Sydney Harbor Cruises – A Great Way To Experience Sydney
When in Sydney, a harbor boat trip is a must and Sydney Harbor cruises offer the chance to get out on the water and an excellent range of alternative ways to experience the harbour.
Companies that offer services include the big and well-known ones, the smaller boutiques, the themed ones, and the operators specializing in party cruises.
Cruises include sightseeing, dining, private charter and special event cruises for Australia Day, Christmas, New Years and the like. Cruise prices and durations vary.
Popular tourist cruise routes generally stay east of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Major sites seen include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Cove, Fort Denison, Woolloomooloo, Taronga Zoo, Kirribilli House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, and Luna Park.
Voyages staying in port for longer periods may also move further east, passing through Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Manly and Middle Harbour. They can also run west of the Harbor Bridge past places like Cockatoo Island and Darling Harbour.
Comments on sightseeing cruises are offered. Some of the larger ships have automated GPS commentary that is played through loudspeakers as you pass points of interest. Other cruise companies provide live commentary by a tour operator.
Alternatives to the Sydney Harbor Cruise
Magnetic, Captain Cook and Matilda Cruises
Majestic, Captain Cook, and Matilda Cruises are some of the larger companies that operate cruise ships in the port. These operators have many boats of all shapes and sizes and are easily identifiable in the harbor and at Circular Quay.
The companies are very popular with tourists and tour businesses as they run site-only cruises, which are basically “no-frills” trips around the port and typically last no more than an hour (prices range between AUD$30 and AUD$50).
These companies also offer dinner cruises that can include morning and afternoon tea, evening cocktails, lunch (prices range from AUD$50 to AUD$100) and dinner (prices range from AUD$50 to AUD$100). $200). Cruises typically last 2-4 hours.
A bar is available on cruise ships for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Lunch and dinner cruises may include unlimited alcohol packages for an additional cost.
Cruises are also offered for special events. These are a popular choice for the fantastic festive feel that Sydney Harbor can afford. Cruise time for special event cruises is typically 3-6 hours.
Captain Cook and Matilda Cruises offer “saver” tickets for the ferry and attractions. These offer 24- or 48-hour ferry services for hop-on hop-off to many attractions and port destinations, or ferry entry plus attraction in one ticket that saves up to 20% off the total cost.
Buy cruise companies
Sydney Harbor Cruises, Prestige Cruises and Vagabond Cruises also offer sightseeing and dining experiences, party cruises or private charter packages. They are smaller in size and offer a more intimate experience. The price range is similar to that of the larger companies.
Theme Cruises
Sydney Tall Ships and The Tribal Warrior (operated by Captain Cook Cruises) offer an experience on a ship of yesteryear or one with traditional Indigenous Australians as your guide:
– Sydney Tall Ships operates a themed cruise on a replica of an 1800s wooden tall ship called the Southern Swan. They organize dinners, special events and private charter cruises.
– The Tribal Warrior offers an indigenous perspective of the sites in and around Sydney Harbour. The highlight of the trip occurs on Clark Island, where he will be invited to a traditional indigenous ceremony.
The price range again is similar to that of the larger boutique companies.
party cruises
Rhythm Boat organizes all kinds of party cruises with comedy, salsa, rock and roll, Abba and Bollywood nights, as well as special event cruises and private charters.
Stealth Cruises specializes in offering bachelorette party cruises, and Bucks Cruises, you guessed it, specializes in offering bachelor party cruises.
These cruises usually last between 4 and 6 hours and can be much longer depending on the contracting conditions. Prices are per head, from AUD$60 to AUD$130. Some cruises may have unlimited alcohol included in the price.
One last tip…
It’s worth spending some time shopping online for cruises. Prices are generally discounted, making them cheaper than the price available at ticket windows at Circular Quay or other tourist shops. I recently saved 30% this way on a sightseeing cruise through Majestic Cruises.
Sydney Harbor is one of the most famous ports in the world. Choosing one of the many different types of Sydney Harbor cruises is a great way to take in the sites while enjoying the feeling of being on the water.