More than 6,000 Tasmanians are getting an exclusive first look at the new Spirit of Tasmania ferry this week, with all public tour slots snapping up within days of being announced.
The four-day open house in Hobart has drawn 1,600 bookings per day, offering locals a free glimpse of the vessel before it enters service next year.
General Manager for Retail and Hospitality Nick Harriman said a full crew is currently aboard the ship for the tours.
“It’s really just to share the joy that we’ve got with the new Spirits and being able to show the Tasmanian people something that everyone will be really proud of,” he said.
“We want the public to feel excited about what we’ve done here because we are really proud of what we’ve done.”
The vessel has spent four weeks docked in Hobart for the installation of locally made features. Another two weeks of work remain before the fit-out is complete.
Tasmanian suppliers have provided key elements throughout the ship.
All timber restaurant tops were manufactured in the state, while the outdoor decking uses Hydro wood reclaimed from Lake Pieman.
Mattresses, blinds and soft furnishings in every cabin were fitted in Hobart. All signage, including braille for accessibility, was produced locally.
“We were very proud about what the ship had and it’s really nice to hear the reinforcement from people as they walk around the ship,” Harriman said. “They’re loving it.”
The new vessel features high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, a significant upgrade from existing ships.
Two onboard cinemas and a Bazeport sports streaming system will provide entertainment options, with bars screening live sporting events for passengers.
With severe weather forecast during the preview period, the ship’s master is closely monitoring conditions.
Thrusters can stabilise the vessel if needed, though the main safety concern in rough weather is gangway access for boarding and disembarking.
Similar public open houses are planned for Geelong and eventually Devonport as the vessel visits different ports.
The second new ship, Spirit V, will launch next year with comparable features but different artwork curated by Hobart’s Handmark Gallery.
