Using TT Line Spirit of Tasmania ferry

[Scarlett]

So I know this is sacrilegious on a FF site, but I have to get my car off the island... and I’m flying to get down there at least.

Is there any commentary about using the ferry from Devonport to Melbourne? Is the night sailing better than day?

I’ll have Mrs and Mstr Scarlett as well and am going in early Jan so I know it’s going to be expensive.

Any experiences or thoughts on using this ferry?

 

[drron]

We have used the ferry on a few occasions.Have never found it a problem though neither of us gets sea sickness and the crossing can be rough. The food has been upgraded and quite OK now.We get a cabin for privacy.

 

[pauly7]

If you have time do the day crossing, I never find I sleep much and wrecks me for the next day if it’s a rough crossing and let’s remember the Bass Strait is the worlds roughest piece of water! It just creates a gentle roll that I find hard to sleep with personally.

 

[ramboflyer]

Being a local I have used the Spirit about 6 times in the past few years. The ships have been updated and it is quite the fun experience. Living in Hobart it's much more convenient to do the night sailing so I have not done a daytime trip.
Highly recommend paying for a cabin rather than a free seat if you want to be fresh when you get off to drive.
The boarding and departing bits are pretty stress free and once you put an overnight bag in your cabin you can relax with a drink before dinner.
Dinner is a buffet with good choices at reasonable prices.
After dinner you can have a look around, have more drinks or have a gamble in the small pokies room if that's your thing. There's also a movie theatre.
Everyone is woken about 6am and departure is orderly.
Every trip I gave been on has been smooth so cant comment on the rough water stuff.

 

[downgraded]

So I know this is sacrilegious on a FF site, but I have to get my car off the island... and I’m flying to get down there at least.

Is there any commentary about using the ferry from Devonport to Melbourne? Is the night sailing better than day?

I’ll have Mrs and Mstr Scarlett as well and am going in early Jan so I know it’s going to be expensive.

Any experiences or thoughts on using this ferry?

Used it a couple of times before the refurbs overnight with a cabin. Can't comment on the catering but a cabin vs not is more akin to the difference between Etihad residence vs Jetstar. Some kind of seat in Y vs a private cabin with lie flat bed and ensuite.
I love the comments regarding the world's roughest piece of water - try the North Sea from Bergen to Newcastle in a storm with the boat pitching so far that people just keeled over whilst sitting in the restaurant.

 

[Scarlett]

Thanks all for the comments. Sounds like the overnight in a cabin will be the best option and hope for a smooth enough crossing.

 

[flyer001]

Hi,
Have used the Tasmanian ferries numerous times first in the 50's. the current ferry's were bought to give a high speed transit and replaced the old much bigger and more comfortable ferry, not a very practical move as its only 2 hours faster than the old one and uses hugely more fuel for less capacity. there was also a question about the price, but it was done by a government. Vehicle costs are subsidized by the Federal government and prices are set for normal fuel usage for a small car for the same distance.
its reasonably comfortable, used to have an Ala-carte restaurant and the waiter told us it has never been rough enough for a long stemmed wine glass to fall over, unfortunately this was closed for cost reasons so you only have a buffet now but food and wines are reasonable priced and quality is OK. cost of a ticket includes a recliner seat which is marginally more comfortable than an economy airline seat for the 13 hour crossing, you are not allowed to sleep in the very comfortable lounge chairs dotted all over the ship and its bars. there a shops and tourist offices on the ship, good wifi, movie theatre, sometimes live music in the main lounge. We strongly recommend a cabin [cost per person], all are ensuite, in which you can have a comfortable sleep and a shower etc.We have seen some people get seasick standing on a deck of a ship tied up to the jetty, but on the ship its more an engine rumble and slight vibration of the deck than actual roll, the ship is well stabilized. Note; its usually cheaper to fly but if touring consider it to be an expensive hotel room. hope this helps.

 

[waltervp]

I live in Devonport, and love using The Spirit. It is quite expensive in my opinion, but you do get a very good service. Also, I do not think the trip is rough, though you can get some bad storms that stop the ship from sailing, but mostly it is perfect. What some families do is get the driver and car onboard, and the rest of the family flies. This is a cheaper option, and if the driver gets a shared cabin this is a comfortable and affordable way to get your car across. To avoid the food I just bring a sandwich on board and get a beer in the bar and have an early night as the journey really isn't that long and you need to get up very early. Happy sailing!

 

[Gingunyah]

We live in Sydney and love using the ferry.... this is how we do it.
Load up the car with all our gear and plug in the esky with our provisions stay overnight somewhere and get to Port Melb late the next afternoon.
We always book a cabin for two and if that’s not available a cabin for four comes at the same price (you pay for the whole cabin) and just fold the top bunks up.
We pack a light meal and a thermos of tea and a few drinks to take onboard - we also take our pillows and toiletries . Check into the cabin and don’t leave till called in the morning. The cabin windows are huge and there are lights shining down into the water all night which is fascinating. The cabins are very quiet, air conditioned and the soft movement of the ferry I find is great for sleeping too. With Telstra you get a WiFi signal for the first 3 hours out of Melbourne.
• Important to book your return crossing as the ferry does fill up
• It costs around $1000 for a return trip car and cabin for two but it’s definitely worth it to have the comfort of your own car and cost effective if you had rented a car for two weeks or longer.

 

[ramboflyer]

If you join the sailors club (for free) they give you a 25% (I think) discount if you book a trip during the month of your birthday.
If you dont have any dates but plan to go in the next year or so make a dummy booking (and pay for it) and change it when you know the dates. There is no cost to making booking changes but be aware that if you cancel you lose 25% of the cost.

 

[waltervp]

If you join the sailors club (for free) they give you a 25% (I think) discount if .....

I am a Free Spirit and always book one way tickets (yes you can book and change later)... So over the past 10+ years they've never let me join their loyalty program (Captains Club) as you need to book a return journey. Crazy rule. My life is too random so they don't value that I've been on the Spirit one or two dozen times ... And that means i don't get their spam emails either. I can whinge about other issues too, but overall it is a great service

 

[RooFlyer]

We live in Sydney and love using the ferry.... this is how we do it.
Load up the car with all our gear and plug in the esky with our provisions stay overnight somewhere and get to Port Melb late the next afternoon.
We always book a cabin for two and if that’s not available a cabin for four comes at the same price (you pay for the whole cabin) and just fold the top bunks up.
We pack a light meal and a thermos of tea and a few drinks to take onboard - we also take our pillows and toiletries . Check into the cabin and don’t leave till called in the morning. The cabin windows are huge and there are lights shining down into the water all night which is fascinating. The cabins are very quiet, air conditioned and the soft movement of the ferry I find is great for sleeping too. With Telstra you get a WiFi signal for the first 3 hours out of Melbourne.
• Important to book your return crossing as the ferry does fill up
• It costs around $1000 for a return trip car and cabin for two but it’s definitely worth it to have the comfort of your own car and cost effective if you had rented a car for two weeks or longer.

Welcome to AFF Ginunyah .

 

[ramboflyer]

I love the Spirit trips because they can be fun depending on your outlook. Heading away, getting on board, parking the car, finding your cabin, enjoying a few drinks and eating in one of the eating areas and then sleeping in your cabin (which is smallish but just fine for a short night) is fine but this is what the restrictions are up until 1 September:

• ONBOARD RESTRICTIONS

For the safety of passengers we have restricted access to onboard facilities until 1 September.

All passengers travelling prior to 1 September are required to remain in their assigned cabins for the duration of the journey. Smokers are permitted to use the designated smoking areas if essential but must return directly back to their cabins. All onboard facilities are closed. This includes all eateries including bars, the cinemas, The Pantry, Kids Play Area, Gaming Station, Game Zone and Admirals Gaming Lounge. There will be no food or beverages available for purchase on board. Passengers will be provided with a snack pack however it is recommended that passengers eat prior to boarding and/or pack their own meals, snacks and beverages. We recommend you pack enough entertainment options to stay occupied throughout the journey.

Passengers travelling on/after 1 September, will have access to all main decks. Some dining options will be altered in line with health and safety guidelines.

So get on board and go straight to your cabin and stay there. Sorry but that's no fun for a leisure traveller. It appears as though someone is going to wave a magic wand on 1 September and everything will change.

 

[drron]

Though if not Tasmanian you can only use the Spirit if you are leaving Tasmania.
Maybe the Tassie Government has whispered in their ear that they were keeping the borders closed until Sept. 1st.