Discover the NEW Spirit of Tasmania
- Written by Soniya Cooper
Spirit of Tasmania has had a makeover.
With fresh, modern interiors and stylish new facilities, there's no better time to set sail with Spirit of Tasmania and enjoy an unforgettable journey across Bass Strait.
Refurbishments have been completed on both Spirit of Tasmania I and II and will enhance the passenger experience, particularly for passengers travelling by day, chief executive officer Bernard Dwyer said.
Mr Dwyer congratulated turnkey contractor Trimline, its contractors and Spirit of Tasmania staff for their collective work in delivering the refurbished Spirit of Tasmania vessels on time and on budget.
“It was a complicated task given that some of the works were required while maintaining the overnight sailing schedule,” he said.
“But the works were well planned and well executed. And we are clearly delighted with the final product.”
Mr Dwyer said all passenger decks, including cabins, had been remodelled and refreshed.
“The new bars, facilities and amenities introduced will enhance the on-board passenger experience,” he said.
The intimate Bar 7 boasts an impressive drinks menu with a selection of Tasmanian premium cool-climate wines, boutique ciders and local craft beers.
With plenty of quiet corners, couches and open spaces, Bar 7 is the perfect place to unwind.
The Terrace Lounge Bar is bright and inviting with open spaces and colourful lounges. Flat-screen TVs with Foxtel are located throughout the deck, allowing you to sit back and catch up on your favourite TV shows. On day sailings, you can even treat yourself to a delicious pizza or panini.
You will feel like it's summer all year round at Top Deck Lounge Bar with deck chairs to relax in, soft synthetic grass to sink your toes into and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering unbeatable ocean vistas.
When it's time to dine, Tasmanian Market Kitchen (TMK) has got you covered. This new casual self-service restaurant offers a selection of Tasmanian-inspired marketplace favourites, including a Tasmanian signature dish of the day.
For a quick bite to eat, The Pantry stocks freshly prepared sandwiches and snacks. If you're after a great gift idea, you'll also find a range of Tasmanian souvenirs and produce.
There's fun for the whole family on board The New Spirit of Tasmania – so much so that you'll find yourself wishing the journey would never end.
You'll be able to catch the latest film releases in one of our two brand new cinemas, offering multiple screenings per sailing.
The younger ones are also well taken care of, with a new arcade-like teen zone and a jungle gym that is just waiting to be climbed and explored.
On day sailings, the entertainment is cranked up a gear with face painting, badge making and roving circus performers for the littlies and disco bingo, trivia and live music for the adults.
Or if reading is more your thing, retreat to the Reading Room and enjoy uninterrupted novel time throughout your journey.
No matter your budget, there are accommodation options to suit all travellers. Our fully refurbished Deluxe Cabins come complete with a queen-size bed, private ensuite, flat-screen TV, and ocean views.
Twin Cabins come with two single beds, suitable for two people, and Four Bed Cabins have two sets of bunk beds, perfect for a family or group of friends. Recliners are also available and are a great, low-cost alternative.
Our popular Flavours of Tassie program is back, showcasing a range of Tasmanian gourmet food and beverage producers from May to November. Sample some of the world's best cheeses, chocolates, wines, spirits and craft beers and ciders, and learn all about what goes into these fine products straight from the makers themselves (hint: there's a whole lot of love!)
Mr Dwyer said passenger numbers had increased in 2014/15 compared to the previous financial year and forward bookings in 2015/16 were already very positive.
“We are particularly pleased that day sailing forward bookings have more than doubled compared to the same time last year,” he said.
“And we are confident that our passenger numbers will increase further following the commencement of the service by both refurbished vessels.”
An additional 33 day sailings have been scheduled for 2015/16, and bookings are already being made for these sailings.
Refurbishment facts
- 1,100 light fittings installed on each ship
- Approx 1,600 hours of design to complete the new Spirit of Tasmania I and II
- Approx 8km Tasmanian Oak installed onboard for lattice screens and curved walls.
- 9,682 square metres of carpet was used on the new ships.
- 878 chairs and stools installed on each ship
- 800 new tables installed on each ship
- 96 seats in 2 brand new cinemas per ship
- 25Ltrs of real copper paint, 35m2 of real copper sheet was used per ship
- More than 80 kilos of nails were used per ship
- 1700 square metres of flooring to create the broadwalks on deck 9 and 10
- 15km of electric cabling for the lighting onboard per ship
- 28 TVs installed on each ship, playing free to air and Foxtel
