Vivid Sydney
🌃 About the Experience
Q: What is Vivid Sydney?
A: Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music and ideas that transforms the city into a canvas of colour and creativity. Iconic landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay are illuminated with spectacular light displays and projections.
Q: What is a Vivid Sydney Cruise?
A: Our Vivid Sydney Cruises provide the best vantage point to experience the lights along the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Choose from sightseeing or dining options aboard our comfortable, modern vessels.
Q: How long are the cruises?
A: Cruise durations vary, from 1 to 3 hours.
🕓 Dates & Times
Q: When does Vivid Sydney take place?
A: Vivid Sydney usually runs for three weeks from late May to mid-June each year. In 2025 Vivid Sydney runs from 22 May to 13 June.
Q: When do the lights come on?
A: Light displays operate nightly from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled departure
🌟 Why Choose Captain Cook Cruises
Q: Why choose Captain Cook Cruises
A: Because we are world famous for offering the best Sydney Harbour on water experiences for over five decades!
• Experience Vivid Sydney from the best seat on the Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises — Sydney’s most trusted and awarded cruise operator.
• Unbeatable Views: See the lights of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and skyline from the water.
• Cruises for Everyone: From casual sightseeing to fine dining experiences.
• Comfort & Style: Spacious, modern vessels with indoor and outdoor viewing decks.
• Delicious Dining: Fresh local menus and friendly, professional service.
• Easy Departures: Conveniently located at Darling Harbour’s King Street Wharf.
• All-Weather Experience: Enjoy Vivid in comfort, rain or shine.
✅ Types of Cruises
Q: What are the main types of Dinner Cruises
A: There is a great range of dinner cruises to suit everyone!
5:00pm Special Vivid Dinner Cruise
Extremely popular with families. Returns approx 6:45pm/7:00pm. Includes a two-course dinner. Drinks available for purchase.
5:00pm Express Vivid Dinner Cruise
Selected nights. Returns approx 6:30pm/6:45pm. Includes a two-course dinner. Drinks available for purchase.
7:00pm & 7:30pm Special Vivid Dinner Cruise
Amazing value! Return approx 10pm. Includes a three-course dinner and live music. Drinks available for purchase.
5:00pm Sunset Dinner Cruise
See the Vivid Lights turn on at 6pm. Return approx 6:30pm/6:45pm Includes a three-course a la carte dinner. Drinks available for purchase.
7:00pm Starlight Dinner Cruise
Signature dining. Returns approm 10pm. Offers a premium four-course à la carte dinner and live music. Drinks available for purchase.
7:00pm Gold Dinner Cruise
Gourmet dining. Return approx 10pm. Features a six-course degustation dinne and live music. Drinks available for purchase.
7:00pm Gold Penfolds Dinner Cruise
Gourmet food and wine. Return approx 10pm. Features a six-course degustation dinner paired with premium Penfolds wines. Most beverages included.
🎟️ Tickets & Boarding Passes
Q: What do I need to board?
A: Please have your Reservation Record (which includes your boarding passes) ready in either print or digital format. Your Reservation Record can be found as an attachment in your booking confirmation email. If you purchased your cruise through another operator please present your voucher.
Q: What happens if I miss the cruise?
A: Unfortunately, cruises cannot be delayed or refunded for missed departures. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
🍽️ Seating, Groups & Onboard Services
Q: Are seats assigned?
• Vivid Dinner Cruises: Pre-assigned seating.
• Vivid Lights Cruises: Open seating (first-come, first-served).
Q: Are group bookings available?
• Yes - If travelling in a group, please wait until all members arrive before boarding.
• Groups of 10 or more (City Departures) should have their group organiser check in at the ticket office at King St Wharf No.1.
Q: Are food and drinks available?
• Dinner Cruises: Include multi-course dining (sample menus available online).
• Licensed Vessels: Beverages available for purchase (excluding Rocket Catamarans).
• Vivid Lights Cruises: Light snacks such as chips available for purchase (excluding Rocket Catamarans).
♿ Accessibility & Facilities
The 5:00 PM Vivid Dinner Cruise, 7:30 PM Vivid Dinner Cruise, and Vivid Lights Sightseeing Cruises may operate on any suitable vessel from the Captain Cook Cruises, The Jackson, or Starship Sydney fleets. As the final vessel may not be confirmed until the day of departure, not all vessels are wheelchair accessible.
We recommend passengers using wheelchairs cruise aboard our flagship Sydney 2000, offering:
• Accessible boarding
• Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms
• Expansive Ocean Deck seating (stair access only to upper decks)
Accessible cruises during Vivid include:
• 5:00 PM Sunset Dinner
• 7:00 PM Vivid Dinner
• 7:00 PM Starlight Dinner
• 7:00 PM Gold Dinner
• 7:00 PM Gold Penfolds Dinner
Please contact Reservations for advice on the best accessible options.
On arrival: Please approach a team member at the wharf. Priority boarding will be available for you and one accompanying guest, wherever possible.
Accessible public bathrooms: Located directly behind King St Wharf No.1 at Exchange Place on Shelley Street.
🌦️ Weather & Operations
Q: Do cruises operate in bad weather?
A: Yes! Cruising during Vivid Sydney is a great all-weather experience. Our vessels feature indoor and outdoor viewing decks, and we operate in sheltered waters for comfort and safety.
Should any schedule changes be required due to weather conditions, updates will be displayed on our website.
📸 Photography & Tips
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Absolutely! Sydney Harbour offers breathtaking Vivid photo opportunities. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress smart-casual and bring a warm layer, as evenings on the harbour can be cool in winter.
✅ Helpful Links:
• Transport Information
• Accessibility Details
• Wilson Parking Specials
