The new Spirit of Tasmania is basically a 12-hour premium hotel for one of the most challenging sea voyages in the world.

The new Spirit of Tasmania ships – IV and V – are finally here, welcoming passengers from October 31, and they leave their predecessors in their wake. Literally. During a behind-the-scenes visit in the lead-up to the launch, I got a taste of what to expect from the new vessels. Between the splashy new communal spaces, the refined accommodation options, new pet-friendly cabins and better vantage points onboard to best enjoy the view, the Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are set to elevate the journey between Victoria and Tasmania in a big way. Here’s a first-hand guide to what to expect from a trip onboard.

How do the new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V ships compare to the older ones?

The new ships have been purpose-built for this crossing, using insight from the experiences of Spirit I and II, which were repurposed second-hand ferries from Greece. The new ships are 17 metres longer, four metres taller and enjoy over three times more room for caravans across a total 4098 lane metres of vehicle space. They’ll carry 470 more people, meaning up to 1800 passengers can travel on each ship each voyage.

Where does the Spirit of Tasmania sail from and to?

Spirit of Tasmania IV and V connect Tasmania and Victoria from ports at Devonport and Geelong. The total journey takes about 12 hours, with the new ships only departing for night sailings. (Day sailings might be added again in the future, depending on demand.) The check-in process is the same at either end. Check-in opens about two and a half hours prior to departure and closes 45 minutes before the ships are due to set sail. 

What’s the ship like?

These two ships, which were built over three years and at a cost exceeding $1 billion, are a huge step up from the existing ships in terms of style, onboard experience and safety, with the ships now carrying a Safe Return to Port certification that means – in the very rare event of an emergency – the vessels can come back to port without deploying lifeboats. That’s because they have “complete redundancies": two of all essential infrastructure, from dual engine rooms to dual bridges and dual ballast systems.

From a user-experience perspective, the new ships feel lighter, brighter and more considered, showcasing the Tasmanian landscape across floor-to-ceiling photography of every corner of the state – we spotted Cataract Gorge and Dove Lake among 300-odd others – each tagged with a QR code that allows guests to access on-demand information about regional travel.

Two improved stabilisers mean that the sway of the Bass Strait is less acute, making for a more relaxed voyage. Out on one deck, a feature wall is made from long-lost timber dredged from the bottom of Tasmanian lakes by local business Hydrowood, and Tasmanian company A.H. Beard supplied more than 1100 mattresses for the two vessels.

What can we expect from the new cabins?

Animal lovers across the country have been eagerly awaiting the pet-friendly cabins. There are 18, all contained in one area on one floor and buttressed by an outdoor pet deck area with turf pad and walking area, and each can host up to four people across four bunks as well as two animals.

Deluxe cabins feel like floating hotel rooms, with queen beds adorned with Waverley Mill wool throws, huge ensuites with amenity kits, massive windows overlooking the sea, desks and a complimentary bottle of Tasmanian red.

There are also two family cabins, which can host up to six people. The standard cabins aren’t too shabby either: they’ve got full-size bathrooms, retractable bunk beds and, for 88 of them, views out across the ocean. (Internal standard cabins are a bit cheaper, and include illuminated images of the Tasmanian landscape in place of a window.)

Guests who opt for recliners now have two choices: the standard recliner, which is included in a passenger fare, and the deluxe recliners, which will incur an extra charge. Standard recliners have been upgraded with hardy blue fabric, USB charging ports and trays that fold out from the arm. The deluxe recliners are fitted out in New Zealand leather, have a wider seat base and lay fully flat, so supine seafarers can doze off in blissful, spacious comfort.

Where do you eat and drink?

Take your pick: the new Spirit ships have upgraded the culinary selection with four new eateries, expanded dining areas and lounge spaces, and the addition of an outdoor sports bar.

The Tasmanian Market Kitchen, long enjoyed for its buffet-style dining option, has been elevated to reflect Tasmania’s market culture (Hobart’s Salamanca Market and Launceston’s Harvest Market, among them), with pre-plated seafood platters featuring Barilla Bay oysters and Tasmanian salmon rillettes; plated dishes of wild-caught pink ling served with bok choy and a ginger dressing, slow-cooked pork ribs, Sri Lankan-style vegetable curry, rich ragu-filled lasagna and battered fish and chips; and pick-your-own salad, dessert and sides bars.

Mersey Cafe is where you’ll find grab-and-go breakfast options, including raspberry muffins made by Tasmanian business Loaves and Fishes, scallop pies and three-cheese toasties (as well as barista coffee), and Maatsuyker Bar is the go-to spot for indoor-outdoor pub-style snacking, with chicken wings and family-size pizzas made to order.

With classical music and charcuterie boards, the Cradle Lounge is set to be the prime location for quieter, calmer snacking, attracting families, couples and singles to contemplate the voyage over a glass of Tasmanian sparkling and a slice of Ashgrove cheddar.

What is there to do on board?

Settle in for live sports and live music at the Maatsuyker Bar, a family-friendly movie or a Tasmanian short film in one of two onboard cinemas, a turn on the arcade machines or Xbox stations, or an experience in the Huon Bar, where a rotation of Tasmanian makers, producers and other businesses have free rein to book the 85-seat space to showcase their products and services. The larger-format Bass Strait General Store is suited to a spot of shopping, featuring mainly Tasmanian makers as well as general travel goods and amenities, plus to-go snacks.

What’s it like travelling with your car?

The new ships have 40 per cent more capacity, with at least three times more space for caravans. Unlike the existing ships, for which the lower levels required corkscrew-like three-point turns, the new ships have entries and exits on each level, meaning you can drive on straight upon embarkation and drive out straight upon arrival. You won’t be able to access your car, caravan or trailer while the boat is in motion – nor will pet owners be able to access dogs and cats kennelled below deck – so it’s still essential you take everything with you once you’ve parked.

Is the Spirit of Tasmania family-friendly?

Families are well-catered for on the new ship, with two family-size cabins perfect for larger groups as well as a kids play area with climbing equipment, a kid-friendly gaming zone with arcade games, gaming stations and claw machines, and generous dining areas that lend themselves to energetic children.

Family-friendly films are shown in Cinema 1, which can host up to 42 people, with tickets ($13.00 for adults and $8.00 for children, showing multiple films each sailing) purchased from the Bass Strait General Store. Cinema 2, showing Tassie short films, is free to enter. There’s also wi-fi on board for a fee and free media streaming in public areas on select decks. 

Can you travel with your pet?

For the first time in Spirit of Tasmania history, 18 cabins are pet-friendly, welcoming up to two [dogs or cats] per cabin. Guests are encouraged to bring their own pet bedding and equipment, as it’s not supplied. There’s an outdoor deck for cabin-bound pets, where dogs can refresh on faux grass and wander in comfort.

Kennels are still available, too, now in climate-controlled, insulated comfort instead of being exposed on an outdoor deck. There are 45 kennels there, across various sizes, with dogs and cats kept in separate spaces. Staff conduct welfare checks on kennelled animals throughout the voyage. Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, some birds, chickens and ducks are also welcome.

Is the Spirit of Tasmania accessible for guests with disabilities?

Given the new Spirit of Tasmania ships are totally customised to this voyage across the Bass Strait, the team were extremely conscious to ensure the ships cater to guests of all abilities. Spirit consulted with Disability Voices and Equality Building to create two accessible cabins that accommodate Hoyer lifts and mobility needs as well as, in some, in-room medication fridges. These cabins can also be connected with adjoining cabins to accommodate companions and carers. Hallways have also been increased to allow for mobility aids, and the recliner lounges are better spaced to accommodate all-ability users. 

Details

Best for: Road-trippers, families, campers, caravanners, solo travellers, pet owners and all-abilities travellers looking for affordable, comfortable passage between states

Route: Devonport to Geelong, and Geelong to Devonport

Journey time: Around 12 hours total, including boarding and disembarking time

Check-in: Check-in opens about two-and-a-half hours prior to departure and closes 45 minutes before the ships are due to set sail 

Cost: Tickets for remaining room types went on sale on Wednesday, with fares starting at $49 per person and $49 per car. Fares are flexible depending on demand and seasonality

Vehicles: Cars, cars with trailers and freight vehicles are allocated to lane space across three vehicle decks