Spirit of Tasmania 5 ferry

The 2025-built Spirit of Tasmania V ferry is an RO-PAX (car-and-passenger) vessel owned and operated by TT LINE Tasmania (TT-Line Company Pty Ltd). Her sistership is Spirit of Tasmania IV (2024). Both vessels were constructed by Rauma Marine Constructions Oy/RMC in Rauma Finland.

These ferries were originally intended for the Bass Strait ferry route with daily scheduled crossings between Victoria (Australia) and Tasmania (Geelong-Devonport). 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 state'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 was for two identical vessels, each with a maximum capacity of 1,800 passengers (301 cabins, 165 lounge recliners/118 standard + 47 business), cargo capacity for 600 cars (4,098 lane meters), volume 48,000 GT-tons, and deadweight tonnage 6,400 DWT.

The two new ferries were scheduled for launch in 2024 and intended as replacements for the company's 1998-built sisterships Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II. TT LINE Tasmania started the Bass Strait ferry service in September 2002 with these older sisterships, each with a volume of 29,000 GT-tons and a maximum capacity of 1,400 passengers and 500 vehicles.

Due to delays in the construction of the new wharf at Devonport Port, both vessels (Spirit IV and Spirit V) are expected to begin revenue operations for TT-LINE in July 2026.

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

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

Curiously, for three years (2003 through 2006), the fleet also included the Spirit of Tasmania III ship (IMO 9086590), which now sails as Mega Express Four (Italy-flagged) for Corsica-Sardinia Ferries. The 1995-built vessel (launched as Superfast II) joined TT-Line Company's fleet on September 30, 2003, and was deployed on the new 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 remained in the TT-Line fleet from 2003 to 2006. On July 17, 2006, the vessel was sold to Corsica Ferries for EUR 65 million (AUD 111 million).

The Spirit of Tasmania V vessel (IMO 9936599) is Australia-flagged (MMSI 503000243) and registered in Devonport (Tasmania). The vessel's registered owner and management company is TT LINE CO PTY LTD.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, 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 (size 2 x 0.8 m), upper bunk beds (wall-mounted), and clothes storage with hangers (no wardrobes).

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

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

The ship additionally has 165 reclining seats (aircraft-type armchairs) available for pre-booking in the Reserved Seating Lounge. Of these, 118 are standard recliners and 47 are luxury/business-class seats. Recliners can be booked for both day and night crossings. The reclining seats are fully automatic and include USB charging points and under-seat storage for luggage.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Note: The following review is based on fleetmates Tasmania I and Tasmania II. The content will be updated as soon as 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 promo-priced "dish of the day"), desserts, a self-service salad bar, and main dishes. TMK Restaurant also offers low-priced kids' menus (Little Sailors Meal Deal) with keepsake souvenir cups for AU$13.50. Children aged 5 and under dine free but must be 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 until arrival), double crossings with morning departures (Breakfast 7:30–10 am, Lunch midnight–3 pm), and double crossings with night departures (Dinner 7:30–10 pm, Breakfast 5 am until arrival). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items are also available.

Breakfast menu items include fresh juices, Pura and Dare flavored milk, cereals, Tasmanian Westhaven yogurts, fresh fruits, sweet 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 (kids 6–15 yo), and AU$10 (kids 6–10 yo). The menu includes salads, three-day specials (roast, stir-fry, pasta), steamed rice, beer fries, desserts, and drinks (tea, coffee, sodas).

• (Deck 7) THE PANTRY is a casual restaurant offering fresh-made grab-and-go fast food (snacks, sandwiches), including gourmet Tasmanian foods and gift items.
• (Deck 7) Reading Room
• (Deck 7) BAR 7 is a stylish lounge bar with comfortable chairs, large TVs, and live entertainment. It offers a selection of Tasmanian premium wines by the glass and bottle (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 (orange, apple), and bottled water.
• (Deck 7) Tourism Hub (Tour Desk) provides passengers with information on accommodation and tours in Tasmania available for booking. It also sells National Park Passes and fishing licenses.
• (Deck 7) Admirals Gaming Lounge is equipped with arcade machines.
• (Deck 7) Duty-Free Shop sells alcohol (liquors, beers, wines), tobacco products, perfumes and cosmetics, sunglasses, watches, jewelry, designer clothes and accessories, electronics and gadgets, toys, confectionery, special-occasion gifts, and souvenirs.
• (Deck 7) Two cinemas (48-seat movie theaters) are equipped with modern technology and offer multiple screenings per voyage. Cinema tickets cost AU$10 (adult), AU$7.50 (pensioner), AU$5 (kids 3–15 yo).
• (Deck 7) ATM (cash machine) is located next to the Information Desk (Reception).
• (Decks 7-8) Baby Changing Rooms
• (Decks 7-10) Accessible Toilets
• (Deck 8 aft) Recliner Lounge is a Reserved Seating Lounge with large TVs and 165 reclining seats.
• (Deck 9) THE TERRACE BAR LOUNGE has HDTVs (with Foxtel programming/Australian pay TV), a large open space, and colorful lounge chairs. The menu includes ciders, bottled and draught beers, wines by the glass and bottle (white, red, sparkling), and non-alcoholic beverages (juices, tea, coffee, sodas, bottled water). The fast-food menu offers pizza by the slice (Margherita, Hawaiian, BBQ Chicken, Prosciutto, Vegetarian), panini sandwiches (Vegetarian, Chicken BLT, Italian Ham Rustic), and cheeseburgers (day crossings only).
• (Deck 9) GAME ZONE is an arcade-style gaming area for teens featuring modern lounge chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Most of Deck 9 consists of crew-only areas.
• (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 is a complimentary program offered from December through April. The program includes entertainers (face painters, storytellers, circus performers), arts and crafts, trivia games, dance parties, and disco bingo.
• (Deck 10) TOP DECK LOUNGE is a nightclub/disco bar with soft astroturf (artificial) flooring, deckchairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu includes pizza by the slice (Margherita, Hawaiian, BBQ Chicken, Prosciutto, Vegetarian), ice creams (Magnum, Golden Gaytime, Paddle Pop, Calippo, Anvers Fudge), wines by the glass and bottle (white, red, sparkling), ciders, and bottled and draught beers.

On Deck 10 are the Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse and the officers' quarters.

Deck 11 is the helideck with a helipad used for emergency helicopter landings.

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. WiFi service is available at an additional cost. WiFi costs AU$6 per hour or AU$18 per crossing. Media streaming is free of charge (via FreeSpirit.tv). Internet connections are provided via satellite (high-latency link).

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

Between May and November, onboard drink and food tastings are hosted showcasing gourmet products and beverages from Tasmanian producers. These events are part of TT-LINE's seasonal "Flavours of Tassie" promotional program.

Via the PressReader app, passengers can download to their digital devices (smartphones, tablets) from a selection of thousands of digital newspapers and magazines from more than 120 countries and in 60+ languages. Downloads are free and unlimited within the 48-hour period prior to departure.

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

TT-LINE Tasmania ferry departure and arrival times

Check-in starts 2.5 hours and ends 45 minutes before departure. A wake-up call for morning arrivals is made 45 minutes before disembarkation.

Early boarding starts 1.5 hours before departure. On night crossings, departure and arrival times may vary in the period September through May. Day crossings operate from September through April. When consecutive day and night crossings are scheduled, the night crossing's departure and arrival times may vary.

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

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

Pets on the ship

Pet animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, chickens) are allowed on all crossings. However, dogs and cats must travel in the ship's kennels (bedding is not provided). Kennels (priced AUD 22 one-way) are located on ventilated car decks. Fresh water is supplied throughout the voyage. Pets are not allowed to stay in vehicles. During crossings, car decks are not accessible to passengers. Except for assistance dogs, pets are not allowed in cabins or public areas.

Unless the dog or cat is a mother with pups or kittens, one kennel must be booked per animal. Smaller animals must be carried in their own pet cage and then placed in a kennel. Livestock can 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 before entry), and documentary proof of treatment is required (receipt or veterinarian certification).

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. Aft sections of Decks 1 and 2 house the ship's machinery (engines, propulsion systems, etc.). Cars on Deck 6 are loaded onto a hoistable platform.

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

Next are listed one-way ferry prices for Car/4WD (AU$99), Motorbike (AU$69), and Bicycle (AU$19). The following safety procedures apply on car decks:

• Passengers with disabilities or requiring specific assistance should visit the ship's Information Desk.
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or first gear. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage from your vehicle.
• Make a note of your vehicle's location and the garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to the ship's vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges, is forbidden.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To avoid air pollution, 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 shipping between Victoria (Australia) and Tasmania (Bass Strait crossings). Since 1993, TT-LINE has been a company fully owned by the Tasmanian Government.