While not all grey nomads are happy about what they see as the high cost of a crossing to the Apple Isle, Tasmania’s passenger ferry company says business is booming and it is doing more to attract caravanners and motorhomers.
The Spirit of Tasmania ferries carried 377,000 passengers in the year to the end of April, which is up by almost 10% on the previous year, with caravan numbers up 17% and motorhome numbers up 15%.
However, as far as some grey nomads are concerned, the refurbished service may have become the victim of its own success with people who didn’t book a return crossing well in advance claiming they have become ‘stranded on the Apple Isle with no space available to get them back to the mainland.
In response, TT-Line says it has now increased its day sailing schedule and will operate 138 day sailings in 2016/17, with the addition of day sailings every Saturday from mid-September 2016 until after Easter 2017.
“There are currently 54 additional Saturday day sailings scheduled for 2016/17 compared to last financial year to assist record demand for space,” said TT-Line chief executive officer Bernard Dwyer. “We want to encourage passengers travelling with caravans or motorhomes or campervans to travel by day.”
The company is now offering $60 day tickets for travel dates starting in mid-September to encourage travellers with a caravan, motorhome or campervan to get on board.
The $60 day tickets will be available on day sailings between September 17 and December 19, 2016, and between January 21 and May 13, 2017. The $60 day tickets apply for adults and pensioners who book and pay for a caravan, campervan or motorhome.
This is a saving of up to 30% off the standard adult day sailing fare, and 23% off the standard pensioner day sailing fare.
To qualify, travel must be booked before the end of next month.
“We would also remind passengers to book their return sailing at the same time as the forward sailing to increase the chance of finding vehicle space availability,” said Mr Dwyer,
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