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About Your Captains

Captain John C. Hackem holds a United States Coast Guard Master’s License and is an experienced boater on the Merrimack River and Newburyport Harbor. He has driven boats from 16 to 60 feet in length and has also worked as a “ConDUCKtor” for Boston Duck Tours, driving World War II amphibious vehicles on the Charles River in Boston.

Captain John began his professional sea-faring adventures in the United States Navy where he specialized in navigation and countermeasures in aircraft launched from three carriers: the USS IndependenceUSS Intrepid, and USS Forrestal.  Following his Navy service, he became a Chemical Engineer and spent 30 years in the development and management of chemical processes and production environments.

Growing up and living on the water all his life, Captain John decided to bring the pleasures of a lifetime of boating and fishing to guests living near or visiting Newburyport, Massachusetts. He launched Newburyport Cruises with the goal of providing personalized boating experiences for individuals, couples, families, and small groups to enjoy the scenic beauty and fishing bounty of the Merrimack River. Captain John looks forward to welcoming you to a few hours of fun with Newburyport Cruises.

Captain Dan Swift has more than 20 years’ experience navigating Newburyport Harbor and the Merrimack River. He holds a 100-ton Masters license and pilots power boats and sailing vessels of many types and sizes – from the 60-foot antique motor yacht, The Full Moon, to 41 foot Lagoon and 43 foot Hans Christian to the 48-foot catamaran The 9th Wave.  He is also a licensed helicopter pilot.

A North Shore native, Captain Dan is very familiar with both the sea and land in Newburyport, as he is also a real estate agent with Keller Williams. He spends summer months on his house boat on the Merrimack River in Amesbury. Captain Dan enjoys scuba diving, sailing, and of course taking nice folks out for cruises aboard The Recipe Queen for Newburyport Cruises.


Captain John C Hackem
Captain Dan Swift