'Every day is magic': Iconic Captain Cook Cruises celebrates milestone birthday

After over half a century sailing Sydney Harbour, iconic Captain Cook Cruises is celebrating its 55th birthday in style.Since first setting sail on 26th January 1970, the cruise company has showcased Sydney's stellar waterways to millions of guests - including celebrity passengers such as the Spice Girls, President George Bush, and Pope Benedict.With a series of competitions to be held throughout 2025 to commemorate the momentous occasion, it's been a cause for celebration - especially for some of Captain Cook Cruises' longest serving staff.READ MORE: NSW beach suburb crowned the 'Aussie town of the year' for 2025Nearly 40 years and countingFor Sue-Ellen Forster (also known to her colleagues as Swell), little did she know that walking into the offices of Captain Cook Cruises back in 1987 would kickstart her 38-year career with the company."I was 23 and enthusiastic for a fresh start," Sue-Ellen tells 9Travel. "My first role was a complete accident. I had applied for a position in the events department but was sent to the reservation office by mistake.""I was employed on the spot and worked for a year in reservations earning my front-of-office stripes through the Bicentennial."Founded by Captain Trevor Haworth and his wife Geraldine, the company evolved through the years - growing from a single boat to an entire fleet, before becoming part of the SeaLink Marine & Tourism family in 2012.Through it all, Sue-Ellen reveals the company has instilled in her a "strong work ethic based on trust, loyalty and respect, balanced with a great deal of fun"."In an industry generally dominated by men, Captain Cook Cruises has always been progressive in employing women in key administrative and marine roles," she adds.Showcasing Sydney HarbourAs Sue-Ellen moved through different departments including sales, product development and marketing, there's one event that's stood out in her memory."For me it was the 1988 Bicentennial. Sydney Harbour had never experienced anything like it before," she says."There were square-rigged tall ships from around the world, tugboats, cruise ships, harbour parades, aerial displays and an infectious buzz that vibrated throughout the city.""At one point we were selling six tickets over the counter every minute, day after day. The boats just ran non-stop. What a time!"READ MORE: The best places to see blossoms and spring blooms around the worldSue-Ellen has been involved in endless events over the years that have made her grateful to be working in one of the most beautiful offices in the world."[These include] the Olympics, the Bicentennial Naval Review, the Papal Parade for World Youth Day, SailGP racing, not to mention all the annual events such as the Sydney to Hobart and New Year's Eve," she says."Every day is magic on Sydney Harbour!"Sailing with the starsAs one of the best ways to soak up the wonder of Sydney's world-renowned harbour, it's no surprise the company has had its fair share of A-list passengers."My personal favourite was Australian writer, journalist and broadcaster Clive James, who spent much of his life in Great Britain but dearly loved Sydney," says Sue-Ellen."There was no fanfare, just an intelligent, funny and thoughtful man who appreciated taking a short trip across the harbour on a vessel with all the character of yesteryear."More than just a jobFor Sue-Ellen, it's been nearly four decades in a dream role that's seen her make thousands of friends - both colleagues and passengers."Where else can you receive a thousand smiles and thank you's in a day, just for doing your job?" she says."Plus, I get to be on, in and around the thing I love most – water. In life and work, my mantra is simply #getyourfeetwet."