Spirit of Tasmania 4 ferry

The 2024-built Spirit of Tasmania IV ferry is an RO-PAX (car-and-passenger) ship owned and operated by TT LINE Tasmania (TT-Line Company Pty Ltd). The sistership is Spirit of Tasmania V. 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). The travel time is between 9,5-11,5 hours, the sea distance is 242 NM (~450 km/~280 mi). Greelog is approx 75 km (47 mi) southwest of Victoria state's capital city Melbourne by road.

The Bass Strait/Melbourne-Devonport ferry route's length is 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 design units, each with max capacity 1800 passengers (301 cabins, 165 lounge recliners/118 standard+47 business), cargo capacity 600 cars (4098 lanemeters), volume 48000 GT-tons, and deadweight tonnage 6400 DWT-tons.

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 the older sisterships, each of which has volume 29000 GT-tons and max capacity 1400 passengers and 500 vehicles.

Until 2024, the old Spirit of Tasmania ships served annually ~450,000 passengers.

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 (as Superfast II) Spirit of Tasmania 3 joined the TT-Line Company's fleet on September 30, 2003, and was deployed on the new route Devonport-Sydney NSW, starting on January 15, 2004. The service was terminated in August 2006. Spirit of Tasmania 3 was acquired from Superfast Ferries (in July 2003, reportedly for AUD 103 M) and was owned by TT-Line in the period 2003-2006. In July 2006 (on Jul 17th) the vessel was sold to Corsica Ferries for EUR 65 million (AUD 111 M).

Spirit of Tasmania 4's construction started with the steel-cutting ceremony on February 28, 2022. The special event was attended by Jyrki Heinimaa (RMC's CEO and President) and Bernard Dwyer (Spirit of Tasmania's CEO and Managing Director).

Spirit of Tasmania 4's physical construction/assembly started with the keel-laying ceremony on October 28, 2022. The event was attended by Bernard Dwyer and Mika Heiskanen (RMC's CEO). During the ceremony, at the construction dock was lowered the first and largest steel block - L-222 (the ship's keel/weight ~230 tons) under which were placed "lucky coins" according to the maritime tradition.

Spirit of Tasmania 4 was launched/floated out from drydock on October 27, 2023. During the launch was also held the christening ceremony led by godmother Deborah Grainger (the wife of Michael Grainger/Spirit of Tasmania's Chairman). Traditionally, on the bow was broken a bottle of Tasmanian sparkling wine (Jansz Premium Vintage Cuvee). The launch date was also the date when started the construction of the sistership Spirit of Tasmania 5.

The Spirit of Tasmania IV vessel (IMO 9936587) is currently Australia-flagged (MMSI 503000241) and registered in Devonport Tasmania. The registered shipowner and management company is TT LINE CO PTY LTD.

Baltic Sea trials were completed in 2024 June (17th to 24th) when the vessel was Finland-flagged (MMSI 230999999).

Cabins

As cruiseferry, Spirit of Tasmania 4 has a total of 301 cabins, including twin-bed portholes, four-bed portholes, twin/four-bed Inside, Deluxe, and wheelchair-accessible.

All staterooms are air-conditioned, 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 2x0,8 m), upper bunk beds (wall-mounted), clothes storage (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 min before homeport arrival.

In case an infant is booked, a baby cot (1 or 2) will 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 those, 118 are standard recliners and 47 are luxury/business-class. Recliners can be booked for the day and night crossings. The reclining seats are fully automatic and have USB recharging points and under-seat storage for luggage.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Note: The following review is based on the fleetmates Tasmania 1 and Tasmania 2. The content will be updated as soon as official information (including deck plans) is released from TT LINE TASMANIA.

TMK (Tasmanian Market Kitchen) is the ship's Buffet Restaurant offering Tassie food favorites, including Starters (with promo-priced "dish of the day"), Desserts, Salad Bar (self-service) and Mains (self-service). TMK Restaurant also offers low-priced kids menus (Little Sailors Meal Deal) with keepsake souvenir cups for AU$13,50. Kids aged 5 and under dine here for 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 - arrival), Double crossings morning departures (Breakfast 7.30- 10 am, Lunch 12midnight-3 pm) and Double crossings (night departures (Dinner 7.30-10 pm, Breakfast 5 am - arrival). Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items are also available.

Breakfast Menu items include Fresh Juices, Pura- and Dare- Flavoured Milk, Cereals, Tasmanian Westhaven Yoghurts, Fresh Fruits, Sweet Muffins, Omelettes, Hash Browns, Bacon-Egg Toasted Turkish Roll, White and Wholemeal Toasts, Bacon-Egg Muffins, 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, 3-day specials (roast, stir-fry, pasta), steamed rice, beer fries, desserts, drinks (tea, coffee, sodas).

• (Deck 7) THE PANTRY is a casual restaurant offering fresh-made "grab-and-go" fast food (snacks, sandwiches), including gourmet Tassie foods and gift items.
• (Deck 7) Reading Room
• (Deck 7) BAR 7 is a stylish bar lounge with comfortable chairs, large TVs and live entertainment. Here are also offered 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), 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 fitted with arcade machines.
• (Deck 7) Duty-Free Shop is retail selling alcohol (liquors, beers, wines), tobaccos, 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 theater lounges) are fitted 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 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), large open space, colorful lounge chairs. The menu includes ciders, bottled and draught beers, wines by the glass and bottle (white, red, sparkling), 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), cheeseburgers (on day crossings only).
• (Deck 9) GAME ZONE is an arcade-style gaming area for teens featuring modern lounge chairs and floor-ceiling windows. Most of Deck 9 is crew-only areas.
• (Deck 10) GAMING STATION is a room with comfortable seating where games on Xbox consoles 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, seating for adults. Day Sailing Entertainment is a complimentary program offered from December through April. The program includes entertainers (face painters, storytellers, circus performers), art-crafts, trivia games, dance parties, disco bingo.
• (Deck 10) TOP DECK LOUNGE is a nightclub/disco bar with soft astroturf (artificial) flooring, deckchairs, and floor-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, bottled and draught beers, ciders.

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

Deck 11 is the Helideck with a helipad - helicopter landing platform used in cases of emergency.

The boat 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), except in cabins. WiFi service is at a surcharge. WiFi costs AU$6 (per hour) and AU$18 (per crossing). Media streaming is free of charge (via FreeSpirit.tv). Internet connections are via satellite (high-latency link).

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

Between May and November, onboard are hosted drink and food tastings showcasing gourmet products and beverages by Tasmanian producers. These events are by TT-LINE's "Flavours of Tassie" seasonal promo 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 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 the TV screens and at the ship's assembly stations (aka muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is forbidden.

TT-LINE Tasmania ferry departure and arrival times

Check-in starts 2,5 hours and ends 45 min before departure. Wake-up call for the morning arrival is made 45 min before debarkation.

Early boarding starts 1,5 hours before departure. On night crossings, departure/arrival times may vary in the period September through May. Day crossings are operated in September through April. In cases with scheduled consecutive day and night cruises, night crossing's departure/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), Strahan-Hobart 300 km (4 hrs).

Bass Strait ferry route's length (Melbourne-Devonport ) is 429 km (267 ml).

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 oneway) are located on ventilated car decks. Freshwater is supplied throughout the cruise. Pets are not allowed to stay in the vehicles. During crossings, car decks are not accessible to passengers. Excepting assistance dogs, pets are not allowed in cabins and public areas.

Unless the dog/cat is a mother with pups/kittens, one kennel must be booked per animal. Smaller animals must be carried in their own pet cage, then placed into a kennel. Livestock can also be ferried. The list of animals not allowed on the ship includes wildlife (reptiles, amphibians, wild birds, water animals, worms, spiders, pigeons, doves, rodents.

All dogs entering Tasmania must be treated for Hydatid Tape Worm (within 14 days before entering) and documentary proof for the treatment is required (receipt or vet's subscription).

Car decks

Garage decks (for cars and trucks) are decks 1 through 6.

The forward of Decks 1 and 2 are accessed from Deck 3 via a tilting ramp. Aft sections of decks 1-2 are for the ship's machinery (engines, propulsion, etc). Cars on Deck 6 are loaded on a hoistable platform.

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

Next are listed oneway ferry prices for Car-4WD (AU$99), Motorbike (AU$69), and Bicycle (AU$19). Follows a list of car decks-related safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring specific assistance should visit the ship's Information Desk.
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear position. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders, if any, must be switched off. Lock the vehicle.
• From your vehicle take only valuables and essential hand baggage.
• Make a note of your vehicle's location and 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.
• In order to avoid air pollution, don't start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner TT-Line Tasmania (officially "TT-Line Company", 1985-founded, headquartered in Devonport Tasmania and Melbourne Australia) specializes in passenger shipping between Victoria Australia and Tasmania (Bass Strait crossings). Since 1993, TT-LINE is a Tasmanian Government fully-owned company.