Spirit of Tassie gets makeover

The Tasmania Government is hoping that a $31 million refurbishment of its two Spirit of Tasmania ferries will help boost visitor numbers to the Apple Isle to 1.5 million people by 2020.

On the water by the end of August, the two revamped ferries feature a host of luxury and comfort upgrades including a new self-service restaurant, ‘grab and go’ convenience shop, two new cinemas, refurbished cabins and upper decks, three new bars and 28 new flat screen TVs in the public areas.

To cater for the extra 33 day sailings added recently to the 2015/2016 schedule, the recliner lounge area has also been revamped with new, stretch out seats equipped with individual reading lights, tray table, and USB port.

Following a significant marketing campaign in recent months the chairman of the state-owned TT-Line, Michael Grainger, said passenger numbers had increased in 2014/15 compared to the previous financial year and forward bookings in 2015/16 were “already very positive”.

“We are particularly pleased that day sailing forward bookings have more than doubled compared to the same time last year,” he said.

“And we are confident that our passenger numbers will increase further following the commencement of the service by both refurbished vessels.”

To encourage travellers to make the Bass Strait crossing during the cooler winter months the Spirit of Tasmania is currently offering a special $75 day sailing deal, with an upgrade to a recliner costing an additional $25.

But apart from taxpayer funded rebates there are no financial incentives for those who want to take over an RV, with the

relatively high cost remaining a stumbling block for many grey nomads and family caravanners.