Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about our river cruises? We’ve answered the most common questions we’re regularly asked in the guide below or use can use the chat box in the bottom right-hand corner of this website.
If you prefer to chat with one of our friendly cruise specialists, they are available seven days a week between 9am – 5pm via by calling +61 3 5482 5244 or emailing us at info@mrps.com.au
We’re always happy to assist with any travel enquiries and look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Passenger Cruise Guide - PS Emmylou
Thank you for choosing to travel with us aboard PS Emmylou. Please note your travel is subject to the terms and conditions of the Passenger Cruise Agreement. Once Emmylou departs we are unable to obtain additional supplies or medicines. Special requests and/or dietary requirements must be advised on your online booking and Passenger Cruise Agreement within 3 days of making your reservation.
CHECK-IN INFORMATION
Check-in time is 3.00 pm.
If arriving by vehicle the check-in location is at our car parking location, 19-29 Cornelia Creek Road Echuca. For Map directions, see Car Parking on our website. If you’re arriving by V/Line Train from Melbourne, our team will be waiting to assist you when you arrive. We’ll help you park your vehicle safely and securely, assist with your baggage, and check you in quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your journey. Once you’re all checked in, our comfortable coach will transfer you directly to the departure point. If not arriving by Car or Train, please make your way to our Car Parking location for Check-In with other passengers. Please do not arrive at our Echuca office for Check-In.
Please present the following.
• Cruise Confirmation sent to you
• Photo Identification for each passenger
BAGGAGE
Baggage is limited to what you can stow in your cabins so please pack light. All bags must be clearly labelled with your name and limited to 15kg per bag.
BOARDING
Boarding commences 30 minutes before departure
- DEPARTURE & RETURN POINT
Cruises depart and end as detailed below;
3 Night Cruise – Departs Echuca – Ends Torrumbarry Weir
4 Night Cruise – Departs Torrumbarry Weir – Ends Echuca
7 Night Cruise – Departs & Ends Torrumbarry Weir
DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL TIMES
All cruises depart at 4.00 pm and end at 9.30 am
COACH TRANSFERS
Complimentary coach transfers are included in your cruise fare between our Car Parking location, Echuca Railway Station, and our Ticket Office to PS Emmylou at the beginning and end of your cruise. This includes transfers to and from Torrumbarry Weir.
TRAIN FROM / TO MELBOURNE
V-Line Train return transfers are included in your cruise fare. Please note coaches may sometimes replace trains between Bendigo & Echuca. Upon arrival at Echuca Train Station, you will be met by our friendly team and transferred to PS Emmylou. Please note if arriving other than the day of your cruise departure you will need to make your own arrangements for transfer to a local hotel. Travel time from Melbourne is approximately 3.5 hours.
CAR PARKING – RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Parking is $25 per day and must be pre-paid with your booking prior to departure. Our undercover secure car parking location is a short drive from River Boat Dock, located at 19 Cornelia Creek Road, Echuca, Cars are required to be at this location at 3.00 pm prior to departure. Parking is at owner’s risk.
COVID-19 CRUISE WELL PROGRAM
Your health and safety are our priority. Our Cruise Well Program is therefore all about ensuring we follow strict hygiene standards and procedures for you and our crew’s health and safety whilst cruising with us. Our Safety Plan is registered with NSW Health
DISEMBARKATION
Please leave your labelled luggage outside your cabin door prior to breakfast on the final day and your cabin key in the outside of the door. Luggage will be taken ashore by the crew. All cabin accounts must be settled the evening prior to disembarkation.
ALCOHOL
Our licensing laws do not permit alcohol to be brought on-board the vessel by passengers. Bottles of wine purchased from the wineries visited are allowed to be brought back on the boat but are not to be consumed whilst on board the cruise.
BAR & SPECIAL OCCASIONS
The closing time for bar services is 9.30 pm. If you’re celebrating a special occasion and would like us to make some special arrangements, please let us know 14 days in advance.
COFFEE & TEA
Coffee & Tea is available complimentary in the Saloon throughout the cruise. There are no coffee or tea facilities in cabins
DINING
Dining aboard PS Emmylou is an Australian affair of delicious chef-prepared menus. Campfires, riverside dining & BBQs are weather permitting. There is only one sitting for all meals and seating is open.
Breakfast 8.00am to 9.00am
Lunch From 12 Noon
Dinner 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm (Complimentary Selected Wines & Beer)
DRESS
During the day, sportswear and casual clothing is suggested. Footwear is requested at all times. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes and tennis shoes are most suitable on-deck and for onshore excursions. During the evening, smart casual wear is recommended and in the cooler months a good jacket as the evenings and early mornings can be chilly. We suggest you check the weather forecasts over the period of your cruise.
DRINKING WATER
The water from your cabin tap is not suitable for drinking. Bottled water is supplied in your cabin – please feel free to refill the container from the water tap available in the lounge.
SPECIAL DIETARY & ALLERAGY REQUIREMENTS
All special dietary and allergy information must be advised when completing the Passenger Cruise Agreement online. within 72 hours of booking. Where possible, we will endeavour to meet your requests. As a guide we regularly cater for Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Diabetic and non-Seafood passengers. We carry a range of gluten-free products on-board including gluten free/dairy free bread, a selection of breakfast cereals, gluten free/dairy free margarine, soy milk (light and regular), rice milk, a small selection of sweet biscuits and rice crackers.
ELECTRICS
The vessels electricity is AC 240 volts, 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Hair dryers are available in each cabin
GRATUITIES
Tipping is always a personal choice. As a general guide tipping is not required but is always gratefully received.
INCLUSIONS
The following is included in your cruise: accommodation, all meals, all onshore tours, coffee/tea/soft drink/bottled water and selected wines and beer with dinner service. On-board presentations, transfers to/from PS Emmylou at beginning and end of your cruise. Fares exclude drinks not stated, optional tours if provided and additional services
ON-BOARD PURCHASES
For your convenience, we operate an on-board account for each cabin for the duration of your cruise. Your cruise account must be settled the night prior to disembarkation. No cash is accepted aboard the boat, debit cards or credit card (Visa, MasterCard) only.
ONSHORE TOURS
During the cruise onshore tours are available. You are welcome to stay on-board the vessel if you do not wish to participate in excursions.
SMOKING
Please be advised that the entire vessel including your cabin is strictly No Smoking and includes E-cigarettes.
CABIN SERVICE / TOWELS
As Emmylou has no laundry and to help us save water and the environment cabins are not serviced daily. Towels are replaced and ensuites cleaned mid cruise on 4 and 7-night cruises. On all other cruise’s towels are not replaced daily. Please ensure you leave towels on the racks provided in your cabin to allow them to dry. Extra Towels are available upon request.
PRE OR POST STAY – ECHUCA
You can elect to add a Pre or Post Stay in Echuca staying with our preferred Hotel partner, Mercure Port of Echuca, staying in a Superior King Room. Transfers to and from PS Emmylou are included. If staying at another Echuca CBD Hotel a transfer fee of $50 per booking applies.
WEATHER
Rain or shine, waters on the Murray always make for smooth sailing. As a guide, expected seasonal temperatures range from 14-33 degrees Celsius during summer and 4-16 degrees Celsius during winter.
WHEELHOUSE
You are welcome to visit the wheelhouse, however, please avoid times when the vessel is manoeuvring into or leaving port.
WI-FI
Free Wi-Fi is available in your cabin and around the vessel. Please ask our crew for details.
GETTING AROUND PS EMMYLOU
Emmylou has two passenger decks. The main Deck is accessible by wheelchair however help will be required to traverse the crank shaft. The Upper Deck is not accessible by wheelchair and requires passengers to climb a staircase of 14 steps which are quite upright. We recommend that you reverse down facing the steps when coming down the staircase. Please ask our crew for assistance if required
PASSENGER CABINS
Passenger cabins are located on the Main & Upper Decks. There are 8 cabins in total all with Private Ensuite. The Main Deck cabin is the most suitable for passengers with limited mobility.
GETTING ASHORE
During the course of the cruise Emmylou stops at a number
of riverside locations where passengers can go ashore via the gangway. The steepness of the gangway will vary depending on the location (varying from steep riverbanks to flat historic wharves). The
crew are always on hand to assist passengers ashore. The terrain will also vary depending on river conditions. Rough ground, inclines and sand may provide obstacles to those with limited mobility. Wheelchair access for onshore tours may not be possible
SWIMMING & FISHING
If you wish to swim or Fish in the river, please seek advice from one of our crew as to the easiest and safest method of doing so. Swimming in the river is at your own risk and is not supervised by the crew.
