In Sydney, Australia and thinking about going on a Sydney Harbour Cruise? This post will review the Sydney Harbour Cruise (with Sydney Princess Cruises) based on my experience and will also provide some useful tips so you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying the cruise through the Sydney Harbour.
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Intro
To experience Sydney in all its iconic beauty, go on a Sydney Harbour Cruise! You’ll get incredible angles of the city and new perspectives of all the major famous landmarks, including the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Experiencing a harbour cruise is a must-do while in Sydney where you can soak in all the views, take amazing photos, and relax on the Sydney Harbour waters. This review will go over my experience on the Sydney Harbour Cruise and some tips to make the most of your adventure.
Harbour Cruise Tickets
Click here to book a spot on the Harbour Cruise, or click “Book Now” in the widget below. If you’re following this itinerary, then select the 2:30 PM time for your desired date. I found it to be a super affordable way to learn about Sydney and get some amazing views of the Sydney skyline, Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge all in one photo.
The Cruise Boat
The mid-size boat has 3 decks total where 2 decks are indoors with chairs and tables, and the 3rd top deck is an open deck with only side benching along the railing. You are allowed to roam around the boat freely during the cruise. I spent half the time inside (it was a bit raining when the cruise started), and then spent the other half on the top deck (when it stopped raining) and enjoyed amazing 360° views.
If you’re going to sit inside, I recommend sitting on the left side of the boat. The left side is the side closest to the dock in case you have an issue figuring out which side is the front of the boat.
The Cruise Experience
Cruise Route
The Harbour Cruise takes 1.5 hours and cruises around the Sydney Harbour. It first heads towards the right (east) towards Point Piper. The cruise then turns around towards the Harbour Bridge, gliding under the it. Then it makes a left heading southward to Barangaroo. It then turns back around, goes back under the bridge and then heads back to the dock from where it first departed from.
Map of Route (heads East first)
Live Commentary
During the cruise, a crew member spoke on the PA system and gave informative commentary about the surrounding areas, landmarks, historical context, and fun facts. This was an unexpected and much appreciated bonus since I love to learn about new destinations every chance I can 🙂
Photo Opportunities
Along the entire cruise journey, there are an endless amount of photo opportunities! Seeing Sydney from the water was one of my favorite things we did during our trip. You see all the major iconic landmarks: Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the central business district (CBD) city skyline, and Luna Park.
Endless photo opportunities along the Sydney Harbour Cruise • photos by Jeanie A
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Book in Advance
Booking your Sydney Harbour Cruise in advance ensures you can go on your desired date and time to fit in your Sydney itinerary. Additionally, it’s possible to sell out during peak season.
2. Arrive Early
Get to the Sydney Princess Cruises dock early. A line will start to form, and if you want to snag a good spot, it’s best to one of the first to be on the boat. As mentioned, if you want a seat on an indoor deck, it’s best to get a seat on the left-hand side of the boat for the best views of the entire Sydney skyline. The left side is the side closest to the dock in case you have an issue figuring out which side is the front of the boat.
If you’re heading to the upper outdoor deck, then I suggest a spot in the front left-side of the boat asl well.
3. Check the Weather
The cruise does run rain or shine. When I visited, it was raining when the cruise started, then stopped about a third of the way in. So make sure to check the weather so you can dress accordingly, especially if you want to be on the upper outdoor deck.
4. Bring a Light Jacket
Anytime you’re on the water, the breeze and be chilly and it can get extra windy as well. So be sure to bring a light jacket in case you get too cold.
5. Bring a Phone Lanyard
This is always a must-bring when it comes to boarding any boat. I’m deathly afraid of losing my phone to the water because taking pictures or just being straight up clumsy. So to avoid this from happening, I always put my phone lanyard on my phone so that it is always attached to me. I can’t recommend having one enough just as a peace of mind.
6. Bring Your Camera
Photos taken on your smart phone are sufficient, but if you have a compact camera, do bring it! There are endless opportunities to take photos since the views and landmarks are literally at every corner. Be sure to have it charged (or bring extra batteries) and memory cards.
Taking photos of all of Sydney’s iconic landmarks • photos by Jeanie A
Final Words
A Sydney Harbour Cruise is an amazing way to see a whole new perspective of Sydney. You’ll get incredible views, a chance to relax on the waters, and an unforgettable voyage around this iconic city. I hope this review of the Sydney Harbour Cruise urges you to add it to your Sydney itinerary. Bon Voyage!
Have you taken a Sydney Harbour Cruise?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
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