6 August 2015
The refurbishments completed on Spirit of Tasmania I will enhance the passenger experience, particularly for passengers travelling by day, chief executive officer Bernard Dwyer said.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the “new” Spirit of Tasmania I in Melbourne today (6 August), Mr Dwyer congratulated turnkey contractor Trimline and TT-Line staff for their collective work in delivering the refurbished Spirit of Tasmania I on time and on budget.
“It was a complicated task given that some of the works were required while maintaining the overnight sailing schedule,” he said.
“But the works were well planned and well executed. And we are clearly delighted with the final product.”
Mr Dwyer said all passenger decks, including cabins, had been remodelled and refreshed.
“The new bars, facilities and amenities introduced will enhance the on-board passenger experience,” he said.
Specifically, the refurbishment works will deliver:
- A self-service restaurant area, TMK – Tasmanian Market Kitchen, offering a fresh selection of crowd favourites including a Tasmanian signature dish of the day.
- A new ‘grab and go’ shop, The Pantry, offering a wide range of convenient food and beverage options and Tasmanian products.
- Two new cinemas screening latest release movies.
- A fully refurbished recliner lounge with brand new comfortable recliners, equipped with individual reading lights, tray table, and USB port.
- Fully refurbished Deluxe Cabins and new soft furnishings in all other cabins.
- Fully refurbished upper decks with astro turf flooring, deck chairs and stylish lounges.
- Family entertainment, including an arcade-style teen zone and kids play area.
- Three stylish new bars (Bar 7, Top Deck Lounge and Terrace Bar) showcasing Tasmanian wines, ciders and beers along with a variety of bar snacks.
- Upgraded tourist information hub to assist passengers to plan their holiday.
- 28 new flat-screen TVs located throughout the ships.
- New internal décor, lighting and colour schemes throughout the ships.
Mr Dwyer 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.”
Importantly, an additional 33 day sailings have been scheduled for 2015/16, and bookings are already being made for these sailings.
Spirit of Tasmania II ‘s refurbishment is being completed on the Bass Strait run and in port.
Both ships will be fully refurbished at the end of August.
-ends-
Contact:
Contact: Soniya Fernandez
Communications Manager
saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au / 03 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898
