Marking a significant milestone, SeaLink Marine & Tourism is proud to announce that Captain Cook Cruises Sydney has officially set sail on its 55th year, with celebrations that began on Australia Day, Sunday 26 January. This anniversary year offers an opportunity to reflect on the brand's rich history, honour its resilience, and celebrate with guests and crew while looking ahead to a vibrant future on Sydney Harbour.

Over 2,000 guests across four vessels gathered on the harbour to mark the occasion, enjoying a stunning summer's day on the water. With a year of festivities ahead, Captain Cook Cruises is set to continue celebrating the beauty and spirit of Sydney Harbour in style.

Nick Lester, General Manager of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney, added, “As we celebrate 55 years, we reflect on how Captain Cook Cruises has become a part of so many special memories for our guests. While our 50th anniversary celebrations were delayed due to COVID, this milestone is an opportunity for us to honour a rich history and unwavering dedication to providing world-class experiences while respecting the cultural and natural heritage of Sydney Harbour.”

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 & Tourism family, a proudly Australian-owned company and subsidiary of publicly listed Kelsian Group, Australia's largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator. Headquartered in Adelaide, SeaLink has introduced 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, will be launched in the coming weeks to honour their inspiring journey of grit, determination, and triumph.

Since the first cruise on 26th January 1970, Captain Cook Cruises has welcomed millions of guests from around the world, hosting iconic figures such as Pope Benedict, President George Bush, and the Spice Girls, while creating unforgettable moments for families and friends. This legacy has cemented its place as an enduring icon of Sydney.

Donna Gauci, CEO of SeaLink Marine & Tourism, commented, “Captain Cook Cruises has long been a cherished part of Sydney Harbour's history, and we are incredibly proud to see it reach this milestone. As part of the SeaLink family, this brand continues to evolve while staying true to its legacy of delivering world-class experiences.

This celebration is not just about looking back on 55 years of history but also about recognising the exciting future ahead as we continue investing in sustainable and innovative ways to connect people to this iconic destination,” Ms Gauci said.

Looking to the future

Captain Cook Cruises remains committed to preserving the natural beauty of Sydney Harbour and sharing its rich history. A collaboration with Aunty Margaret Campbell, a respected Gadigal elder, has deepened the understanding of Aboriginal navigation and the significance of the stars in Sydney Harbour's Indigenous heritage.

To further honour and celebrate these stories, smartphone commentary in seven languages has been introduced, alongside a newly developed map of Sydney Harbour featuring points of interest written in both English and the Indigenous Gadigal names.

Additionally, Indigenous artist Alysha Menzel has created a bespoke artwork reflecting 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. This artwork will be prominently displayed on the flagship vessel, Sydney 2000, ensuring these important stories are shared with everyone who journeys across the harbour.

Sustainability and accessibility remain at the forefront of Captain Cook Cruises' future plans. Through an ongoing partnership with the SeaBin project, efforts continue to reduce plastic waste and protect Sydney Harbour's natural beauty. New opportunities to enhance guest experiences are also being explored, including expanded routes and innovative eco-friendly initiatives designed to further minimise environmental impact.

Join the celebration and win

To mark this milestone, Captain Cook Cruises Sydney will be holding a series of competitions running throughout 2025, designed to thank customers and celebrate this milestone. As part of the celebrations, guests are invited to participate in the Cruising Down Memory Lane social media competition by sharing their favourite photos or memories from their time onboard. Each month, one winner will receive $550 in Cruise Cash, and at the end of the year, the most outstanding post will be awarded the Major Prize of $5,500 in Cruise Cash.

Captain's Club members will also have multiple opportunities to win, with monthly draws offering $550 in Cruise Cash to members who cruise with Captain Cook Cruises, and a Grand Finale prize of $5,500 in Cruise Cash for all members who sail during 2025. To enter, guests can join the Captain's Club and submit their memories on Facebook or Instagram using #CaptainCookCruises. Full details on how to participate are available at www.captaincook.com.au/captains-club.

Throughout the year, Captain Cook Cruises will also offer special cruise deals, exclusive events for Captain's Club Members, and limited-edition memorabilia to commemorate this milestone.

As this momentous milestone is celebrated, the focus remains on creating more unforgettable memories for future generations.

Visit www.captaincook.com.au for more information or to book your next magical experience.