Captain Cook Cruises proudly marked its 55th anniversary with a glamorous celebration last Friday night, held on the luxurious vessel The Jackson. The red carpet, black-tie affair was an evening of nostalgia, heartfelt tributes, and lively entertainment—perfectly capturing five and a half decades of maritime heritage.
From the moment guests stepped aboard, they were treated to a true journey through time. The evening commenced with a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Aunty Margret Campbell, who acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land and set a tone of respect and gratitude that carried throughout the celebrations. A specially designed “menu of the decades”, showcasing iconic dishes from the 1970s to today, highlighted Captain Cook Cruises’ longstanding commitment to innovation and hospitality.
Nick Lester, General Manager of Captain Cook Cruises, graciously served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through the night’s celebrations. Live music filled the air, and dancing girls added an extra spark to the festivities as they led the crowd in a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” to mark the milestone anniversary.
Key industry friends and long-term supporters joined the festivities, including Bill Wright (ID Events), Sandra Swan, and Ros McLeod OAM (Arinex), who travelled with Trevor and Geraldine Haworth on the first—and many subsequent—international trade missions, including the first-ever US trade mission. The celebration also welcomed many key industry friends and leaders from Destination NSW, the NSW Tourism Industry Association (NTIA), the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), BE Sydney, and Tourism Australia.
But it was the former and current crew—many of whom have dedicated over 20 years of service to Captain Cook Cruises—who truly stole the spotlight. A remarkable 44% of the current crew has been with the company for more than two decades, and five current employees have served for over 30 years. Their presence underscored the tight-knit community and enduring passion that continue to drive the brand forward.
Among the most poignant moments of the evening were the speeches from the Haworth children, representing the family of founders Trevor and Geraldine Haworth, who established Captain Cook Cruises on Australia Day in 1970. Their heartfelt words of gratitude and pride resonated with everyone on board, celebrating the company’s evolution from a visionary family business into one of Australia’s premier tourism icons.
“We’re honoured to see so many familiar faces and industry friends come together to celebrate our 55th anniversary,” said the Haworth family. “Our success has always been built on genuine hospitality and care for our customers, innovative thinking, and most importantly, the dedication of our incredible staff who have shared our journey—some for more than half their lives.”
As the evening concluded, a commemorative toast recognised the unwavering support of partners, crew, and guests who have made Captain Cook Cruises a benchmark for Australian tourism. With a legacy spanning 55 years, Captain Cook Cruises is excited to continue charting new waters, offering unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
