SPIRIT OF TASMANIA ferry inaugural sailing from Devonport to Geelong - 23 Oct 2022

Welcome to my first ever ferry review!! The Spirit of Tasmania is the trading name of the ferry operator TT-Line Company which currently operates two monohull vessels between mainland Australia and Tasmania. The vessels are named Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II.
On 23 Oct 2022, the Spirit moved its Victorian terminal from Melbourne's Station Pier to Geelong. In this video I will show you what it was like onboard the ferry's maiden voyage to Geelong, and what the new terminal in Geelong is like. Let's go!
This video was filmed from 20 Oct to 23 Oct 2022
From Devonport to Geelong
Spirit of Tasmania I
Built in: Finland, 1998
Tonnage: 29,338 GT, 5,651 DWT
Length: 194.3 m (637 ft 7 in)
Beam: 25 m (82 ft)
Capacity: 1,400 pax, 220 cabins, 500 cars
Max speed: 30.8 kn (57.04 km/h)
Cabin: 8032 Twin Bed Private Porthole Cabin
00:00 Station Pier Melbourne
02:17 Devonport
03:05 Boarding
05:17 Cabin tours
08:46 Flavours of Tasmania Buffet Dinner /TMK
10:50 Entertainment on the vessel
12:27 Leaving Devonport
13:55 Evening
14:50 Morning
16:15 Welcome to Geelong
17:50 Opening ceremony of the new Geelong Terminal
19:22 Spirit of Tasmania Quay
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#Spiritoftasmania #cruiseship #Ferry #Geelong #Devonport #Melbourne #Travel #luxury #vacation #Australia #holiday #foodie #stationpier #getaway

[@spiritoftassie]

Great Video Rory, we hope to see another review, when our brand-new vessels arrive in 2024!🥳

[@TimmyTickle]

Rory deserves a Deluxe Cabin (or whatever the highest accommodation level on the new vessels is called) on the inaugural voyage (more so than most pollies) And I'll take the second-highest level haha

[@jackalcrackle]

I'm curious, are there plans for a tram or rail or shuttle bus link to the new port? I think this would be of great benefit to all involved

[@rottymum9898]

The new terminal just needs a Gull bus. 😉

[@CockatooTransit]

Always love travelling on the spirit! So adventurous and exciting

[@l.michelle3497]

💗💗🙌

[@simonpoortz5298]

*He's just completed reviewing every long distance train service in Australia and now he's doing ferries. What an absolute champion. Thanks Rory*

[@tranquilbakergentletraveller]

And to have the video out so soon after sailing on it! 👏

[@maxrebo8455]

As a train fan it’s great to live vicariously through Rory’s adventures.

[@LEMMYLEMON]

As much as I miss the airplane reviews, I equally love the train, coach and boat reviews :D

[@michaelfreeze2949]

There aren't many ferry services in Australia so he won't be doing many ferry videos

[@georgehare2915]

nah unlimited budget not realistic i did more ? as back packer real world no namby pamby lip service even tented for 3 months near ALICE opal fossicked real lucky results

[@mooseyman12345]

Rory youre aactually the best reviewer ever. Please dont ever stop

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Hugo appreciate the compliment ☺️

[@kerriemills1310]

I agree with that statement, best reviewer. I have enjoyed his travels.

[@GR8Tmate]

@@RoryDingRory, I also enjoy your reviews. Have you thought about doing a review of a bicycle crossing of the Simpson Desert? Would love to see it 😂 Just kidding brother, happy new year for 2023 😊

[@momokokora6160]

Who else find Rory's videos are so satisfied to watch? They give me such a relaxing vibe and I can't stop watching them!!!

[@muddymaker3721]

The automated vacuum mooring system is nifty👍

[@RoryDing]

Indeed!!!

[@Kingdippa]

2 Rory Videos in a Week?! how awesome, keep up the great work mate!

[@RoryDing]

The ferry was inaugural so I wanted to upload as soon as I could 😊

[@debramage739]

My boss and her hubby was on that too Rory. Live in Geelong, would love to have seen you.

[@davidnorton7464]

Impressive work Rory. Captured the occasion well. The lack of a shuttle bus service to a station and the Geelong CBD will have to be addressed ASAP

[@enochliu8316]

Shuttle bus to Geelong has already been addressed. MyBus will provide a shuttle to Geelong Station.

[@louisecooper4803]

For anyone sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania this review is very informative and detailed. Well done.

[@YouGotThisDog]

Wow! This is my first video I have seen of yours. This is incredible. As a nervous traveller, seeing everything and knowing what to expect is a huge plus and you have shown everything in this video that is important. Now I know what to expect and even what to pack and more importantly what I don't need to pack for the night sail.

[@lesliemckay2835]

The last time I saw you, you were on the Indian Pacific. Now you are on the inaugural Spirit Of Tasmania to Geelong. WOW! you do get around. A great review once again. Thank you.

[@peterhall4086]

Ex SPOT II crew here. Thanks for doing the review, very impressed with your work. Interesting to see the changes that have happened onboard since I stopped working on the Spirits many years ago. Much improved I think on what they were. Interesting that they have gone back to including the meals on the ticket. Also interesting to see the new mooring system, which is the same as the cargo ferries in Devonport. Easy job for the deck crew now. Brought back a lot of memories. Ferries I worked on, just for interest. Abel Tasman, Spirit of Tasmania original, Spirits 1 and 2.

[@AlliOopsadaisy]

Mrs Mac Pies have met their match, damn that food looked good Rory!😂

[@RoryDing]

That buffet dinner was amazing 😂

[@aussiejohn5835]

Hi Rory. I have been looking forward to this for some time and you have not disappointed. The reason for the move to Geelong is to make way for the increased number of cruise ships visiting Melbourne. The ferry service has been running since the 1970's and for a short time there was a service between Sydney and Hobart. The ferries were: The Empress of Australia, The Princess of Tasmania and The Australian Trader with the latter on the Sydney/Hobart route. The ferry arrived in Tasmania at Devonport, Burnie and Launceston on alternate days. Tasmanian Railways had a connection with the ferry in Devonport for an amazing journey to Hobart. Sadly Tasmania no longer has a passenger train service. Interesting that the current ferries have regular drydock in Sydney at Garden Island. I did the journey above in 1974 with a stay in Hobart before continuing to Sydney on the Australian Trader. I hope your crossing was a smooth one as Bass Strait is known as one of the roughest in the world. Thanks again Rory and I hope you found my comment interesting.

[@robertfletcher3421]

Thanks, Aussie John for the comments you have helped sort out my memory. I went to tassie shortly after Abel Tasman came into service. For the time it was great. Looking at Rory's video I thought the ship was looking a bit aged but pleased to see new ships on the way. What's this about no public transport at terminals. The same for the Adelaide rail terminal.

[@aussiejohn5835]

@@robertfletcher3421 Unfortunately it is common in Australia. Brisbane cruise terminal, White Bay cruise terminal in Sydney and Adelaide. The Governments of each state give lip service but won't provide transport to encourage tourism.

[@RoryDing]

Thanks for the information!! I was expecting a roughy crossing too, but I think I was very lucky, it wasn’t windy on that night

[@karenfrench4094]

Not forgetting the Port of Melbourne was hiking the fees to some ungodly amount and the TAS Govt said, nah. We’re not passing that onto us. And, Geelong popped up their hand. . Thanks Geelong 💜

[@aussiejohn5835]

@@karenfrench4094 That would be a way to make room for the cruise ships, after all the port fees &taxes are put onto the passengers. They killed to birds with one stone.

[@TheGreatLordDufus]

Massive, massive downgrade for foot passengers compared to Port Melbourne's easy transfers.

[@Romeo-kp8tc]

Thanks ,Rory, it's been a long time since we travelled to Tassy, January, 1978, Still remember the trip well, Such a big improvement, no Melbourne traffic, now I hope to go again, Thanks for vid Cheers Bevan 🤠❤️🇦🇺

[@lindavainomae3489]

Good on you for getting on the inaugural service to Geelong - and also for getting the video edited so quickly! Really interesting too to see what the ferry is like - a great overview.

[@karenfrench4094]

Great review Rory. Our first trip back home from Geelong end will be so much easier to navigate than through the heart of Melb.

[@labitx]

Still my favorite way between Melbourne and Tasmania! Anyway great film as usual! High quality coverage, and the highland cathedral on the bagpipes at the end is sure a nice touch to keep it whole!

[@tonyreimann]

I really enjoy your videos Rory and this was no exception. Looking forward to the international content.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@Lady_Caster]

Part of the new port and upgrades is allowing for multideck loading of vehicles at once via the ramps, making it much quicker.

[@Stansman63]

I travelled from Devonport on The Spirit of Tasmania about two months ago..it was nice to see the going aboard area and the inside of the ship again.

[@akaCJ]

As always, relaxing, entertaining, educational and exceptional cinematography... Keep up the great work Rory, we appreciate you very much

[@yabbadabbadoo8225]

Been on that crossing like 2 dozen times and never yet used a bed or lounge chair The sessions on that crossing are mega and beyond especially in gales. You missed the best part of that crossing Rory. Do the show again and join in a table or 4 lol

[@mark123655]

Who drives the car off?

[@yabbadabbadoo8225]

@@mark123655 usually a Bimbo

[@AI_admin]

this is great! SOT should be paying you for this video, good for their business, very positive!

[@temptempy6750]

come on RoryDing post another video already!!! been waiting. I very much like your hotel reviews, so keep these coming please. 👍 Me & my brother love your train vids...

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Love the bagpipes...what a great way to start off the trip

[@markeaston7353]

Excellent review thanks Rory!

[@adamc8753]

Thanks Rory. What a great video. Looking forward to more ferry reviews!

[@amtrakharry]

That was and excellent trip report Rory!!! Well done:):):)

[@firdyk]

Enjoyable video thank you Rory

[@jasetheace5954]

Thank you so much Rory, we love your work!! This was perfect as we're planning on travelling on it soon before they get replaced. Well done!

[@wehtam4807]

Another awesome video Rory, I am amazed that you posted so soon after the journey. Loved it all, can't wait for the next one.

[@denisebell9349]

❤ thank you Rory for a great coverage of the new SPOT trip to Geelong.

[@patbott3569]

Thanks so much Rory I have wanted to see the Spirit of Tasmania for a long time. Excellent !!

[@jandonnelly5245]

Thanks Rory, for this we will add this to our trip!💕

[@TMOC1977]

Fantastic video Rory! Your videos are the best!!!

[@roberte5057]

Brilliant as usual.

[@petermann7445]

Thanks Rory, great review, very informative, I look forward to our trip.

[@lisaspz9553]

Didn’t even know about this new route! Thanks for reviewing

[@nadab4750]

Very entertaining and thorough Rory. Thanks 👱‍♀️❤

[@anneshaw9681]

Great job Rory. You kept me up all night. Couldn't top watching.

[@Lady_Caster]

The move to Geelong was apparently prompted by the money that the port was asking for for the lease (of the very old building and facilities), So TT-Line took the opportunity to upgrade to purpose build facilities.

[@45641560456405640563]

Thanks for the info.

[@danshelly2028]

Thanks Rory, very informative with the changes. Relevant points made.

[@joanneleighton2017]

Loved your review Rory. I have travelled several times on the Spirit and I learned quite a few things from you. Keep up the great videos!

[@JUANORQUIO]

W❤W! That’s Awesome! Cheers for more exciting and incredible globetrotting adventures!🥂❤️✨

[@littlemiss_76]

Very informative Rory. Turkey wow, can't wait.

[@rasferrastfarian739]

Awesome Rory! Thank you for showing us this - I might drive to Tassie next time via Geelong!

[@kanga1234567]

Another great video Rory!

[@Joe-qj7oh]

What a wonderful service.

[@davedunn4285]

Great to see you there Jeremy

[@BinkBricks]

Great video Rory! Loved seeing a boat being featured on your channel and what a boat it is! I've never been on the Spirit of Tasmania before and get very seasick but maybe I might just one day do it! As always an amazing video.

[@kerriemills1310]

Thank You so much for putting together this video so quickly after 🎉doing the Inaugural Journey to Geelong. 😊 I look forward to doing the journey from Davenport to Geelong myself, have always enjoyed travelling on the Spirit. 🚢

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Thanks Rory. First time I've viewed a boat travel report.

[@annepreston3220]

Great video Rory. Your review was very thorough and covered everything potential passengers would need to know. I captured the arrival into Geelong by drone so it was great to see it from the passenger perspective.

[@adamferguson8781]

Best review of the Spirt of Tasmania l’ve seen. Really comprehensive 👌

[@HGCUPCAKES]

Rory! Brilliant job 👏🏻 Happy New Year! 🎉 wherever you may be ❤

[@LEMMYLEMON]

I knew this video would be amazing! I have been waiting so long :D

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@mattk183]

You are the best!!! I have stayed in the deluxe cabin and was amazing!! Back in 2015, I want to go again. 17:33 OMG so cool how it docks!

[@RoryDing]

Cant wait to see what cabins they’re gonna offer on the new ships in 2024

[@mattk183]

@@RoryDing same!

[@mce_AU]

Nice one Rory. Great Video.

[@rachel-hancock]

I really enjoyed this video. Honest and informative.

[@clay9185]

Thanks for this very informative video Rory. I’m doing the trip with the same berth on Saturday night, this information helped me with several questions I had re the trip. Very thorough & entertaining video, well researched. Look forward to your videos, thanks & safe travels.

[@michaelhall8586]

This is a ferry good review Rory

[@maureen8966]

Hi Rory thank you for video always wanted to go on it but haven't ever done it yet. The buffet was good. Rooms were great for the short time ur on there. Glad you have another video coming soon

[@TMOC1977]

Turkey! Rory is taking it WORLDWIDE!!!

[@Grizzler231]

Great video Rory your reviews are very detailed and calming I would also like to see you do cruise reviews in future

[@rubyw4013]

Great video Rory!! Love seeing the diversity in your travel content!!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@biancana]

Great video Rory!

[@l.michelle3497]

that Buffett looks so good! I LOVE how You can go back for another round 💓💓

[@kellyheppleston7157]

Most informative and very professional video. Thanks Rory

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Kelly 😊

[@glynnismacpherson504]

Great video Rory👍

[@BikeAfrica]

Such a great video! Informative, professional and entertaining. I love it.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@tonyjenkins8047]

Thanks Rory this was greatly entertaining and informative. Have been watching your videos for a while now and have never disappointed. Looking forward to the next journey

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@zanelindsay1267]

Thanks so much for this review !! I traveled round-trip on this ferry with my van in 2009, but this video shows additional features of the ship which I didn't experience so it was really interesting. Also very interesting to hear about the recent change of port and new ships coming soon.

[@FraserAtSea]

Great video - really enjoyed this - so interesting to see what Australian ferry's look like!

[@Zanskarma]

Thanks for another interesting and informative video. This looks like an affordable, leisurely way to travel to and from Tassie 👍🏽

[@deelightfool]

Yay another one so soon. Also I'll be catching the spirit next month. How delightful. Thanks Rory.

[@RoryDing]

Since this was an inaugural one, I wanted to get it out as soon as I could. Enjoy your spirit ride 😊

[@robertbarnier45]

Thanks Rory. Looks good. Food very nice.

[@rickthelian2215]

Thank you Rory really enjoyed your voyage, loved the Buffet, a highlight in my eyes, breakfast looks good too. A single person would enjoy the day trip on the seats at the front eat a Buffet Lunch and enjoy the view or have a quick nap on the seat, a cheap way to travel.

[@frizzy60]

Another fabulous review. Now looking forward to your International reviews. All the best

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@hyfroC]

YES RORY OMG YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW!!!!!!!!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@RoryDing]

Thank you!! Hope you enjoyed this review 😊

[@andrewdipper4028]

Great review Rory! Glad you got a smooth passage - it can be pretty tough when Bass Strait is rough.

[@JoseDownUnder]

Great work mate 👏

[@annabetts792]

This was such a great and relaxing, very informative video to watch. It had me dreaming as if I was actually on the boat and living the experience, and has everything covered that you need to know about traveling on Spirit of Tasmania. No other channel out there is as informative and well presented as yours!! Thank you so much!!

[@grandmasmagic3858]

Wow..!! when I last sailed on the Spirit of Tas the movies were free, mind you, that was back in the early naughty's...

[@paulinewilkinson8358]

Great Review Rory, I recently did a return Station Pier crossing and stayed in a cabin like yours and was very impressed with The Spirit of Tasmania

[@Roadcalldude]

Love the Pipes!!!❤

[@thebigj4095]

Great to meet you. Gee you posted that quick.

[@james7149]

Hi Rory, well done on this quick to KZbin vlog which I’ve been waiting for. I live in Tasmania and have been curious about the new Geelong terminal which I think is a good idea. Was so pleased you filmed the pet area as the carriage of pets on the current spirit ships has been contentious in many ways. TT line are claiming the new ships will significantly improve conditions for pets…at least the new Geelong terminal has provided something better than how it was at Station Pier, 👍

[@craigalexp]

Lets hope they do it right for the pets. To be fair the old ships were bought second hand where as the new ones are being purpose built so a good opportunity to do it right. Would be great if pets were kept in a different location so owners could visit their pets during the trip.

[@james7149]

@@craigalexp Yes, your so right. It’s an opportunity to bring their pet carriage standards up to date. I nearly lost two of my dogs to dehydration and neglect back in 2019. TT line never accepted that they were to blame, sadly there are many stories like this. It will be a great relief to finally see improved new facilities on Spirits 3 and 4. Thanks for your comment.

[@WhoDaresWins-B20]

Great Video Rory. Makes my very first trip on the Old Princess of Tasmania (AKA The POT) back in 1962 look like the journey from The UK to Botany Bay by the first settlers. The poor old POT stood on her stern and rolled from side to side after each raising on the waves after we left the Heads. Back then; breakfast was free on the POT and after that first trip; I came to realise why the breakfasts were free........NO ONE ATE BREAKFAST. They were too sea sick and the smell of bacon and eggs brought up the lunch you had the previous day LOLOL. I have subsequently travelled on the Able Tasman, The Spirit of Tasmania 1 and 2 back in 2004. Looks like the Spirit ships have undergone a refurbishment not once but twice. Thanks for sharing.

[@arokh72]

Great to see you onboard spirit at last. I've always enjoyed travelling down to Tassie on Spirit, and am glad I no longer need to try and get through Melbourne, and find parking, before sailing now. I hope you'll take another trip when the new ferries, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, start service next year.

[@RoryDing]

I think the new ones will now arrive in 2024, and I would love to get on them when they arrive!!

[@brilliantbutblue]

Well done Rory on another fantastic review experience for us at home!! Had no idea the Spirit of Tassie moved its hub from Station Pier to Geelong. Thanks once again for bringing us along really enjoyed it 👍

[@markfryer9880]

It did get mentioned in the news but not really publicises. I wonder how many people are going to miss out on their sailings because they will continue to turn up to Station Pier and find nothing there?

[@meggalavk3ktt]

great review Rory thanks for the quick turn around on uploading it i think i will take the ferry next time i go to tassie it looks great and leaving from geelong should be different look forward to you next over seas review :)

[@RoryDing]

It was my first ferry ride in a long time! I think I’ll do it again when their new ships arrive in 2024!

[@geeemm8028]

Thanks to (Rome2Rio and) you, I've decided to book this ferry in October. Great review.

[@pixiemay9030]

Awesome!!

[@deehitman414]

wow, thank you. i'm heading to tasmania next month.i now know how i'm going.

[@trevorcrapper9894]

Excellent commentary A!+++

[@christophermoore753]

Nice review. Food looks good nice waking up to the views

[@MitchellBPYao]

Yum

[@Lady_Caster]

Loved seeing the Automatic Vacuum Mooring machines!

[@dylanbuckley6583]

Love the review mate. That lunch looks amazing for $35!!