The best holidays are those where getting there is half the fun. Spirit of Tasmania offers the luxuries of a cruise, whilst taking you to your holiday destination in comfort.

The adventure begins as you drive your vehicle up the ramp and into the heart of Spirit of Tasmania. Melbourne’s Station Pier, home berth of Spirit of Tasmania I and II, is the start of a memorable journey that will take you across Bass Strait to the island of Tasmania.

The evening departure from Melbourne is the first spectacular experience of the voyage. Glowing against the dark sky, the city sparkles with light.

On a warm evening, the bar on Deck 10 provides sweeping, elevated views of the changing panorama, as the Spirit slips her moorings and turns away from the pier. With the ship gathering speed across Port Phillip Bay, you’re sure to feel a tingle of anticipation about the experiences awaiting you on Tasmanian shores.

But first, there’s a cruise to enjoy. After a stroll around the ship to get acquainted with its attractions and facilities, perhaps a pre-dinner drink is first on the agenda. 

You’ll be impressed by the friendly and informal atmosphere of the main bar and the relaxed ambience of the lounge bar, both on Deck 7, where helpful staff can assist you with any enquiry about the ship and its services.

Why not try your luck in the Admirals Gaming Lounge? The winning jangle of gold coins just might be the ideal start to your Tasmanian holiday. And if you’re travelling with children, there’s plenty to keep them occupied, with a playroom for the younger ones on Deck 7, while older kids will get into the action in the Galactica Games Arcade on Deck 9.

Catch a new release movie on the recently-converted on board cinema which plays two films every evening. Or keep up to date with the latest news, watch your favourite television shows or see a sporting match on the widescreen plasma TVs situated on Deck 10.

The knowledgeable Tasmanian staff in Tourism On Board can assist you with advice and information about your Tasmanian holiday plans. This is the place to purchase your National Parks pass and collect some brochures on local points of interest. A browse through the Tasmania At Sea gift shop is recommended – it stocks a range of newspapers, magazines, craft, clothing and Tasmanian specialties.

There’s nothing like a dose of sea air to sharpen the appetite, so enjoy the evening views across the bay from one of the open-access outdoor deck areas, then make your choice for dinner. There’s casual self-service dining in the Waves Eatery, with a variety of tasty hot and cold dishes for your selection, or try the stylish a la carte Seasons Restaurant. Here, you’ll savour beautifully-prepared and presented cuisine featuring fine Tasmanian produce – a tantalising introduction to the culinary delights waiting for you across Bass Strait.

A nightcap in the lounge bar makes a perfect end to the first evening of your Tasmanian experience. When it’s time to bunker down, you’re sure to get a restful night’s sleep regardless of the accommodation you choose. Spirit of Tasmania offers a variety of choice. Spacious Ocean View Recliners are available on Deck 8, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a personal reading light.

Families may like the convenience and comfort of Four Berth Cabins, all with their own private facilities. Couples can choose Twin Berth Cabins, also with private facilities and a choice of porthole view or inside cabin. But to make your Bass Strait crossing really special, a Deluxe Cabin is the way to go. Spacious and comfortable, these exclusive cabins feature a queen-size bed, superb porthole views, a lounge setting, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, a television and en suite facilities.

Before you know it, a new journey begins as you drive down the ramp onto Tasmanian soil, then travel onward in the comfort of your own vehicle to explore the wonders of the island. 

DID YOU KNOW?

• Spirit of Tasmania I and II cross Bass Strait in 10 hours at a cruising speed of 27 knots. That’s the equivalent of 50 kilometres per hour – which is the speed limit in most Tasmanian cities.

• Spirit of Tasmania I and II were built in Finland. They have a displacement weight of almost 30,000 tonnes and a length of 194m.

• The 429 kilometre voyage across Bass Strait is roughly twice the distance by road between Devonport and Strahan, on Tasmania’s west coast.

• Spirit of Tasmania I and II have 748 berths and 222 cabins. They also have a 126-seat cinema.

• Stretched end-to-end, the vehicle lanes on each ship would be almost two kilometres long.

 

STORY: CHRIS VINEY