Spirit of Tasmania, Day or Night sail?
So you have decided to visit the Apple Isle? You have decided when you want to go? You have made the decision Do I fly or Do I sail? If you have chosen the Spirit of Tasmania.
Now to make the next decision. Do I choose a day sail or a night sail? Who knew there were so many options.
We have done both and thought we would write a list of the pro’s and con’s of both. Ultimately it comes down to who is travelling with you, and where your priorities lie.
Length of trip
Day – 9 hours
Night – 11 hours (Whilst it is longer you spend majority of it asleep)
Cost (Depends on age of Children)
Day sail is cheaper but……
Day – you can get away without a cabin, Especially if your children are older. However if you have preschool aged children (or younger) I would suggest getting a cabin anyway for day sleeps, space away from people.
Night – Realistically you need a cabin or a recliner (Recliners are not as comfortable and there is nowhere to store your belongings.)
View
Day – Have a great view of Melbourne as you are leaving port, some people have told of seeing dolphin pods on the way across.
Night – Great view of sunset as you travel, or pre-daylight savings great view of Melbourne lights, however once you pass through the Heads, not much to see until you arrive in Devonport
Keeping entertained.
Entertainment depends on the age of the travellers.
No general internet/phone service about thirty minutes after you leave port. However, you can purchase Satellite WiFi in lounge areas for $18. This WiFi is very patchy and you cannot use it for streaming services, ie videos, also not available for some games that require a fast internet connection.
Small playground – great for preschool age, however, will not keep them entertained for hours.
Day sails – face painting, circus performers, trivia, and disco bingo.
Small arcade – very busy and normally unless you get in early more time waiting than playing.
Cinema – extra cost Adults $10, pensioners $7.50 Kids $5
(Limited seats)
two kids movies (day sail) one kid’s movie (Night sail) aimed more at school age plus
Two Adult movies (day and night sail)
You can find out screening times here.
Gaming lounge – Open until midnight on night Sails
Reading room
Realistically there are benefits of both the day or night sail, and you need to look at who is travelling?
Availability of day sails
Day sails are not always available. Through the winter months there are no day sails, and through spring and autumn, they are once (maybe twice a week). In summer day sails are 3-4 times a week. So if you have a set day you want to sail, you need to keep that in mind.
Head across to the Spirit of Tasmania site to check out their Sailing schedule
My thoughts
I hope this has helped you make an informed decision about taking a day or night sail on the Spirit of Tasmania
Previously when our youngest were toddlers we always headed across on a night sail, booked a four berth inside cabin (fits two portacots) and they slept almost the whole way. Now they are older there are no cabins that fit us all. So if we have the choice for our next trip we will probably head across on a day sail. We will still book a cabin so we have space to relax.
To find out more about the Spirit of Tasmania.
To find out more about Tasmania.
About The Author
Tasmania is definitely on our list of must sees, so this is really helpful. I think I’d prefer the day sail to be honest, just because I’d hate to miss out on seeing the views sailing into the harbour, but it’s great that they offer a choice.
such great info! Thanks for putting together the pros and cons
Would love to go to Tasmania..it’s been on my bucket list since I went to Australia for the first time
I like that there are quite a few options! I would go for the day sail 😀 I would love to see the surrounding scenery!
I didn’t know you could sail during the day. Is that a new thing? We have taken the ferry to Tasmania quite a few times and, despite being prone to seasickness, I have always loved it. It feels so much more of an adventure than just getting on an aeroplane. Last trip however we decided to fly and I must confess that I am now sold on flying. It was so easy. I wouldn’t do it if we lived in Melbourne but it is such a long drive from Sydney before you even get on the ferry that it ends up a totally exhausting trip.
I agree if I was only going for a short trip and I didn’t want me car a 45 minute plane trip seems much less exhausting than a 10-12 hour ferry ride. 🙂
after Miami, next destination is Tasmania ,will be there soon ,following up your tips & enjoying the sceneries during the day sail.
tasmania is a great place, thanks for sharing a full plan for sailing.