Spirit of Tasmania 2 ferry

MS Spirit of Tasmania II is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by TT-LINE Tasmania. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,400 passengers and 500 cars, plus 110 trucks (trailers). She was launched in 1998 and currently operates on the Victoria (Australia)–Tasmania ferry route Melbourne-Devonport (Bass Strait crossing time 9–11 hours).

Notably, for three years (2003 through 2006), the fleet also included Spirit of Tasmania III (IMO 9086590), which now sails as Mega Express Four (Italy-flagged) for Corsica-Sardinia Ferries. The 1995-built vessel (as Superfast II) joined TT-Line’s fleet on September 30, 2003, and was deployed on the Devonport-Sydney NSW route starting January 15, 2004. The service was terminated in August 2006. Spirit of Tasmania III was acquired from Superfast Ferries in July 2003 (reportedly for AUD 103 million) and was owned by TT-Line from 2003 to 2006. On July 17, 2006, the vessel was sold to Corsica Ferries for EUR 65 million (AUD 111 million).

Cabins

As a cruiseferry, Spirit of Tasmania 2 has a total of 222 cabins with 750 beds. Of all staterooms, 59 are twin-bed porthole, 72 are four-bed porthole, 81 are twin/four-bed Inside, 8 are Deluxe, and 2 are wheelchair-accessible. All staterooms are air-conditioned and non-smoking, with en-suite bathrooms (washbasin, under-sink shelf, WC, shower, hairdryer). The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Cabin amenities include bedside tables, a mirrored writing desk with chair, wall-mounted reading lamps, fixed lower twin beds (size 2 x 0.8 m), upper wall-mounted bunk beds, and clothes storage (hangers, no wardrobes).

Spirit of Tasmania cruise cabins (staterooms for overnight passengers and "day cabins") are located on decks 7-8 and are in the following categories:

• Deluxe Cabins have one double bed (queen-size, fixed), two large porthole windows (forward location with slanted wall), smart HDTV (satellite reception, Foxtel interactive programming), low table with armchairs, and bathrobes.
• 2-Bed Cabins (with two fixed lower beds and TV) and 4-Bed Cabins (with two lower beds and two upper bunks) are available as Inside and Outside (with non-opening porthole window).
• 2-Bed Disabled Cabin (wheelchair-accessible, wider entry door, two fixed lower beds, linoleum flooring, adapted bathroom, located near lifts on Deck 8 midship)

"Day cabins" are also available for booking. These are available from 1 hour after departure until 1 hour prior to arrival. All other passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport.

If an infant is booked, up to two baby cots will be placed in the cabin free of charge (subject to availability).

The ship also has 121 reclining seats (aircraft-type armchairs) available for pre-booking in the Reserved Seating Lounge (Deck 8). Recliners can be booked for both day and night crossings. The seats are fully automatic and include charging points and under-seat luggage storage.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

As facilities, the Spirit of Tasmania 2 ship (deck plans) offers:

(Deck 7) TMK (Tasmanian Market Kitchen) is the ship’s buffet restaurant offering Tasmanian food favorites, including starters (with a promotional "dish of the day"), desserts, a self-service salad bar, and main courses. TMK also offers value-priced kids’ menus (Little Sailors Meal Deal) with souvenir cups for AU$13.50. Children aged 5 and under dine free when accompanied by a full-paying adult.

The buffet is available on night cruises only. TMK operating hours are: normal crossings (Dinner 6:30–9 pm, Breakfast 5:30 am–arrival); double crossings (morning departures: Breakfast 7:30–10 am, Lunch 12 midnight–3 pm); and double crossings (night departures: Dinner 7:30–10 pm, Breakfast 5 am–arrival). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Breakfast menu items include fresh juices, Pura and Dare flavored milk, cereals, Tasmanian Westhaven yogurts, fresh fruits, muffins, omelets, hash browns, bacon-and-egg toasted Turkish rolls, white and wholemeal toast, bacon-and-egg muffins, and hot drinks (coffee, chocolate, tea).

Buffet dinner packages cost AU$27.50 (adult), AU$15 (children 6–15), and AU$10 (children 6–10). The menu includes salads, rotating daily specials (roast, stir-fry, pasta), steamed rice, fries, desserts, and drinks (tea, coffee, sodas).

• (Deck 7) THE PANTRY is a casual restaurant offering freshly made "grab-and-go" items (snacks, sandwiches), including gourmet Tasmanian foods and gift items.
• (Deck 7) Reading Room
• (Deck 7) BAR 7 is a stylish lounge with comfortable seating, large TVs, and live entertainment. It offers a selection of Tasmanian premium wines (white, red, sparkling), ciders (Toohey's 5 Seeds, Spreyton's Apple-Pear-Ginger Beer), craft beers (Boags Draught, XXX Ale, XXXX Gold), bottled beers (Boags, Cascade, Moo Brew, Pure Blonde, Victoria Bitter), spirits (rum, gin, vodka, cognac, brandy, liqueur), desserts, juices, and bottled water.
• (Deck 7) Tourism Hub (Tour Desk) provides information on accommodation and tours in Tasmania and sells National Park passes and fishing licenses.
• (Deck 7) Admirals Gaming Lounge is fitted with arcade machines.
• (Deck 7) Duty-Free Shop sells alcohol (liquors, beers, wines), tobacco products, perfumes, cosmetics, sunglasses, watches, jewelry, clothing, electronics, toys, confectionery, gifts, and souvenirs.
• (Deck 7) Two cinemas (48-seat theaters) equipped with modern technology and multiple screenings per voyage. Tickets cost AU$10 (adult), AU$7.50 (pensioner), AU$5 (children 3–15).
• (Deck 7) ATM (cash machine) is located next to the Reception (Information Desk).
• (Decks 7-8) Baby Changing Rooms
• (Decks 7-10) Accessible toilets
• (Deck 8 aft) Recliner Lounge (Reserved Seating Lounge) with large TVs and 121 reclining Pullman seats.
• (Deck 9) THE TERRACE BAR LOUNGE features HDTVs (Foxtel programming / Australian pay-TV), a large open space, and colorful seating. The menu includes ciders, bottled and draft beers, wines (white, red, sparkling), and non-alcoholic beverages. The fast-food menu offers pizza by the slice, panini sandwiches, and cheeseburgers (day crossings only).
• (Deck 9) GAME ZONE is an arcade-style gaming area for teens with modern seating and floor-to-ceiling windows. Most of Deck 9 is crew-only.
• (Deck 10) GAMING STATION is a room with comfortable seating where Xbox console games can be played.
• (Deck 10) KIDS PLAY AREA is an indoor beach-themed playground with a jungle gym (soft play pyramids, slide, ramp), dance floor, toys, games, supervised activities, and seating for adults. Day Sailing Entertainment (December through April) includes performers (face painters, storytellers, circus acts), arts and crafts, trivia games, dance parties, and disco bingo.
• (Deck 10) TOP DECK LOUNGE is a nightclub/disco bar with astroturf flooring, deckchairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu includes pizza, ice cream (Magnum, Golden Gaytime, Paddle Pop, Calippo, Anvers Fudge), wines, ciders, and bottled and draft beers.
• (Deck 10) Navigation Bridge and officers' quarters

Deck 11 is the Helideck, with a helipad used in emergency situations.

The vessel has 12 elevators (4 forward, 4 aft, 4 midship).

Wi-Fi (SpiritInternet network) and media streaming are available in all public areas (decks 7-8-9-10), but not in cabins. Wi-Fi service is available at a surcharge: AU$6 per hour or AU$18 per crossing. Media streaming is free of charge (via FreeSpirit.tv). Internet connectivity is satellite-based (high latency).

EFTPOS (electronic payment terminals) are available at all onboard outlets.

Between May and November, onboard tastings of food and beverages by Tasmanian producers are hosted as part of TT-LINE's "Flavours of Tassie" seasonal program.

Via the PressReader app, passengers can download a selection of thousands of digital newspapers and magazines (from 120+ countries and in 60+ languages) to their devices free of charge within 48 hours prior to departure.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at the ship’s assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at muster stations. In case of emergency, the use of elevators is prohibited.

TT-LINE Tasmania ferry departure and arrival times

Check-in opens 2.5 hours and closes 45 minutes before departure. A wake-up call for morning arrival is made 45 minutes prior to disembarkation.

Early boarding begins 1.5 hours before departure. On night crossings, schedules may vary between September and May. Day crossings operate from September through April. During consecutive day and night sailings, night crossing schedules may vary.

The distance between Devonport–Stanley is 127 km (1.5 hours drive), Devonport–Launceston 100 km (1 hour), Launceston–St Helens 164 km (2 hours), St Helens–Coles Bay 113 km (1.5 hours), Devonport–Strahan 226 km (3 hours), Launceston–Hobart 200 km (2.5 hours), and Strahan–Hobart 300 km (4 hours).

The Bass Strait ferry route length (Melbourne–Devonport) is 429 km (267 mi).

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, chickens) are allowed on all crossings. Dogs and cats must travel in onboard kennels (bedding is not provided). Kennels (priced AUD 22 one-way) are located on ventilated car decks, with freshwater supplied throughout the voyage. Pets are not allowed to remain in vehicles, and car decks are not accessible during the crossing. Except for assistance dogs, pets are not permitted in cabins and public areas.

Unless the dog or cat is a mother with offspring, one kennel must be booked per animal. Smaller animals must be transported in personal cages and then placed into kennels. Livestock may also be transported. The list of animals not allowed on the ship includes wildlife (reptiles, amphibians, wild birds, aquatic animals, worms, spiders, pigeons, doves, rodents).

All dogs entering Tasmania must be treated for hydatid tapeworm within 14 days prior to arrival, and documentary proof is required (receipt or veterinary certificate).

Car decks

Garage decks (for cars and trucks) are located on decks 1 through 6. The forward sections of decks 1 and 2 are accessed from Deck 3 via a tilting ramp. The aft sections of decks 1–2 house the ship’s machinery (engines, propulsion systems). Vehicles on Deck 6 are loaded via a hoistable platform.

Motorhomes (campervans), caravans, and gas-powered vehicles (with fixed cylinders) can also be transported. Compressed air cylinders (including scuba tanks) are allowed onboard but must be removed from the vehicle and secured in the ship’s gas trolley.

Indicative one-way ferry fares are: Car/4WD (AU$99), Motorbike (AU$69), Bicycle (AU$19). Safety procedures for vehicle decks include:

• Passengers requiring assistance should visit the ship’s Information Desk.
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear. Switch off the engine, alarm, electrical systems, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Make a note of your vehicle’s location and deck/stairway number before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To reduce emissions, do not start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner TT-Line Tasmania (officially "TT-Line Company", founded in 1985 and headquartered in Devonport, Tasmania, and Melbourne, Australia) specializes in passenger ferry services between Victoria and Tasmania (Bass Strait crossings). Since 1993, TT-LINE has been a fully Tasmanian Government-owned company.