'Cookie 2' Turned 30 On Monday 15 August

One of Captain Cook Cruises first cruise vessels, MV Captain Cook II, turns 30 years old to the day, on Monday August 15. It commenced its operations with a 'Coffee Cruise' to Middle Harbour on 15 August 1975. Affectionately known to staff as 'Cookie 2', she was specifically designed for Sydney Harbour cruising and was the first purpose built cruising vessel to ply the harbour waters. And to celebrate, CEO Captain Haworth, his family and crew will celebrate with a commemorative Coffee Cruise at 10am. Invited guests include key travel industry leaders, valued past crew members including Captains and Commentators and current long standing crew. "We have come a long way since those early days and 'Cookie 2' has served us well," said Captain Cook Cruises' Executive Director, Mrs Jackie Charlton-Haworth. "We're all very proud of her." "The 'Coffee Cruise' is one of our most popular cruises and the one cruise we are known best for," she said. "In 30 years of operations, we have virtually had no cancellations for this cruise - testimony to its popularity and success." The Coffee Cruise still operates on Sydney Harbour 30 years later aboard 'Cookie 2's' replacement, MV Captain Cook III which was built in Freemantle. "We are pleased to say that Captain Cook II still operates as a private charter vessel in the harbour waters today," Mrs Charlton-Haworth added. In 1975, Captain Cook Cruises' CEO, Captain Trevor Haworth saw the need for a vessel specifically designed for Sydney Harbour sightseeing. So he created and had built MV Captain Cook II which is recognisable as a piece of maritime history on Sydney Harbour. It was state of the art at the time with larger than normal windows, an outdoor sundeck and comfortable seating for 200 passengers. Captain Cook Cruises' the Australia owned family company almost as synonymous to Sydney Harbour as the Opera House started cruises on Sydney Harbour in 1970 with MV Captain Cook 1 which was a fairmile patrol boat that saw service during WWII.