Here are the questions which are most frequently asked by visitors to the Spirit of Tasmania website. The questions have been divided into categories to make browsing easier. If you have any questions which are not answered on the page, please use our website feedback form.
Online Help
How do I book a return trip?
How do I book a one-way trip?
Can I book three people one way and only two people back?
Can I book a different person each way on a return booking?
When does the online booking discount apply?
Can I book my caravan, motorhome or trailer online?
I am still having trouble booking online. Who can help?
How can I amend my booking?
General
What is a 'standard' car?
I am travelling alone - can I have a cabin for exclusive use?
Can I share a cabin with a stranger?
Can I send my car on the ship if I'm not a passenger?
Will my mobile phone work while at sea?
Can I visit my pet during the voyage?
Can I access my car during the voyage?
What if my car gets damaged on the sailing?
Can the ship's captain marry us?
How long does the journey take?
How do I apply for a job at Spirit of Tasmania?
How do I book if my vehicle is more than 2.1 metres in height?
Is smoking permitted on board the ship?
Can pregnant women travel on board?
Checking-in
What time should I check in?
Do I need identification to check in?
Where do I obtain my cabin key?
What time can I bring my car onto the pier?
Do I drive my own car on board?
If I'm first on, will I be first off?
Can I take my pet on the ship?
Luggage
What do I bring on board?
Where does my other luggage go?
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Do I have to provide tie-downs for my motorbike?
What can't I take to Tasmania?
Do the same quarantine conditions apply when entering Victoria?
Can I take gas bottles on board?
Can I take jerry cans with fuel on the ship?
Are there locker facilities at the terminals?
Onboard Facilities
Is there a doctor on board?
Do you have facilities for passengers with mobility impairment?
Do the cabins have power points?
Is gluten-free food available on board?
Is a meal included in the cost of my fare?
What time does the a la carte restaurant open?
Can I pre-book a table at the restaurant?
Can we purchase breakfast on night sailings?
What time do the restaurants/bars remain open until?
Can I take a shower on board?
Is there an EFTPOS facility on board?
Is Internet access available?
How do I book a return trip?
Select the dates and journeys (ie Melbourne to Devonport or Devonport to Melbourne) in both the departing and returning fields.
How do I book a one-way trip?
In the departing field, select the date and outbound journey. In the returning field, select the option 'No Return (One Way)'.
Can I book three people one way and only two people back?
No, you must book same number of people over and back. However, you can make two separate bookings if the numbers are different. If you would prefer to make just one booking, please use our email booking form.
Can I book a different person each way on a return booking?
No, the names of passengers on return bookings need to be the same for both the departing and returning legs. If the names of the passengers differ in each direction, you will need to make two one way bookings. If you would prefer to make just one booking, please use our email booking form.
When does the online booking discount apply?
The online booking discount applies when you book by clicking the Book Now button. It does not apply to email bookings or vehicle fares.
Can I book my caravan, motorhome or trailer online?
No, due to the variations in size it is not possible to book these types of vehicles online. Please contact the Reservations team on 1800 634 906 for further information and assistance.
I am still having trouble booking online. Who can help?
Please fill out the email booking form or call the Reservations team on
1800 634 906. Please note, the online booking discount does not apply to email and phone bookings.
How can I amend my booking?
Once you have a confirmed booking, for all amendments please contact the Reservations team on 1800 634 906. If you wish to add a passenger to your booking and they are not required to be booked into the same cabin type, a new booking can be made. Please note, this excludes children as children must be accompanied by an adult in all cabin types.
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What is a 'standard' car?
For the purpose of booking a vehicle on Spirit of Tasmania, a standard car is a normal passenger car, people mover, 4-wheel-drive or ute up to a maximum overall length of 5 metres long and no wider than 2 metres (eg Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Tarago, Toyota Landcruiser, or similar style of vehicles are the largest that may be booked under this classification). Trucks, regardless of size, or vans may not be booked online.
I am travelling alone - can I have a cabin for exclusive use?
Cabins can be purchased on a single person basis for an additional charge. The single surcharge is 50% of the adult Flexi fare rate for the applicable cabin being booked.
Can I share a cabin with a stranger?
Yes. To book a bed in a share cabin, please contact the Reservations team on
1800 634 906. If you wish to book a cabin for your own exclusive use, you can book online by clicking the Book Now button.
Can I send my car on the ship if I'm not a passenger?
Yes. However if you are not a passenger on the ship, you will need to book through our Freight department. Higher rates apply as the advertised $65 fare only applies to cars accompanying passengers. To request a freight quote, click here.
Will my mobile phone work while at sea?
CDMA mobile phones will work during the voyage. GSM services lose range approximately ½ hour out of Devonport and 1½ hours after departure Melbourne. There is also a pay phone available on board.
Can I visit my pet during the voyage?
No. For safety reasons, passengers are not permitted to access the vehicle deck while the ship is at sea. Spirit of Tasmania personnel perform regular checks of the pet trolley during the crossing.
Can I access my car during the voyage?
No. For safety reasons, passengers are not allowed on the vehicle deck during the voyage.
What if my car gets damaged on the sailing?
You should check your vehicle prior to leaving the terminal area and report any damage to a staff member either on board the ship or in the terminal once you have vacated the ship. A follow-up incident report will be completed. Claims made at a later time will not be considered.
Can the ship's captain marry us?
No. You are able to get married on board but you will need to organise your own celebrant. This needs to be advised on or before booking.
How long does the journey take?
The journey on Spirit of Tasmania takes approximately 9-11 hours.
How do I apply for a job at Spirit of Tasmania?
Vacancies for Spirit of Tasmania jobs are handled through the Business Employment Centre, PO Box 750, Devonport, Tasmania, 7310. Alternatively, visit www.findstaff.biz or call 03 6420 7777.
How do I book if my vehicle is more than 2.1 metres in height?
If your vehicle is more than 2.1 metres in height when loaded, call the Reservations team on 1800 634 906 to book. Due to the variations in vehicle deck heights and to ensure your vehicle is allocated to the correct deck space, vehicles more than 2.1 metres in height cannot be booked online.
Is smoking permitted on board the ship?
Smoking is permitted in designated outside areas of the ship only.
Can pregnant women travel on board?
Women who are 36 weeks pregnant or less may travel on the ship. Women who are between 36 and 38 weeks pregnant at the time of travel may only travel on Spirit of Tasmania with written approval from their doctor. Women who are 38 weeks pregnant or more are not permitted to travel.
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What time should I check in?
Check in commences 2.5 hours prior to departure with the final check in 45 minutes prior to departure. Failure to check in 45 minutes prior to departure will result in you being refused carriage for that sailing and may result in the forfeit of your fare.
Do I need identification to check in?
Photo identification is required to check in (eg drivers license). If photo identification is not available then three forms of identification listing your name and address are required.
Where do I obtain my cabin key?
When you present your ticket at the point of check in, you will receive a boarding pass and a ship directory with your cabin number and key card/s.
What time can I bring my car onto the pier?
The gates open 2.5 hours prior to departure and boarding starts 1.5 hours prior to departure. Please note, there is limited council parking available prior to boarding at Station Pier (Port Melbourne).
Do I drive my own car on board?
Yes, all drivers board in their vehicle with their passengers. The Spirit of Tasmania wharf crew will direct you when loading and advise where to park on board.
If I'm first on, will I be first off?
We cannot guarantee priority with loading or unloading due to load demands and operational procedures. On a regular crossing, discharge of vehicles is completed within 45 minutes of the vessel tying up.
Can I take my pet on the ship?
Yes. We have a limited number of kennels available on each sailing for $22 per pet per voyage. Please note, all dogs entering Tasmania are subject to quarantine entry conditions and must be treated for Hydatid Tape Worm within 10 days of entry into Tasmania. Further information can be obtained by calling the Dogs to Tasmania Info Line on 1800 684 215.
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What do I bring on board?
Your cabin contains bed linen, towels and soap. We recommend personal toiletries and clothing items be contained in an overnight bag. If you are travelling with an infant and have reserved a cot, you will need to bring linen for the cot.
Where does my other luggage go?
If you have a vehicle, lock it inside. For security reasons there is no access to vehicles during the voyage. If you are travelling without a vehicle you are restricted to placing two items only on the baggage trolley beside the terminal building. Please note, responsibility cannot be taken for the security of such items and porters are not available at the terminals.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
All cabins on Spirit of Tasmania have linen provided including sheets, doonas, pillows and towels. If you are travelling with an infant and have reserved a cot, you will need to bring linen for the cot. Passengers in Ocean View Recliners are provided with pillows and blankets.
Do I have to provide tie-downs for my motorbike?
No. Spirit of Tasmania provides tie downs for motorbikes. Our experienced wharf crew will also secure the bikes.
What can't I take to Tasmania?
Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh fish products, plants or plant parts and anything carrying soil cannot be taken into Tasmania. For more information see www.dpiw.tas.gov.au or phone the quarantine hotline on 131 368.
Do the same quarantine conditions apply when entering Victoria?
No. Different quarantine laws apply for entry into Victoria. For more information, click here or call the Department of Primary Industries (Victoria) on 136 186.
Can I take gas bottles on board?
Yes. However, gas bottles that are not connected to a motorhome or campervan must be declared at check in. They will be placed on a trolley for the voyage. You will be issued with a receipt, which must be handed in on arrival when collecting the gas bottle. Gas bottles do not need to be emptied.
Can I take jerry cans with fuel on the ship?
All jerry cans must be empty and dry of residual fuel before they can be carried on Spirit of Tasmania. There are strict regulations. Please call
1800 634 906 for further details.
Are there locker facilities at the terminals?
There are no locker facilities available at either terminal. Luggage must not be left unattended anywhere at the terminals at any time. Southern Cross Station in Melbourne has locker storage facilities and is approximately 10 minutes by light rail from Station Pier. In Devonport, the Backpackers Barn offer luggage storage on weekdays from 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 9am-12pm.
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Is there a doctor on board?
No. Spirit of Tasmania has a medical attendant travelling on all crossings who is available to provide assistance in an emergency situation. If you have any special medical needs, please ensure you make contact with us at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Do you have facilities for passengers with mobility impairment?
Yes. We have wheelchair accessible cabins and recliners available. To book, please call the Reservations team directly on 1800 634 906 to ensure your needs are individually addressed. For further information on our wheelchair accessible cabins or recliners, please visit accommodation.
Do the cabins have power points?
Yes. The ship's electrical sockets operate at 230 volts and 60 Hertz which may cause some items to run quicker than when connected to mains power. However, most modern electrical appliances are manufactured to operate on a voltage between 220-250 volts and 50/60 Hertz which are suitable for the ship's power. If you are travelling with medical equipment, visit the pursers desk after boarding to have your equipment checked by the ship's electrician.
Is gluten-free food available on board?
Yes. If any of your travelling party have any special dietary requirements, please contact the Reservations team on 1800 634 906. This must be done at least 48 hours prior to your sailing.
Is a meal included in the cost of my fare?
No. However, there is a range of food available for purchase on board. Spirit of Tasmania offers a restaurant and eatery for different tastes and budgets. There is also a range of bars to enjoy on board.
What time does the a la carte restaurant open?
For night sailings, the Seasons Restaurant is open from 7.30pm until 11pm. For day sailings, lunch is available between 11.30am and 3.30pm.
Can I pre-book a table at the restaurant?
No, it is not possible to pre-book a table at the on board restaurant. To reserve a table for dinner at the a la carte restaurant, book a table at the restaurant after boarding the ship.
Can we purchase breakfast on night sailings?
Yes. Waves Eatery on Deck 7 opens at 5.30am for continental, self-service breakfast.
What time do the restaurants/bars close on night sailings?
Waves Eatery and Seasons Restaurant close at 11pm. The outside bars close at 11pm but this is subject to weather conditions. The inside bars close at 1.30am. Please note, bars may close earlier depending on passenger numbers.
Can I take a shower on board?
All cabins are equipped with private bathroom facilities. Shower facilities are not available for passengers travelling on Day Tickets or in Ocean View Recliners.
Is there an EFTPOS facility on board?
Yes, there are ATM's on board the ships but these are only functional whilst in port. All major credit cards are accepted on board Spirit of Tasmania and in the terminals.
Is Internet access available?
Yes. Both Spirit of Tasmania ships have an Internet Kiosk on board which is operational throughout the entire voyage. If you're travelling with a laptop and have a NextG wireless card, you will also be able to access the Internet via your laptop.
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