Tasmania :: Day 01 Spirit of Tasmania :: Port Melbourne to Devonport

As the Spirit of Tasmania sailed forth to Devonport, we were hypnotised by the calm sea with colourful lights of Melbourne city.  The salt filled air filled our happy souls. Ella Mae was especially excited. She couldn’t wait for our little adventure.

Earlier that day, we were in the vehicle queue for an extended amount of time for the onerous quarantine task. This was to prevent pests and diseases from affecting the agricultural produce of the island.

Intended puns of Santa, and Rudolf were belted out by the announcer behind the PA system. We were all getting into the groove of this joyous period. 

The car parking deck was quite narrow on Deck 6. We folded in our side mirrors almost straight away. Our deck had areas where people can leave their pets in cages provided. Dedicated owners wrestled with their pooch or kitty while juggling bowls, toys and blankets. I wonder if anyone had ever brought their feathered friends on this journey.

We consumed our packed dinner in our cabin even before the ferry departed from Port Melbourne. The urge to explore the ferry implored the children to eat efficiently. The children were entertained with the gym play space and Minecraft until it was time for bed. The bar was reasonably stocked with great range of reasonably priced drinks and food. At some point in the evening, we heard the forlorn sound of the bagpipes. We followed the source and the captain, red faced and sweating at the helm of one. 

We booked a four berth en-suite porthole cabin. Pillows, quilt, linen, towels, soap and toilet paper were provided. I had reasonable sleep until the ship rocked and rolled through Bass Strait in the mercy of the weather. The bunk ladders rattled and rumbled. I was thankful that I invested in great ear plugs and sea sick pills.