Spirit of Tasmania 4 ferry

The 2024-built Spirit of Tasmania IV ferry is a RO-PAX (car-and-passenger) vessel owned and operated by TT LINE Tasmania (TT-Line Company Pty Ltd). Her sistership is Spirit of Tasmania V. Both vessels were constructed by Rauma Marine Constructions Oy (RMC) in Rauma Finland.

These ferries were originally intended for the Bass Strait route, with daily scheduled crossings between Victoria, Australia, and Tasmania (Geelong-Devonport). The travel time is between 9.5 and 11.5 hours, and the sea distance is 242 NM (~450 km/~280 mi). Geelong is ~75 km (47 mi) southwest of Victoria's capital city, Melbourne, by road.

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

The shipbuilding contract between TT-Line Company and RMC was signed on April 14, 2021. The deal covered two identical vessels, each with a maximum capacity of 1,800 passengers (301 cabins, 165 lounge recliners—118 standard and 47 business), cargo capacity for 600 cars (4,098 lane meters), gross tonnage of 48,000 GT, and deadweight of 6,400 DWT.

The two new ferries were scheduled for delivery in 2024 and intended to replace the company's 1998-built sisterships Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II. TT LINE Tasmania launched the Bass Strait service in September 2002 with these older vessels, each with a gross tonnage of 29,000 GT and a capacity of 1,400 passengers and 500 vehicles.

Due to delays in the construction of Devonport Port’s wharf, both vessels (Spirit IV and Spirit V) are expected to enter revenue service for TT-LINE in July 2026.

Until 2024, the older Spirit of Tasmania ships carried approximately 450,000 passengers annually.

The new ferries increase TT-Line's capacity by 43% (passengers) and 39% (freight).

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 (originally 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 discontinued in August 2006. The ship was acquired from Superfast Ferries in July 2003 (reportedly for AUD 103 million) and sold to Corsica Ferries on July 17, 2006, for EUR 65 million (AUD 111 million).

The Spirit of Tasmania IV (IMO 9936587) is currently Australia-flagged (MMSI 503000241) and registered in Devonport, Tasmania. The registered owner and management company is TT LINE CO PTY LTD.

Baltic Sea trials were completed in June 2024 (17–24), when the vessel was Finland-flagged (MMSI 230999999).

Cabins

As a cruiseferry, Spirit of Tasmania IV has a total of 301 cabins, including twin-bed porthole, four-bed porthole, twin/four-bed Inside, Deluxe, and wheelchair-accessible cabins.

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, mirrored writing desks with chairs, wall-mounted reading lamps, fixed lower twin beds (2 x 0.8 m), upper wall-mounted bunk beds, and clothes storage (hangers, no wardrobes).

"Day cabins" are also available for booking. These are available from 1 hour after departure until 1 hour before 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 can be placed in the cabin free of charge (subject to availability).

The ship also features 165 reclining seats (aircraft-type armchairs) available for pre-booking in the Reserved Seating Lounge—118 standard and 47 business-class. Recliners are available for both day and night crossings and are fully automatic, with USB charging points and under-seat luggage storage.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Note: The following review is based on fleetmates Tasmania I and Tasmania II. Content will be updated once official information (including deck plans) is released by TT LINE Tasmania.

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), including 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 products 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 with arcade machines.
• (Deck 7) Duty-Free Shop offering alcohol, 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) located near 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 165 reclining seats.
• (Deck 9) THE TERRACE BAR LOUNGE features HDTVs (Foxtel programming), open seating areas, and a menu including ciders, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages. The food menu includes pizza by the slice, panini sandwiches, and cheeseburgers (day crossings only).
• (Deck 9) GAME ZONE is an arcade-style area for teens. Most of Deck 9 is reserved for crew.
• (Deck 10) GAMING STATION with Xbox consoles.
• (Deck 10) KIDS PLAY AREA is an indoor beach-themed playground with supervised activities, toys, games, and seating for adults. Day Sailing Entertainment (December–April) includes performers, arts and crafts, trivia, dance parties, and disco bingo.
• (Deck 10) TOP DECK LOUNGE is a nightclub-style venue with astroturf flooring, deckchairs, and panoramic windows. It serves pizza, ice cream, wines, beers, and ciders.

Deck 10 also houses the Navigation Bridge (wheelhouse) and officers’ quarters.

Deck 11 is the Helideck, featuring a helicopter landing platform for emergencies.

The vessel is equipped with 12 elevators (4 forward, 4 aft, 4 midship).

Wi-Fi (SpiritInternet network) and media streaming are available in all public areas (decks 7–10), but not in cabins. Wi-Fi is available at a surcharge (AU$6 per hour or AU$18 per crossing). Media streaming is free 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 from Tasmanian producers are hosted as part of TT-LINE’s "Flavours of Tassie" seasonal program.

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

All emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at muster stations. In emergencies, 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 arrivals 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 between September and April. During consecutive day and night sailings, night crossing schedules may vary.

The distance between Devonport–Stanley is 127 km (1.5 hours by road), 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 (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 inaccessible during the crossing. Except for assistance dogs, pets are not permitted in cabins or 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. Prohibited animals include 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, with documentary proof required (receipt or veterinary certification).

Car decks

Vehicle 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 permitted 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 contact the Information Desk.
• Apply the handbrake and leave 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.
• Note your vehicle’s location and deck/stairway number before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and lounges.
• Return to your vehicle only after the onboard announcement.
• 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.