This year’s theme, “Vivid Sydney, Dream,” invites Sydneysiders to explore imagination in all its forms. And there’s no more dreamlike way to experience it than from the deck of a Vivid Cruise, sailing straight into the heart of the show (without the hassle of the crowds!)
New for 2025: Fireworks Cruise Combo
Catch the lights and fireworks on select dates:
7.05pm departures on Sunday 25 May, Wednesday 28 May, Sunday 1 June, Wednesday 4 June, Monday 9 June, Wednesday 11 June.
Family-Friendly Options
- 5.45pm Early Cruise – Most nights, ideal for kids
- 7.15pm Cruise – Selected nights, no fireworks
BYO drinks and snacks (small soft carry packs only), or enjoy the licensed bar onboard. No stopovers. No transfers. Just smooth sailing through Sydney’s most spectacular light show.
Limited seats are available. Click here for bookings and cruise details.
What You’ll See
Expect world-class light displays and projections, including:
- David McDiarmid’s bold Kiss of Light on the Opera House
- Vincent Namatjira’s King Dingo at the MCA
- Romance Was Born’s Dreams Collide at Customs House
From the comfort of spacious viewing decks, you’ll glide past the dazzling light installations that transform the cityscape, Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo precinct, Circular Quay, and the iconic Opera House—before returning peacefully to Manly shores.
All cruises have ferry-style seating on twin-deck Rocket catamarans and depart from Manly Wharf No. 3.
With the Captain Cook Cruises Vivid cruises you stay onboard the whole time — no transfers, no crowds, just 90 minutes of light-filled, music-accompanied cruising.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said this year’s Vivid Dream theme is something that we all experience, and it can be interpreted in myriad ways.
“Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams can be prophetic, life changing and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious or terrifying.”
These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s program this year.
“In 2025, the festival celebrates creativity, innovation and connection in the best city in the world,” said Ms Minervini.
Vivid will include exclusively commissioned illuminations featuring world-leading animation and projection technologies – some of which you’ll experience during the Vivid cruise.
The late Australian visionary, David McDiarmid’s bold and unapologetic work will be showcased on the Sydney Opera House for Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light (2025). Vincent Namatjira will present King Dingo on the facade of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia while the team behind Sydneyfashion label, Romance Was Born, will debut House of Romance: Dreams Collide on Customs House.
In 2024, Vivid Sydney was awarded Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event at the Australian Event Awards and received 18 medals, including 8 Golds, at the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards, and has also been voted Australia’s Best Tourism Event in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023.
For more Captain Cook Cruises details and bookings click here.
Article sponsored by Captain Cook in support of Manly-based tourism and local news.
