as early as possible. Upon boarding please consult with your Cruise Director. Please also ensure you bring any prescription medication you may need.

Do I need to bring anything at check-in?

The following information is required at check-in:  – Photo identification for each passenger (driver’s licence or passport)  – Your cruise confirmation number (located on your e-ticket)  – Your credit card (as security against your onboard Cabin account)

Can cruises be changed/cancelled?

Some cruises can be changed or cancelled, depending on the booking type, and how long before departure cancellation or amendment is required, please read the booking terms and conditions prior to making a booking. Please note that special offers, event cruises, or group bookings may have variations on booking terms and conditions that apply to the individual booking.    Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Have more questions about the Murray River in general, check out our Murray River FAQs .

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Echuca celebrates 160 years since the railways arrival

The Port of Echuca will be commemorating 160 years since the railway first arrived in Echuca back in 1864.

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The railway officially opened on September 19, 1864, and bridged the gap between Melbourne to Echuca before later on connecting the inner parts of Australia to the wider world.

Port of Echuca marketing officer Gerard Oman said the railway was the start of many things for Echuca.

“Lots of things happened because of the railway line,” he said.

“It made Echuca explode in terms of population and what Echuca was actually able to do.

“It was significant in the development of the whole of Australia.”

Echuca was the closest point on the Murray River to Melbourne and with the arrival of the railway, goods were able to be transported from communities along the river down to Echuca and then packed on to trains to be carried to Melbourne and beyond.

The local population also grew rapidly with the railways arrival. Echuca initially had a population of around 300 which shot to 1500 in the first 12 months and then to 3000 in only a couple of years.

In more recent times, with support from the Victoria Government’s Regional Tourism Investment program, the railway has since been refurbished.

Much on the works were concentrated on replacing and restoring the timbers along the Echuca wharf railway station platform and siding.

To commemorate the railways’ significance in Echuca’s history, Port of Echuca will host a cake-cutting ceremony at the Echuca Wharf Station in front of the A2 train on Saturday, September 21, at 11am.

The day will also mark the start of school holidays so there will be plenty for families and children to enjoy before and after the railways celebration such as:

• The Echuca Moama Model Railway Club in the old woodturners building from 10am.
• Ticketed paddlesteamer cruises on the PS Pevensey from 10.15am.
• Large and small model train display set up for all ages.
• Dookie Lions Club children mini train ride in pop-up park area from 10.30am.
• Echuca Vintage Machinery Club in Murray Esplanade (Saturday and Sunday) — Free.
• Traction engine in Murray Esplanade (Saturday only) — Free.

The Port of Echuca will continue to run school holiday activities over the two weeks.

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• CruiseMapper
• Icebreakers

NS Rossiya icebreaker

Cruise line Rosatom-Rosmorport Russia (Icebreakers)

Specifications of NS Rossiya icebreaker

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•   Wiki

NS Rossiya vessel details

Project Leader icebreakers are designed with intended lifespan/service life of 40 years.

• Min Draft: 11,5 m (38 ft)
• Max Draft: 13 m (43 ft)
• DWT-Deadweight tonnage: 100,000 tonnes
• Displacement tonnage: 50,398 tonnes (standard), 70,674 tonnes (full-load)
• Icebreaking capacity: 4,3 m (14 ft) at speed 2 kn / 3,7 kph / 2,3 mph
• Max icebreaking capacity: 5 m (16 ft)
• Range: unlimited (8 months endurance without bunkering/refueling)
• Powerplant: two RITM-400 nuclear reactors (each 315 MW, or 630 MW combined power output)
• Propulsion: turbo-electric, 4 shafts, 4 electric motors (30 MW output each, or 120 MW combined power output), 4x FPPs/fixed pitch propellers (each with 4x removable blades)
• Aft Helideck

The RITM-400 is a larger version of the RITM-200 nuclear reactor developed by Rosatom's subsidiary company OKBM Afrikantov (nuclear engineering company in Nizhny Novgorod ). RITM-200 itself is an improvement of the KLT-40 nuclear fission reactors, preceded by the ship reactors OK-150 and OK-900. All these floating powerplants are with lifespan 60 years, fuel cycle 6 years (require refueling every 10 years) and use up to 20% enriched Uranium-235.

The vessel's speed is depending on ice conditions/thickness: 23 knots (in clean water), 15 knots (2-m / 7-ft ice), 2 knots (4,3-m / 14-ft ice).

For information regarding the old Rossiya icebreaker (1985-built/2013-decommissioned) see the ship's Wiki page .

Note: In the case of poor AIS coverage, tracking the vessel's current location will be impossible.

You can see CruiseMapper's list of all icebreakers and ice-breaking research ships in the "itinerary" section of our Icebreakers hub. All states and their fleets are listed there.

Photos of NS Rossiya icebreaker

Other Rosatom-Rosmorport Russia cruise ships

• 50 Let Pobedy icebreaker
• Kapitan Khlebnikov icebreaker
• NS Arktika icebreaker
• NS Chukotka icebreaker
• NS Leningrad icebreaker
• NS Sibir icebreaker
• NS Ural icebreaker
• NS Yakutia icebreaker
• Sevmorput icebreaker
• Sovetskiy Soyuz icebreaker
• Taymyr icebreaker
• Vaygach icebreaker
• Yamal icebreaker

NS Rossiya icebreaker Wiki

ROSATOM (2007-founded) is a state-owned nuclear energy corporation headquartered in Moscow. It comprises over 360 companies and organizations, specializing in scientific research and nuclear weapons, as well as the world's only fleet of nuclear icebreakers. In 2017, ROSATOM produced 202,868 billion kWh of electricity annually or 18,9% of Russia's total electricity. Corporation's construction projects include 33 nuclear powerplant units installed and maintained in 12 countries. It also manufactures related equipment, produces isotopes for nuclear medicine, conducts research and studies, produces supercomputers and software, develops renewable energy technologies (including wind turbines). ROSATOM covers 17,7% of the world's nuclear fuel market and ~35% market share of the global Uranium enrichment services.

The old Rossiya icebreaker

The old vessel (IMO number 8424240) was Russia- flagged (MMSI 273133400) and registered in Murmansk . It was officially decommissioned in 2013 (following the winter 2012-13 deployment in the Gulf of Finland) and is currently laid up (still not scrapped).

One of the largest Russian icebreaker ships, Rossiya is a nuclear-powered icebreaking vessel of the Arktika-class. Its construction (hull/yard number 702) started on February 20, 1981, with the keel-layin), the launch/float out from drydock was on November 2, 1983, and was delivered/commissioned on December 20, 1985.

Besides NS Rossiya, the list of other Russian nuclear icebreaker ships includes Arktika (2017), Sibir (2021), Taymyr (1989), Ural (2022), Vaygach (1990), Sevmorput (1988, cargo ship).

In the Summer of 1990, this nuclear ship was used to transport an expedition of 40 West Germans to the North Pole. This was the first non-communist charter of a nuclear icebreaker. The ship operated in the Gulf of Finland during winter 2012-13.

Rossiya's itinerary program offered North Pole expeditions and also longer voyages on the Northern Sea Route (along Russia's Arctic coastline). Russia's nuclear fleet of ice-breaking vessels is used exclusively in the Arctic Ocean for escorting merchant ships and assisting research stations floating in the ice-covered waters north of Siberia. These ships are also used for scientific and Arctic cruise expeditions. The Russian nuclear ice-breakers must sail in ice-cold waters to effectively cool their reactors.

NS Rossiya belongs to the Arktika-class (Project 10520) nuclear ships - until 2017 the world's largest and most powerful ever constructed. The ship is one of all 6 units in this class (Arktika-class/Project 10520), together with the old Sibir (1977-1992), the old Arktika (1975-2008), Sovetskiy Soyuz (1990), Yamal (1992), and 50 Let Pobedy (2007).

All units were constructed at Baltiysky Zavod/Baltic Shipyard ( Sankt-Petersburg ).

The vessel has 1 dining room, Sauna, Library, Auditorium, Passenger Lounge, Gymnasium, 1 swimming pool (indoor, heated), Infirmary, 1 elevator, 1 helipad (helicopter deck) with 2 helicopters.

• LOA Length: 150 m / 492 ft
• Beam/width: 30 m / 98 ft
• GT-tonnage: 20680 tons
• Decks: 5 (2 with cabins)
• Passengers: 100
• Max Speed: 21 knots / 39 kph / 24 mph
• Max Draught: 11 m (36 ft)
• DWT Deadweight tonnage: 2713 tons
• Displacement tonnage: 23630 tons
• Icebreaking capacity: 2,8 m (9 ft)
• Range: unlimited (4 years endurance)
• Powerplant: two OK-900A nuclear reactors (each 171 MW, or combined 342 MW power output)
• Propulsion: turbo-electric, 3 shafts, 3 electric motors (17,6 MW output each, or 52,8 MW combined power output).