About

About Proud Mary

Proud Mary was designed by Naval Architect, Mr Peter James, and built by Ron Proud who owned the Berri Ship Building Company in 1981. It was purposely built with a shallow draft, allowing the vessel to safely navigate shallow sections of the river. The style of the vessel evokes the legendary Mississippi river cruisers and the original paddle steamers that shaped the successful development of this part of the Murray River – and in fact, South Australia - through industrious trading in the 1800s.

Originally owned and operated by the Foord family, Proud Mary had been branded under various names until its purchase in 2011 by owners Dennis Sims, Matthew Sims and Mark Greig. This is when her then owners saw fit to re-launch under the iconic M.V Proud Mary brand. The vessel was also slipped and refurbished ready for a new chapter in Proud Mary’s journey.

In 2021 Matthew and Mark were honoured to become full custodians of Proud Mary with Dennis leaving for retirement after his 10-year involvement.

Our experienced Captains and dedicated team of over 20 employees proudly showcase the best of the River Murray to passengers every day of the year. Departing from Murray Bridge—just 74 km from Adelaide, South Australia—our cruises cater to local, interstate, and overseas visitors, offering secure car parking and transport assistance for a seamless experience. Our diverse cruise options include 2-night and 5-night itineraries, exclusive 7-night specialty tours in December, January, and July, as well as relaxing 2-hour luncheon cruises every Monday.

Each cruise is defined by exemplary service from crew members who are genuine ‘river locals’, chefs who are passionate about local seasonal produce and a tour and transport operator dedicated to providing an unforgettable Murray River experience.