Captain Cook Cruises Gold Dinner - a night on Sydney Harbour
By: Katrina Archer from Cruise Weekly

It was a cool but pleasant night as my husband and I sat patiently waiting for the MV Sydney 2000 to arrive into Circular Quay.

We were about to embark on what we hoped would be a memorable and romantic night out - a Gold Dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour, operated by Captain Cook Cruises.

The ship arrived and we commented on the ease in which its Captain manoeuvred the vessel into the narrow space between the wharf and another ferry.

VIP treatment
Soon, passengers were disembarking the ship and the friendly Captain Cook Cruises staff called for all passengers holding a Gold Dinner pass to come onboard first.

We felt very special as we gently pushed past some of the other queued guests to flash our Gold passes. Making our way to the Sky Deck, we were greeted with Champagne and canapes and encouraged to go outside on the balcony and enjoy the view of the magnificent harbour before us.

A short time later we were ushered back inside and shown to our seats, which were right by the ship's large windows. It was then that our culinary feast began.

Gourmet heaven
The Gold Dinner consisted of a seven-course degustation menu accompanied by vintage Australian wines. Initially we were served an amuse bouche of cream of fresh pea soup with sabayon, which we thought was the first course but was actually just an extra bite-sized delight selected by the chef, so if you include the canapes we had already devoured, the night became an eight-course dining extravaganza!

The first course consisted of a pink prawn and Tasmanian smoked salmon martini served with Goodwyn Brut Cuvee sparkling wine. Being pregnant, I asked the waitress if it was possible for me to sample some of the vegetarian options, and my request was granted - so instead I was served an antipasto plate including capsicum, artichokes and marinated mushrooms.

Second course was a delicious salad of rocket, cucumber, radish, goats fetta and mint - I could have had another course of this one!

More seafood was served for the third course - grilled baby lobster, Pernod sauce, Pacific oysters and black caviar. My alternative was the warm asparagus with lemon butter sauce. With this course a new wine was served - Tyrrell's Moon Mountain Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley.

A view to dine for
The sun had set by this stage and we were now enjoying the sparkling lights of Sydney Harbour as the ship meandered through its waters. A live singer was also providing entertainment, giving the room a romantic atmosphere.

Fourth course was sorbet with a splash of vodka, and we then moved quickly onto the highlight of the meal - the fifth and fabulous course - a delectable grilled Angus fillet of beef with prosciutto wafer on a field mushroom with pate de foie and veal jus. This dish was complemented with a red wine, of course - McWilliam's OP & OH Shiraz 2002.

By this stage we were well and truly feeling full, but who can pass up a little cheese after a meal? Sixth course was a divine King Island camembert and a classic vintage cheddar with pear paste and lavosh crackers, served with a Brown Brothers Orange Muscat and Flora.

Luckily my husband and I have what is commonly referred to as a 'separate dessert stomach', so the seventh course - a piccolo gelato and chocolates with coffee - went down a treat, rounding off a spectacular meal.

Overall a wonderful evening was had, with fantastic food and excellent service accompanied by the stunning sights of our beautiful harbour.

Captain Cook Cruises operates the seven-course Gold Dinner every night departing from either No.6 Jetty Circular Quay or No.1 King Street Wharf at a cost of $185 per adult (plus an additional $22 for a guaranteed window seat).

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