The Senior

The Future of Sydney's New Year's Eve

PARTY TIME: Celebrate New Year's Eve aboard the Sydney 2000 with Captain Cook Cruises.
PARTY TIME: Celebrate New Year's Eve aboard the Sydney 2000 with Captain Cook Cruises.

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Two and a half years ago, we farewelled 2019 and along with it, our carefree, Covid-free lifestyle. By the end of 2021, Sydney's spectacular fireworks had returned to their stunning best, however the way we experience New Year's Eve may have changed forever.

Gone are the hordes of dawn picnickers, fiercely protecting their foreshore vantage spots for up to 16 hours before the first firework is lit. The crowds of party goers once shoulder to shoulder all the way from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge have scattered. The hottest New Year's Eve venues on the Harbour are now the CovidSafe ticketed events, with strictly controlled numbers and spacious outdoor viewing.

The best vantage point for the Sydney fireworks has always been from the water. If you're lucky to own a superyacht you're well on the way to a great NYE. For the rest, there are a few ticketed super-cruisers that do an amazing job of making you feel like the super-rich for one breathtaking night. In fact this is one night when you can lord it over the superyachts, by selecting one of the vessels granted special permission to cruise inside the exclusion zone. Not only do you get front row seats to both the 9pm and midnight fireworks but you also become part of the show in a glittering parade of illuminated boats.

STUNNING: Being on the water is the best vantage point to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney.
STUNNING: Being on the water is the best vantage point to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney.

Captain Cook Cruises flagship Sydney 2000 is one vessel that should be on the top of your New Year's Eve bucket list. Three spacious dining levels and extensive outdoor decks including an enormous open Star Deck on the top of the vessel will tempt the most discerning reveller. The vessel towers over the smaller boats giving fantastic views from every level so you don't even have to leave your seat. Mind you, those gentle outdoor summer breezes are a heady mix hard to ignore.

Each deck offers a different dining and entertainment experience. Party is the theme on the Ocean Deck with great music, bottomless cocktails, a Cellarman's selection of premium beverages, an indulgent seafood and charcuterie tower and a decadent dessert platter to share. Add French Champagne and supper at midnight and the party is well underway.

Next level up, Club Deck is hosting a Premium 5-course dinner experience including midnight supper, bottomless French Champagne, and Cellarman's selection of premium beverages with live music.

A Platinum degustation dining experience with live music awaits those on Sky Deck, the most elevated dining deck on the vessel. The menu comes complete with six amazing courses, each paired with a premium Penfolds wine including a 75ml glass of world-famous Penfolds Grange, plus bottomless Penfolds Rose Champagne (France) and premium spirits.

The cruise departs at 7.00pm from Darling Harbour King St Wharf No.1 and returns approximately 1.00am. Prices range from $899 to $1499 per person. Visit captaincook.com.au or call 02 9206 1111 for bookings.

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