Two new Bass Strait vessels will begin carrying passengers on October 31, bringing greater capacity, additional accommodation choices and more space for vehicles between Geelong and Devonport.
Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V will each carry an additional 470 passengers per sailing and feature 301 cabins, including accessible accommodation.
Vehicle capacity has also increased, with more than three times the previous space available for caravans.
New accommodation options include pet-friendly cabins for up to two pets, family cabins sleeping up to six guests, deluxe cabins and premium business recliners. Passengers can book sailings up to 12 months in advance.
“These vessels represent a new era for Bass Strait travel, with greater capacity, more accommodation choice and a contemporary onboard experience that is distinctly Tasmanian,” said Chris Carbone, Spirit of Tasmania CEO.
Onboard spaces include the Tasmanian Market Kitchen, Mersey Café and Bar, Maatsuyker Bar, Cradle Lounge and Huon Lounge, which will host a program featuring Tasmanian producers and makers.
Local artwork and Tasmanian timbers including Celery Top pine, Huon pine and Tasmanian oak also feature throughout the ships.
Sarah Kingston Clark, Tourism Tasmania CEO, said the additional vehicle capacity would give more visitors the opportunity to explore the state with their own cars, caravans and bikes while supporting tourism businesses across Tasmania.
The inaugural passenger sailings will depart simultaneously on October 31, with Spirit of Tasmania IV leaving Geelong and Spirit of Tasmania V departing Devonport.
