Service: Beautiful day on the harbour - great to see the yachts up close and the start

Good information about what was happening and some sites of the harbour
Product: Easy to do for my first attempt of on-line

Service: We were ill for the few days prior to and on the day of this cruise and were therefore unable to attend the Boxing Day cruise. The 100% cancellation penalty without refund meant we were left with paying for a cruise we could not attend. We will never book with Captain Cook Cruises again due to this cancellation policy. And neither will many of our family and friends who find this outcome disgraceful for people who unfortunately and unexpectedly get ill. This is regardless of how much the cancellation policy is advertised to customers prior to them completing their booking.
Product: We were ill for the few days prior to and on the day of this cruise and were therefore unable to attend the Boxing Day cruise. The 100% cancellation penalty without refund meant we were left with paying for a cruise we could not attend. We will never book with Captain Cook Cruises again due to this cancellation policy. And neither will many of our family and friends who find this outcome disgraceful for people who unfortunately and unexpectedly get ill. This is regardless of how much the cancellation policy is advertised to customers prior to them completing their booking.

Service: I would book Captain Cook cruises again
Product: Very relaxed and fun for everyone

Service: Great day - everything was first class and staff were always there to help.
Amenities were great.
Product: quality and variety was superb.

Service: After consulting Captain Cook Cruises, we booked the Boxing Day Club Deck Lunch Cruise on the MV Sydney 2000 for our elderly parents (91 & 84 years old – both reasonably mobile with some assistance). Although boarding was a little delayed with many elderly patrons standing out in the very hot sun, we were impressed with the excellent manner in which we were all treated. Our small party boarded first so the oldies could traverse the stairs up to Club level. The table chosen allowed parking of a walker. The steward and table staff were courteous and attentive throughout – constantly checking to ensure everything was in order. The oldies had a fantastic time - we all did; thanks to the crew and staff of Captain Cook Cruises. Wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
Product: Food and drinks were excellent; served by very attentive staff. Couldn't fault it.

Service: Excellent Service every step of the way, and very well organised. We did the top deck set menu - food was fabulous and of excellent quality. Would highly recommend this as the best way to see the yachts depart Sydney for Hobart on Boxing Day.
Product: Fabulous Food, Wine and Service!

Service: we have been on your Boxing Day cruises now for many years - a family tradition you might say. This was our 4th Race to Bondi. Love the new bigger ferry and the lady commentator was the best yet.
Product: As above - the best day out yet

Very personalised service from their General Manager down - specially on Boxing Day. I've always appreciated the service and collaboration received from Captain Cook Cruises.

the boarding process was somewhat disorganised - various long ques and not enough staff on hand to assist, also if facilities could be improved RE overhead cover - the day we boarded was very hot, equally it could be raining.
Apart from that, everything else was good, staff were friendly, food and beverages excellent, length of cruise, commentary etc all good

Service: Great way to see start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Product: Great way to see the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Super commentary with it.

Service: Lovely seafood buffet lunch.
Delightful staff
Product: No complaints.
It was a wonderful cruise,
Seafood buffet lunch with wine
Morning tea with cakes

Everything was great. Good & on time service. i would definitely support it.

Service: Good value a great day out .
Product: Good value a great day out.

We were in first class , waiters were not very attentive

An excellent day out. Have done several times and will do again.
Boarding is a little messy. No other constructive comments

Service: Great day and better than expected boat. Only negative was there was no order getting onto the boat. There needs to be an organised barrier so people can queue in an orderly fashion - especially if you have arrived early to ensure a good spot.
Product: As per previous comment on other page

Service: Great food, great crew, comfortable boat!
Product: Great food, great crew, comfortable boat!

Service: Very good value for money compared to other offerings. I was impressed by the way they didn't overcrowd the boat, which meant we were able to enjoy a high quality experience. And the captain did a great job of getting us 'front row seats' to the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Product: Okay - some confusion on paypal side of things

Service: Service was surprisingly very attentive. Boat was full but not crowded. Snacks could have been better.
Product: Reasonable value for the money if purchased early.

Service and staff so helpful and friendly..very professional...food excellent..enjoyed the history lesson about the Sydney/Hobart boat race..

Service: Amazing experience great Christmas present. Food was great waitress was great window setting was great overall experience was once in a lifetime
Product: Easy communication was very quick

The whole thing was great, very professional. Will definitely use Captain Cook Cruises again.

Well organised - excellent boat and helpful commentary. A wonderful experience.

The only thing I would change is more detail around the cruise prior to departure. (ie it's billed as a picnic tour but there is seating only no tables, drinks able to be bought on board) No issue with either of these but helpful to know.

Well organised on boat - food and commentary excellent.
Down side was standing in the sun waiting to board- few seats / many elderly patrons,was a considerable period. As a customer I can’t wait until the last minute to travel to the wharf but it was difficult for many elderly in heat but I havent a solution to this. We have been on this cruise several times before and it has always been really good.
This is the first time that standing in the sun seemed to be an issue.

Service: Service on board was v good, staff all pleasant and well presented.
Product: No one is perfect. My only complaint was the waiting time prior to boarding.

Service: great commentary,great position near the start line,but it would have been nice to follow the boats down the harbour a way.
Product: great commentary,clean and safe boat

Service: Boxing Day cruise was awesome absolutely loved it. food was great, service was great.
Product: Clkub Deck was great, great beer, wines and food

Friendly crew, good service, good view of the race, food was fine, good atmosphere.

Service: A really great experience and everyone in my family had a wonderful day. The service was excellent and we all commented on the fact the boat was not overcrowded, the staff were friendly and helpful and the morning tea was very good.
Product: Great value for money thank you

Service: Fabulous day on the water and great food and excellent service
Product: Staff were excellent, very attentive

Service: A stunning day on the harbour for the Sydney to Hobart Race. Cruise staff were friendly and helpful as always and I'll be back on Dec 26 this year. Thank you for a wonderful day out!
Product: Extremely good value for such an amazing day on the harbour for the Sydney to Hobart Race.

Service: The skipper knew exactly where to park the boat for a great view of the start of he race. The commentator was informative and spoke clearly. However the directions by the jetty crew when boarding did not manage the visitors very well. There was nobody at the boarding gate to ensure those who arrived early had appropriately sequenced order of boarding.
Product: It was easy and efficient.

Great, friendly, staff...Boxing Day cruise was fantastic.

We have taken many cruises with Captain Cook on the “Sydney 2000” over the years including Australia Day, lunches, dinners & sightseeing with overseas visitors & have always really enjoyed our experiences. We also took the 2015 Boxing Day lunch cruise with family & were very pleased with every aspect of the event especially the position of the ship at the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
We expected the same would apply when we travelled on the 2018 Boxing Day lunch cruise however there were some disappointments. We do not understand why there was such a delay in allowing so many people queuing in the heat to board the vessel which resulted in the cruise starting 15 minutes late.
Once on board we enjoyed the morning tea & lunch. The food was plentiful although the very long queues to get to the buffet were annoying but understandable due to there being so many people on the ship. The selection of drinks were very good & the wait staff were very friendly & efficient.
Our biggest disappointment was the positioning of the ship for the start of the race, it was so far away from the action & there was no excitement or atmosphere that we experienced on the 2015 cruise. Seeing the start of the race was the main purpose of us being on the cruise & we felt we missed out due to such a distant view.
We have reread the flyer & it does state that the ship would be anchored at Parsley Bay between Watsons Bay and Neilson Park. We now know where that is but perhaps it should be made clearer that the view for the start of the race will be distant.
Sydney Harbour is always beautiful to cruise & we will continue to have our special days doing so, most probably with Captain Cook. Any future Boxing Day/Sydney to Hobart yacht race cruises however will be with another company.

Service: I was happy with the service provided.
Product: A really good day on the water

Excellent, our 3rd year running and the best yet. Slightly confusing being diverted via Manly, would have appreciated prior warning.

Service: The view from the Sky Deck and outside area was excellent and the position at the start of the Sydney to Hobart was perfect! The meal with accompanying drinks was first class as was the service. We will do it again!!
Product: Excellent and good value!

When boarding the boat,should have two lanes priority boarding for customers paying for the Sky Deck.

Closing the bar when we out near the Opera house and had another 20-30 mins before returning to darling harbour. You need to set expectations on the booking you intend to do this.

Your staff and food quality is excellent.

Service: Excellent service
I would prefer a more savoury morning tea thanks
Product: Not crowded Able to see the boats and harbour
Staff very good - patient and generous in manner

No

Service: The service was excellent. Staff very helpful.
Product: Value for money. Food & beverage selection was great.

Service: The cruise time was prompt. Viewing platform and windows were excellent.
Windows were clean and spotless.
Boarding was a bit chaotic. Mad rush and surge.
Bar service was quick.
Product: Great position for start of race. Better than previous experience with another cruise
I think the boat got boxed in and could not move to chase the fleet as it left.
A bit disappointing.

Service: ferry was on start line
starf very helpful
Product: fery on start line
starf very help full

Service: Staff were very attentive and helpful
Product: excellent experience- we had a great time

Service: Not overcrowded, food and drinks good. Good position for the race, clear visibility
Product: Good value and service. Boarding was chaotic

Service: I have been on many Boxing Day cruises and this was definitely the best. Service by crew was excellent, great food and spectacular view of the race.
Product: Purchased online with no problem. Follow up emails were responded to promptly

Service: we had booked on the Captain Cook Cruises for both Christmas Day Lunch and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race before we were advised my husband had been diagnosed with cancer for the 2nd time in 2018 and the third time in 4 years. These cruises were 'just what the doctored order' if you pardon the pun and we were absolutely thrilled with the service and the food. We are hoping to be able to do so again this year, God willing.
Product: It has always been on the 'wish list' to be at the start of a Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start. We used to yacht race so this was very special to both of us. We plan to book this cruise again, hopefully, at the end of this year

Service: Nice cruise out on the harbour & beyond. Unadvertised beer fridge & a couple of packets of chips was a bonus.

A bit ahead of the race pack, given that it was going to be a slow start I would have preferred to be closer to the action & not first out of the heads. Very cautious skipper tho. Nice to have a reasonably new ferry & punctual departure.

May go with Capt'n Cook again, maybe not. Done 5 Boxing Days on your ferries.
Product: Not cheap - but I paid for the pleasure.

Service: The queuing in the hot sun prior to boarding was a little uncomfortable however other than that we had a wonderful time. Thank you
Product: A little pricey but a special event so worth it.

The staff were very attentive

Service: The Picnic Sydney to Hobart yacht race cruise was excellent. There was ample space to set up and leave picnic supplies as well as view the race from the top deck.
The staff were very accommodating and extremely helpful.
Product: As mentioned above in first question

I had an amazing experience with Captain Cook Cruises as I was planning to see Sydney to Hobart Race for a while and then on the race day I had to see a dentist due to an emergency. I have missed the boat for a couple of minutes but their lovely staff have offered me another cruise departing half an hour later and due to my emergency they haven’t charged me any extra. A guide on the tour gave us a lots of interesting information about the race in general and favourites. Not to mention that the race leaving Harbour was fantastic, full of adrenaline!

Service: Yes
Product: Easy to navigate website.

It was brilliant - loved the commentary - as much as we were familiar with Sydney Harbour and the Sydney to Hobart we still gleaned some interesting facts