23 October 2020
From Monday (26 October) passengers from low-risk jurisdictions in South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and the ACT will be able to sail to Tasmania on board the iconic Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
Spirit of Tasmania made the decision to reopen bookings following the Tasmanian Government’s announcement earlier this month to allow passengers from low-risk jurisdictions to transit directly through high risk areas (stopping only for fuel) to access major airports or seaports.
Under Tasmanian Government regulations, other than essential travellers, passengers from Victoria and New South Wales or those who have spent time in an affected region or premises in the past 14 days are still unable to travel on the ship prior to 1 December.
Bernard Dwyer, TT-Line Chief Executive Officer, said the Company had worked closely with Tasmania Police, Biosecurity Tasmania and the Department of Health throughout the pandemic and had taken a number of steps to ensure that only permitted travellers were allowed to travel in line with Tasmanian Government regulations.
“The information provided on coronavirus.tas.gov.au provides clear guidance for travellers,” he said.
“We communicate this information on our website and our online booking system has been tailored to only allow passengers who meet specific criteria to make a booking.
“These passengers are also required to register their travel via Tas e-Travel so there are a number of checks in place before any passenger comes aboard.”
Essential travellers who do not qualify to use the Tas e-Travel registration system are still required to register their travel via the Tasmanian Government’s G2G Pass prior to travelling to Tasmania.
Mr Dwyer said the main priority was to keep passengers and crew safe when travelling on board, while maintaining the Company’s high level of service.
“We’re excited to have passengers enjoying the on board facilities again,” he said.
“We will reopen our on board food outlets and passenger lounges with some great improvements to ensure our passengers feel safe and comfortable throughout their journey.
“In line with our COVID-19 Safety Management Plan, passengers will be required to wear face masks in public areas while on board and everyone will be social distancing.
“There are hand sanitising stations on every passenger deck and clear protective screens at counters. We’ve reduced capacity in certain areas to comply with the current regulations.
“For the safety and convenience of our passengers we have introduced take-away dining options and online ordering at the bars on board so passengers can select and pay for their meals using their own mobile device.
“Passengers will also remain seated while eating and drinking to limit movement around the vessel.”
For further information about the safety measures on board Spirit of Tasmania, please visit spiritoftasmania.com.au/sailsafe
For further information about travel restrictions to each State and Territory, please check the relevant government publications for that State or Territory
