The general price of the private charter of PS Marion is as follows:
3 hour cruise - $1800
6 hour cruise - $3600
Overnight cabin accommodation for up to 28 people - additional $400
Bookings are dependent upon PS Marion's cruise schedule and are at the discretion of the Marion Operations Group, a sub-committee of the Mannum Dock Museum. As it takes approximately 12-14 hours to get up steam and prepare Marion for sailing, if the requested cruise date does not coincide with other planned cruise activity the minimum cost is $3600. The lower priced charter is optional only when it fits with another scheduled cruise activity.
The $400 cost for overnight accommodation for up to 28 people includes a continental breakfast, however if a hot breakfast is required this will attract an additional fee.
 Cruise times are negotiable. Click here to see current bookings.
Thank you for considering the private charter of the award winning PS Marion. This information brochure has been compiled to assist in the planning of your special event.
Based at Mannum on the River Murray in South Australia with the claim to fame as the world’s last remaining operational heritage steam driven wood fired side paddle wheeler with overnight passenger accommodation, PS Marion is an integral part of the Mannum Dock Museum. Being 100% crewed and maintained by a dedicated volunteer workforce your support through the charter of the heritage vessel helps keeps the grand old lady of the river steaming.
We supply crew to operate the vessel consisting of Captain, Mate, Engineer, Fireman, Purser (Host/Hostess) and 4 x Deckhands as per our survey regulations.
PS Marion is surveyed to carry a total of 100 people. When planning your charter considerations must be made for 9 crew members and your service staff (including caterers, waiting and bar staff, photographer, musicians etc). It is requested you limit your total passenger numbers to 85.
Dining and Catering
The dining room of PS Marion seats 30 people, if your passenger numbers exceed this amount you may wish to consider buffet or cocktail style catering for your meal(s). We maintain crockery, cutlery and glassware for 30 people on board - if your passenger numbers exceed 30 you will need to hire all crockery and glassware at your own cost. We recommend Knights Party Hire and Party Supplies, 134 Adelaide Road Murray Bridge, telephone 8531 2060. All hire equipment comes wrapped and sealed and they offer delivery to and pick up from Mannum at an additional cost. We have a current price list for various hire equipment available upon request.
In keeping with the heritage of the vessel, the oven in the galley is wood fired. Please discuss this with your caterer as not all chefs are experienced in cooking with a wood fired oven. We have a sheet of hints and tips available on the use of the oven, Esse, which we are happy to provide. Fuel for Esse is in the form of briquettes and are supplied at no additional cost to you. Your caterers contact details are required to enable us to liaise with them regarding the pre-heating of the oven. The galley is also equipped with a microwave oven and a small cold room for storage of perishables.
Catering costs are the responsibility of the charterer with freedom to bring the caterer of your choice on board. Dependent upon availability of PS Marion’s chefs we may be able to provide the catering for your charter. Our chefs are highly regarded with excellent references. We are happy to recommend local caterers who are experienced in providing professional catering. Please ask the Museum Coordinator for further information if required.
The vessel is to be left in a clean condition after use. Galley equipment and crockery are to be clean, packed and left as found. The charterer will be charged for all breakages.
The charterer is also required to provide meals for the PS Marion crew during the period of charter.
 Liquor Licence
The Mannum Dock Museum Board posses a liquor licence for the service of alcohol on PS Marion. Two small bar fridges are located in the front lounge on the middle deck. It is suggested you also supply your own eskies. Drinks are strictly BYO – you must supply all of the drinks for the duration of your charter including drinking water.
Decorations
Your decoration plans should be discussed with the Museum Coordinator. Please note drawing pins must not be used. Party poppers have been known to set off the smoke detectors located in the front lounge on the middle deck.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all areas except on overnight cruises on the aft of the middle and top decks (outside). It is preferable passengers refrain from smoking.
Promotional Images
We are happy to supply our logo and images of PS Marion in digital format for use on your promotional material (invitations etc). It would be preferable to arrange an appointment with the Museum Coordinator make your selection from our extensive photo gallery.
On Board Overnight Accommodation
Overnight accommodation (boat layout) is available for up to 28 people. This number allows for crew members’ accommodation but does not include catering staff. In the event catering staff are required on board overnight, overnight passenger numbers must be reduced. All cabins consist of two tier bunk configuration and shower/toilet facilities are shared with four toilets and four showers located on the middle deck. Power points for the use of hair dryers and electric shavers are located in each of the toilets. Two cabins only, located on the top deck, have power points which can be used if any of your guests use a sleep apnoea machine. Power points are also located in the lounge on both the top and middle decks, and in the dining room.
Linen
Linen, including sheets and bedding, towels, face washers, bath mats, tablecloths and tea towels are supplied and included in the private charter costs.
Car Parking
Pre-arranged secure car parking for overnight guests only is available. A crew member will gather all drivers of vehicles and accompany to the secure parking facility at the Mid Murray Council Depot, located off Adelaide Road, next to Mannum Engine Centre. Mannum Taxi can be used to transport the drivers back to PS Marion. Please be aware you must cover the cost of the taxi transportation for both your guests and crew (cash only direct to taxi). If PS Marion is remaining moored in Mannum overnight at our home berth at Arnold Park Wharf, cars may be parked in the Museum grounds overnight in lieu of the Council Depot.
Deposit
To secure the private charter of PS Marion a deposit of 20% is required, with the balance payable 4 weeks before the scheduled cruise. Payment can be made by cash, credit card or cheque (made payable to Mannum Dock Museum).
Contact Us
Please feel free to contact the Museum Coordinator by telephone on 8569 2733 or e-mail at email with any questions you may have. We will endeavour to do our very best to ensure the smooth planning of your special event.
|
