Save the Murray & Save 50% – July 2008

Early this month Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Minister of Climate Change & Water, Senator Penny Wong visited to the Lower Lakes of the Murray River. Unfortunately the resulting media has created a public perception that the entire Murray/Darling system has run dry. This is far from the truth and we want to reassure our passengers that PS Murray Princess continues to cruise to our current itinerary between Murray Bridge and Swan Reach and we do not foresee any change to this itinerary in the coming months.

PS Murray Princess has been operating on the Murray River since 1987 and the ship has seen many floods and droughts. Our Captain and Crew have first hand knowledge of the river and its environs. Below is the latest report, direct from Captain Ray Weedon on the Murray River.

July 2008

There has been no change in the operation of the Murray Princess since December 2007. The Murray Princess continues to provide a “must see” cruising experience.

Should the worst case scenario be reached and the Lower Lakes dry completely, the main channel of the River Murray between Wellington and Swan Reach will retain enough water to ensure a continued water supply to Adelaide and thus allowing tourism on the Lower Murray to prevail. All water related tourism continues to flourish and visitors are surprised to see so much activity on the Murray.

The lower water levels are providing our passengers with amazing new sights. Historic artifacts, old stone causeways and huge red gum snags that haven’t seen the light of day for over half a century are emerging from the river depths. Newly-formed mud flats are becoming feeding grounds for a variety of fauna. The conditions have proved ideal for Southern River Red Gums with thousands of seedlings forming mini forests up to two metres high. This is providing a new habitat for a diversity of birds and small animals. And as inland sources of water recede, animals and birds are migrating to the river environment in a concentration of animal life rarely seen on the river.

Don’t take our word for it, take a well deserved break and check it out for yourself! Experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to view the astounding scenery presented by the drought.

Book before 31 Aug 08 for travel Aug & Dec 08, or Jan-Feb 09 and as a Club Member you will not only save a massive 50% but help to restore confidence in this spectacular cruising waterway. Excludes Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruises. Click here for full details

Phone 1800 804 843 from Australia or 61-2-9206 1100 International or visit www.captaincook.com.au