Spirit of Tasmania V - Onboard the First Passenger Sailing!
#ships #train #fasttrains #aroundtheworld #trevel #explored
On Saturday 31 October 2026, the brand-new Spirit of Tasmania V set off from Geelong on her very first passenger voyage across Bass Strait, and I was on board as part of the media contingent. At the same time, her identical twin, Spirit of Tasmania IV, was leaving Devonport on her own first passenger voyage, beginning a brand new chapter in the maritime transport linking the state of Tasmania to mainland Australia.
Come along for both my experience travelling aboard this inaugural voyage, as well as a tour of the new ship, my two-berth cabin at the bow, the five Tasmanian-themed venues including dinner at the Tasmanian Market Kitchen, a look at the the seating recliners and the overall atmosphere aboard this vessel.
Along the way we join speak to many dignitaries such as the Tasmanian Premier, the Finland Ambassador to Australia (The Finland Embassy in Canberra has since reopened after closing for the day on the 10th November 2026!) and some of the passengers who'd waited longest for this night, before we sail into the Mersey River for the very first passenger arrival at Devonport's brand new Spirit Quay.
So, after all the waiting, was she worth it?
A big thank you to Spirit of Tasmania and TT Line for having me along with the rest of the media, and to everyone who spoke to me on the night! This trip was NOT sponsored by them, and they do not have any editorial control over this video.... I just genuinely enjoyed the journey and everything that came with it!
0:00 Introduction
1:02 The first boarding in Geelong
1:37 How we got here
2:33 The Queues to board
2:58 Boarding as a "walk on" passenger
3:39 Cabin Tour
7:04 Around the ship
8:48 Live on 7AD radio
9:26 Departing Geelong
10:27 Interview of dignitaries on Deck 10
12:44 Two ships, one night
13:02 Sunset and dinner
15:03 Lights out
15:43 Breakfast and morning arrival into Devonport
17:51 Docking at the brand new Spirit Quay
18:50 The Devonport welcome
19:15 Bass Strait Maritime Museum
19:54 Don River Railway
20:05 Was she worth the wait?
21:00 Will day sailings return?