Bookings open from 16 September for Spirit of Tasmania’s new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, adding pet-friendly cabins, family accommodation and expanded caravan capacity ahead of inaugural sailings on 31 October 2026.
New ships expand capacity across Bass Strait
The vessels will carry an additional 470 passengers per sailing and feature 301 cabins, including accessible cabins, alongside more than three times the previous caravan capacity. New accommodation options include pet-friendly cabins for up to two pets, family cabins sleeping up to six guests, deluxe cabins and premium business recliners, with bookings able to be made up to 12 months in advance.
Spirit of Tasmania chief executive Chris Carbone said the ships were designed to expand both accommodation choice and onboard capacity. “These vessels represent a new era for Bass Strait travel, with greater capacity, more accommodation choice and a contemporary onboard experience that is distinctly Tasmanian,” Carbone said.
Tourism Tasmania chief executive Sarah Kingston Clark said the added vehicle and caravan capacity supported longer, more dispersed visits across the state. “Spirit visitors tend to stay longer, spend more and travel further across the island, helping to spread the benefits of tourism to operators and communities throughout our state,” Kingston Clark said.
Onboard spaces showcase Tasmanian producers
New dining and lounge spaces include the Tasmanian Market Kitchen, featuring five food stalls, the Huon Lounge’s Tassie Showcase program spotlighting local producers, and the Maatsuyker Bar with an outdoor deck overlooking Bass Strait. The vessels incorporate Tasmanian materials including Huon Pine, Tasmanian Oak and sustainably recovered Celery Top Pine.
The new ships arrive as Tasmania recorded an all-time high of 1.4 million visitors in the year ending March 2026. Spirit of Tasmania IV and V will depart from Geelong and Devonport respectively for their inaugural sailings.
