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Captain Cook Cruises' endeavours win gold at NSW Tourism Awards
SEALINK Sydney’s Captain Cook Cruises has – a trailblazer in Australian tourism for more than five decades – won gold in the Major Tour and Transport Operators category at the NSW Tourism Awards in Sydney last week
For more than 50 years, Captain Cook Cruises has continually set new benchmarks for harbour cruising, becoming a cornerstone of Sydney’s visitor economy. This latest accolade underscores Captain Cook Cruises’ unwavering commitment to deliver world-class experiences that celebrate the magic of one of the world’s most iconic harbours.
Nick Lester, general manager of owner SeaLink Sydney, credited the win to the team’s dedication. 
“Our team at Captain Cook Cruises works tirelessly to ensure every guest experiences the magic of Sydney Harbour,” Mr Lester said. “This award is a testament to their passion for excellence and creating unforgettable memories.
“For over five decades, we have been proud custodians of Sydney’s tourism story, and this recognition inspires us to continue raising the bar.”
SeaLink Marine and Tourism CEO Donna Gauci also praised the win.
“This award highlights the brilliant experiences Captain Cook Cruises creates on Sydney Harbour, combining world-class service with a unique perspective of one of the world’s most iconic destinations,” Ms Gauci said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team for their unwavering commitment to excellence and providing experiences that captivate visitors from around the world.”
Innovation, sustainability and personalised experiences
She said the NSW Tourism Awards’ prestigious recognition highlighted Captain Cook Cruises’ focus on innovation, sustainability, and personalised guest experiences.
The company prioritises environmental stewardship, offering sustainable seafood, Australian wines and beers alongside French Champagne – always sourcing locally wherever possible.
Captain Cook Cruises is also a proud supporter of environmental initiatives such as The SeaBin Project and actively integrates First Nations history and culture into its offerings, presenting a broader narrative of Australia through its harbour experiences. 
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of Captain Cook Cruises’ operations, epitomised by the ‘The Harbour Belongs to Us All’ campaign. This initiative ensures that cruising on Sydney Harbour is safe and accessible for everyone, including individuals with wheelchairs, walking aids, or low vision.
Ms Gauci said Captain Cook Cruises believes that everyone deserves the transformative experience of a day on Sydney Harbour, making it a welcoming journey for guests from around the globe.
This recognition adds to Captain Cook Cruises’ impressive legacy, including receiving the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2024, marking the 13th consecutive year of achieving this global honour.
Team loyalty and dedication
Captain Cook Cruises clearly owes much of its success to its loyal and experienced teams.
Remarkably, 54 percent of full-time employees have been with the organisation for more than 20 years, creating continuity that fosters exceptional service and a personal connection with returning guests.
Whether it’s a familiar captain or the talented chefs crafting memorable onboard cuisine, the teams’ expertise sets the company apart.
This gold award will see two SeaLink Marine and Tourism businesses compete at the national Tourism Awards, set to take place in Adelaide, South Australia in. Captain Cook Cruises Sydney will represent New South Wales, while the Murray Princess, which won the same category in last month’s South Australian Tourism Awards, will represent South Australia.
“Having both Captain Cook Cruises Sydney and the Murray Princess representing SeaLink Marine and Tourism on the national stage is a brilliant testament to the dedication and excellence of our teams,” Ms Gauci said.
“Additionally, with two of our businesses earning silver in their respective state tourism awards, this year’s results highlight the passion and commitment to showcasing Australia’s top holiday destinations,” Ms Gauci said.
SeaLink Marine and Tourism is part of Kelsian Group, Australia’s largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator, with established bus operations in Australia, Singapore, US, UK, and the Channel Islands. Kelsian Group has more than 30 years experience delivering tourism and passenger transport services and the group is a leader in sustainable public transport as the operator of Australia’s largest zero emission bus fleet and Australia’s largest electrified bus depot. Kelsian directly employs more than 12,500 people and operates over 5,500 buses, 115 vessels and 24 light rail vehicles that delivered more than 367 million customer journeys over the last year.
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