Inside the new Spirit of Tasmania: a first look on board the 'floating hotels'
Bookings are now open for the long-awaited vessels.
The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels prove a ferry is not a simple mode of transport, but where a holiday can truly begin.
Gone are the days of utilitarian transit; in its place is an immersive, regional experience that feels equal parts boutique hotel, local food hall and cultural showcase.
The Finnish-built, 48,000-tonne hulks of steel will begin ferrying passengers and vehicles between Geelong in Victoria and Devonport in Tasmania from October 31.
They are designed to carve a calm pathway on the nine- to 11-hour journey across Bass Strait, known as one of the roughest stretches of water in the southern hemisphere, thanks in part to the notorious Roaring Forties winds.
Spirits IV and V are near-identical sister vessels; at 212 metres in length, each is longer than the largest sporting ground in Australia, the MCG. They will replace the two current Bass Strait ferries, Spirits I and II, which are retiring after 24 years of service.
A behind-the-scenes walk-through in Melbourne this week of one of the new vessels reveals that it has been thoughtfully designed to showcase the best of Tasmania.
This means Tasmanian produce at almost every turn, from an array of fine dining offers at the Tasmanian Market Kitchen, to family fare at the Maatsuyker Bar and Lounge, to snacks at the vessel's casual bars - all accompanied by Tasmanian beer, wine and spirits.
From the quiet corridors to open lounges, commissioned Tasmanian art infuses almost every space with the island's distinct creative spirit on show.
Throughout the corridors, dynamic photographic displays from Tourism Tasmania feature interactive markers, allowing travellers to locate and plan visits to the exact geographic sites pictured on the walls.
Entertainment on board has also taken a distinctly local turn.
In addition to a main cinema showing current Hollywood blockbusters, a second lounge is dedicated entirely to short-form Tasmanian cinema.
These cinemas are conveniently located next to arcade machines and games for kids.
With 302 luxury cabins alongside hundreds of recliners, the vessel is practically a floating hotel, with a capacity for 1800 passengers.
There is accommodation made for cats and dogs too with 18 pet-friendly cabins so they can be side by side with the rest of the family.
Business recliners, not available on Spirits I and II, are available for those who want some added comfort, but not a cabin.
Cabins range from a standard offering, to deluxe, to family cabins that can accommodate up to six people.
From an operational standpoint, the vessel represents a significant leap forward in passenger comfort and accessibility. Designed in consultation with disability advocates, the ship features widened passages, dedicated wheelchair-accessible fixtures, and inclusive lounge areas.
Below deck is increased vehicle capacity, including more than three times more capacity for caravans for those who want to tour Tasmania on their own terms.
Bookings on the Spirits IV and V will open on September 16 for travel from October 31.
Passenger fares start from $49, vehicle fares also start from $49, and cabin upgrades are available from $125.
Passengers are able to book up to 12 months in advance at book.spiritoftasmania.com.au
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