New Spirit of Tasmania ships bring more than triple the caravan capacity
Spirit of Tasmania’s new ships launch on 31 October with more than triple the caravan capacity, pet-friendly cabins and family cabins.
Published on: 1 October 2026
Taking the caravan to Tasmania is set to get a significant capacity boost, with Spirit of Tasmania’s two new ships scheduled to begin passenger sailings on 31 October 2026. Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V will offer more than three times the caravan capacity of the existing vessels, alongside new pet-friendly cabins and family cabins sleeping up to six people.
For caravanners planning a Tassie road trip, the extra vehicle space is the welcomed news. The ships will continue connecting Geelong and Devonport, providing the Bass Strait crossing for travellers bringing their own touring setup.
Bookings for the expanded accommodation options and additional capacity opened on 16 September, with passengers able to book up to 12 months ahead.
More room for caravans and passengers
Spirit of Tasmania says each new vessel is designed to carry an additional 470 passengers per sailing and features 301 cabins, including accessible cabins.
Vehicle capacity is also increasing, with the operator reporting more than triple the space for caravans. That gives the service greater capacity to carry travellers heading south with their home on wheels. The increase comes as Tasmania records strong visitor demand. According to the release, the state welcomed an all-time high of 1.4 million visitors in the year ending March 2026.
For RV travellers, bringing their own vehicle and accommodation means being able to explore beyond the main centres and spend longer in the regions. Tourism Tasmania says Spirit passengers tend to stay longer, spend more and travel further across the island, spreading the benefits to regional operators and communities.
Pet-friendly cabins and more choice for families
Travellers will have several new accommodation options to choose from aboard the ships. Pet-friendly cabins will accommodate up to two pets, while family cabins will sleep up to six guests. Deluxe cabin options and premium business recliners will also be available.
The pet cabins will be of particular interest to caravanners who travel with their animals, while the larger family cabins give parents and children another option for making the crossing together. Accessible cabins are also included among the 301 cabins on each vessel.
What’s new onboard?
The new ships will introduce a range of dining and lounge spaces, with Tasmanian produce, makers and materials featured throughout.
The Tasmanian Market Kitchen will offer five food stalls serving a variety of cuisines using fresh Tasmanian produce. Mersey Café and Bar, inspired by the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, will serve barista coffee, snacks and local beverages.
Maatsuyker Bar will combine casual dining with a large undercover outdoor deck overlooking Bass Strait. Passengers will also find premium Tasmanian food and drinks in Cradle Lounge. Meanwhile, Huon Lounge will host the Tassie Showcase program, bringing local producers and makers onboard throughout the year.
Tasmanian artwork and timber will feature across the vessels, including sustainably recovered Celery Top Pine supplied by Hydrowood, alongside Huon Pine and Tasmanian Oak.
When do the new Spirit of Tasmania ships start sailing?
Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V are scheduled to undertake their inaugural passenger sailings on 31 October 2026, departing from Geelong and Devonport respectively. The expanded capacity and accommodation options are now available to book.
If a Tasmania caravan trip is on your calendar, you can check sailing dates, vehicle availability and accommodation options through the Spirit of Tasmania website.
