Captain Cook Cruises

Accessible Cruising

At Captain Cook Cruises we are passionate about offering a memorable cruise experience to all our guests. We strive to be an inclusive business and provide all our customers with a brilliant experience with the least amount of fuss. Our friendly onboard crew are available to assist you wherever possible and the Companion Card is always accepted. We also understand how important information on accessibility is to make an informed decision.

Getting to the wharf

Our Darling Harbour and Circular Quay wharves are fully accessible for those with limited mobility. These wharves are also easily accessible by public transport.

Darling Harbour - Wynyard train station provides elevator access and a fully accessible pedestrian link between the station and King Street Wharf No.1 (approximately 10 minutes). Circular Quay - Wharf No.6 is located adjacent to Circular Quay train station.

If travelling by car, we recommend a King Street Wharf departure as there is a drop-off area on Lime Street, parallel to King St Wharf promenade. Due to the light rail installation, Circular Quay no longer has vehicle access parallel to the promenade.

Embarking and Disembarking

Our gangways are wheelchair accessible and fitted with safety railings on both sides. We also provide priority boarding to our wheelchair passengers wherever possible. Please be aware that our crew are there to guide and ensure the safety of our passengers, however they are not permitted to physically lift or carry passengers, their wheelchairs, prams or strollers up or down stairs.

Please don't be shy in asking for guidance from our Deckhands if you have any concerns with boarding and disembarking. They love to put their training to good use and always appreciate the smiles they get in return.

The Onboard Experience

Guests with Vision Impairment

Accredited assistance animals are welcome onboard our Ferries and Dining vessels. For the safety and wellbeing of our patrons and staff, only approved assistance dogs identified by a suitably marked coat or harness are permitted. We kindly ask that you let us know when making your booking if you will be bringing your assistance animal.

We also offer smartphone guided commentary on the Hop-on-Hop-off Harbour Explorer, Harbour Experience and Premium Harbour Experience cruises. Ask our friendly onboard crew for assistance setting this up on your phone before you arrive. You can download the commentary via link on the Captain Cook Cruises website.

Guests with Mobility Impairment

The entry level deck of nearly all our vessels is accessible for those with limited mobility. Vessels Sydney 2000, Captain Cook 3 and our Rocket Ferries all have at least one accessible bathroom.

Dining and Premium Sightseeing cruises normally operate on our flagship vessel Sydney 2000. The entry level is `Ocean Deck' with stunning water level views from expansive picture windows and is fully accessible. A small outdoor area at the stern of this deck is also accessible. On Ocean Deck there is a choice of day and evening cruises and group dining or private deck bookings can also be arranged on request.

Gangways to all vessels offer assisted access for both motorised and non-motorised wheelchairs. Please be aware the gangway angle can be quite steep depending on the tide, however our crew are ready and willing to assist you onboard.

Hop-on-Hop-off Cruises and ferry services to Manly, Watson's Bay, Shark Island and Clifton Gardens are Step Wharves, or Non Pontoon, and are very difficult to access for wheelchairs. If guests with limited mobility wish to disembark at any of these wharves, they will need to have their own assistants to assist them up and down the wharf steps or, alternatively, be able to navigate the stairs themselves. Generally, we do not recommend these services for guests with limited mobility.

Companion Card Holders

We accept the national Companion Card. The Companion Card is issued to people with significant and permanent disability who need a high level of care in the community. At Captain Cook Cruises, we value the great work of Carers and we offer a range of benefits to Companion Card recognised Carers:

A carer, travelling with a holder of a valid Companion Card:

• Cruises FREE on Sightseeing Cruises and Ferry Services, and
• Cruises at a discounted fare for Dining and selected Special Event Cruises where a meal and/or beverage is included.

Companion Card holders also receive a discounted fare on all ticketed cruises.

As a guide, discounted fares are approximately 20% off the full Adult Retail price, or the Concession fare where available on selected ferry services. Please note Concession fares are not available on Dining and Sightseeing Cruises.

To make a booking or for further enquiries, please contact our friendly reservations team. Please note, Companion Cards must be presented at check-in.