Following unprecedented demand for sailings across the Bass Strait has, it has been announced that two extra day sailings will be added to the Spirit of Tasmania’s schedule.
The Spirits of Tasmania carried 79,920 passengers last month, which is the highest January figure in the company’s history. It is higher than when the Spirit of Tasmania III was running between Sydney and Devonport.
TTT Line says the number of passengers is 5% higher than last year, and it says recent refurbishments and improved passenger experience are a large reason for that.
The company has announced it will be adding additional day sailings to its schedule on Sunday, April 30 and Saturday, May 20, which are primarily to assist travellers heading to the mainland.
As in previous years, many grey nomads with caravans have reported struggling to get a return crossing back to the mainland if they had not booked well in advance.
The Advocate reports some people were using SeaRoad Shipping’s new Searoad Mersey II freight ship to transport their caravans and camper trailers across the Bass Strait.
The state government has repeatedly ruled out making the Spirit of Tasmania ships exclusive to passengers, promoting the importance of the ships late evening and early morning freight schedule.
Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding told the Advocate newspaper that he anticipated the additional day sailings would be taken advantage of.
“These spots are sure to fill up fast, so I urge everyone to book early and make sure they don’t miss out on these additional sailings,” he said. “The Spirit of Tasmania is now a wonderful, trip, it’s a great journey.”
Mr Hidding said the key to securing a spot on the ship was to book early and book a return ticket.
· Have you used the new Searoad Mersey II freight ship to ‘escape’ from Tassie after being unable to secure a return crossing aboard the Spirit? Comment below
We live in tassie. I had to book 5 months in advance to get ourselves plus caravan to the mainland. Why cant our tassie politicians understand that as tassies biggest income is from tourism we need to provide the infrStructure so people can visit and return without hassles
Too little to late.
Having booked one way from Melbourne and not the return we had three month added to our 10 weeks before we got the return trip. Will we take the ferry again with our caravan? NEVER!!!
Is this a joke? Two extra day sailings.
As a Tasmanian it is wrong that we cannot choose to leave the island when we need to or want too.
There would be a huge outcry if mainland states only allowed a certain number of vehicles to cross the border into adjoining states, because the roads were busy.
This is the problem for people wanting to leave or come to,Tasmania.
The Spirit is supposed to be part of the National Highway system, well it is broken if we cannot leave or come to tasmanaia in a timely fashion when we need to.
Why are we being held to ransom by an incompetent government and by freight being carried on what should be a primarily passenger vessel?
Not only caravans and motor homes have issues with booking. We couldn’t find a booking either way for a car and a pod. When we tried rebooking with out the pod there wasn’t an issue. Guess we leave the pod at home!
We have been to Tassie 3 times now over the last 8 or 9 years and always book our return. Heard many a story similar to Jims about having to extend the time in Tas. waiting for a return booking. It’s a pity The Spirit of Tasmania “powers that be” didn’t put the $10 million plus, they spent on refurbishing the boats into the facilities in Port Melb. and extra crossings ??? Cheers Sundy
The return booking is made more difficult if you book the first leg 9-11 months from sail date, as you can’t book more than 11 or 12 months in advance. The return booking should be allowed to be made when you book the first leg ( which ever way you are travelling ).