The 38-guest PS Australian Star will offer cruises of three to seven nights year-round on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria.
Former Echuca tourism leader and respected regional tourism industry expert, Kathryn Mackenzie OAM (below), will serve as godmother of the ship.
The official christening of the $11 million river vessel will take place on February 20 at historic Perricoota Station on the Murray River near Echuca.
PS Australian Star’s first commercial cruise from Echuca on February 23 will be a seven-night sailing offered by APT Luxury Travel which has chartered close to half of the riverboat’s sailings for 2026 and 2027.
The riverboat boasts a deluxe lounge offering sweeping river vistas, a gourmet restaurant, expansive outdoor relaxation areas, a passenger lift to all decks and 19 sleek staterooms, all opening to a deck and offering an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen and ever-changing river views.
“This beautiful new vessel will change the face of Echuca,” said Ms Mackenzie, who was the CEO of Echuca Moama Tourism from 2017 to 2022 and before that the tourism head at Bendigo City Council.
“The luxurious PS Australian Star will make Echuca an international cruise destination. Europe has luxury river cruises and now we do on the Murray.”
Earlybird savings for 2027 sailings aboard PS Australian Star from Echuca, Victoria – Book by Feb 28.
Book a seven-night cruise aboard PS Australia Star sailing between January 1 and August 31, 2027, and receive:
* A $100 saving per person
* Free hotel stay for two guests before or after your cruise at either the Mercure Port of Echuca or The Savoy Melbourne opposite Southern Cross Station where trains depart for Echuca
* Go into a draw to win $1000 off your total stateroom fare – drawn March 1. Book from now to Feb 28 on www.mrps.com.au . Conditions apply and subject to availability.
Fares for a seven-night cruise in 2027 are available from $6,450 per person twin-share, including the $100 saving.
Fares include return rail transfers from Melbourne to Echuca, onboard meals, daily shore excursions and experiences, cruise transfers, Wi-Fi, gratuities, selected beers and wines with dinner and soft drink, bottled water and tea/coffee throughout the cruise.
