Captain Cook Cruises proudly celebrates its 55th birthday, with festivities launched on Sunday, 26th January, Australia Day. While our 50th-anniversary plans were delayed by the global pandemic, this milestone provides a moment to reflect on our rich history, honour our resilience, and celebrate with our guests and team as we look forward to a vibrant future as legacy holders of Sydney Harbour.
Sunday’s celebrations featured an array of nostalgic and modern touches, including pavlova and modern lamingtons inspired by the 1970s, live entertainment with hits from the era, and prizes of Harvey Wall bangers and Brandy Alexanders for the best guest photos shared on the day. Over 1,000 guests across four vessels came together to enjoy a stunning summer’s day on the water, marking this significant milestone for Captain Cook Cruises and celebrating the beauty and spirit of Sydney Harbour.
“As we celebrate 55 years, we reflect on how Captain Cook Cruises has become a part of so many special memories for our guests. This milestone reflects our dedication to providing world-class experiences while respecting the cultural and natural heritage of Sydney Harbour,” said Nick Lester, General Manager at Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney.
A Legacy of Excellence
Captain Cook Cruises was founded in 1970 by Trevor and Geraldine Haworth, driven by a passion for showcasing the natural splendour of Sydney Harbour and creating unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Over the decades, their children, Jackie, Anthony, and Alison, grew up within the business, contributing to its remarkable legacy and helping to shape the brand that so many Australians cherish today.
In 2012, the company became part of the SeaLink Marine and Tourism family, a proudly Australian-owned publicly listed company headquartered in Adelaide. SeaLink has brought new innovation and expanded opportunities for Captain Cook Cruises while preserving the rich traditions established by the Haworth family. A new video series, The House of Haworth, has been launched to honour their inspiring journey of grit, determination, and triumph.
Since our first cruise on 26th January 1970, Captain Cook Cruises has welcomed millions of guests from all over the world. From hosting iconic figures such as Pope Benedict, President George Bush, and the Spice Girls, to creating magical moments for families and friends, we have cemented our place as an enduring icon of Sydney.
“Our family has been cruising on Captain Cook Cruises for decades. We’ve celebrated many occasions onboard including Australia Day, Boxing Day, plus birthdays and other celebrations. We love the team; we love the Harbour, and we will keep coming for years to come.” shared long-time guest Sandra Lyon.
Looking to the Future
As we look to the future, Captain Cook Cruises remains dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Sydney Harbour and sharing its rich history. Central to this vision is our collaboration with Aunty Margaret Campbell, a respected Gadigal elder, whose teachings on Aboriginal navigation and the significance of the stars have deepened our understanding of the harbour’s Indigenous heritage.
To further honour and celebrate these stories, we have introduced smartphone commentary in seven different languages and developed a map of Sydney Harbour that features points of interest written in both English and the Indigenous Gadigal names. Additionally, Indigenous artist Alysha Menzel has created a bespoke artwork that reflects the stars that guided Captain Cook to Sydney Harbour in 1788, alongside Captain Cook Cruises vessels that bring people from around the world together to marvel at the harbour and celebrate life. This artwork will be prominently displayed on our flagship vessel, Sydney 2000, ensuring these important stories are shared with everyone who journeys across the harbour.
As part of ensuring Captain Cook Cruises plays its role to ensure its legacy continues the team is also committed to sustainability and accessibility. Through our ongoing partnership with the SeaBin project, we actively work to reduce plastic waste and protect Sydney Harbour’s natural beauty. Accessibility is at the forefront of our mission, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the magic of the harbour.
The team is excited to explore new opportunities to enhance guest experiences, including expanded routes and innovative eco-friendly initiatives designed to further minimise our environmental footprint.
Join the Celebration
To mark our 55th anniversary, we invite everyone to join the celebrations. Guests can participate in the Cruising Down Memory Lane competition by sharing their favourite memories onboard for a chance to win monthly Cruise Cash prizes and a grand prize of $5,500 in Cruise Cash, to be announced after Australia Day 2026. Submissions can be made via our website or social media using the hashtag #Captaincookcruises.
Throughout the year, Captain Cook Cruises will also offer special cruise deals, exclusive events for Captains Club Members, and limited-edition memorabilia to commemorate this incredible milestone.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our guests, employees, and partners who have supported us throughout this journey. This celebration is as much yours as it is ours,” said Nick Lester, General Manager.
