Murray River Paddlesteamers has officially announced the 2025 launch date and the commencement of bookings for PS Australian Star, Australia's inaugural 5-star overnight riverboat.
The new luxury vessel, valued at $6.75 million, will offer year-round, all-inclusive cruises of up to a week on the Murray River from Echuca (Victoria).
Bookings for the 38-passenger Australian Star will be open to the public on February 5, 2024, with early-bird savings and bonuses available for bookings made by February 29, 2024. Pre-registration for the Australian Star Members Club allows Australians to secure bookings for the first sailings starting February 1, 2024. Attendees at the Geelong Travel Expo can also book in person at the cruise line's stand on February 4, 2024. Anticipated demand for the maiden cruises of the 35-meter (115-foot) vessel is high.
PS Australian Star's inaugural cruises are set for a 4-night sailing on May 5, 2025, followed by a 3-night cruise on May 9, 2025, continuing throughout the year. Guests have the option to combine both for a 7-night journey from May 12, 2025, onwards.
Despite initial plans for a public competition to name the luxury vessel, Murray River Paddlesteamers has confirmed that PS Australian Star will retain its working title, as it resonates strongly with Australians.
The vessel, being constructed in a specially designed shed beside the Murray River in Mildura, will be Australia's first 5-star river cruise vessel, the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere, and the only wood-fired, 5-star, accommodated paddlesteamer globally.
Supported by $2.25 million in funding from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, PS Australian Star will succeed the smaller and older PS Emmylou, currently offering overnight cruises on the Murray.
Fares for the inaugural 2025-2026 season of PS Australian Star have been released, starting from $2670 per person for a 3-night cruise, $3560 per person for a four-night sailing, and $6280 per person for a 7-night journey, all twin-share. Departing from the historic river port of Echuca in Victoria, the fares include onboard meals, daily shore excursions, V Line rail transport between Melbourne and Echuca, cruise transfers, Wi-Fi, gratuities, selected beers and wines with dinner, and soft drinks, bottled water, and tea/coffee throughout the cruise.
General bookings for PS Australian Star open on February 5, 2024.