With Easter 2004 over six months away, Spirit of Tasmania has scheduled an extra four daylight sailings due to the large number of bookings already recorded for the holiday period.

From 3 April until 18 April 2004 inclusive, Spirit of Tasmania I and II , which service between Devonport and Melbourne, will make over 50 crossings in 16 days.

Miranda Foster, Manager Reservations and Information Systems, said the demand during the Easter school holiday period in 2003 had been "incredible" with 17,000 people travelling during one week.

"I think people are booking so early this time because they realise how popular the ships are and don't want to miss out in 2004," said Ms Foster.   "Travelling on the ships is now one of the highlights of taking a holiday in Tasmania and with standard cars travelling free during April, the ships are the definite choice for many people."

Additional to their regular nightly sailings, Spirit of Tasmania I and II have daylight crossings scheduled for the following dates: 3-4 April   2004; 8-9 April 2004; 10-11 April 2004; 15-18 April 2004.

The company's third vessel, Spirit of Tasmania III , which will service between Sydney and Devonport from mid January 2004, has recorded over 6,500 bookings.

For bookings or enquiries for any of the Spirit of Tasmania ships, customers can call Spirit of Tasmania on 1800 777 462.

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For further information contact:

Simone Ferrier

Spirit of Tasmania - Manager Corporate Communications

Tel: 03 9206 6220