The Spirit of Tasmania- Accessibility Review
Here I am at dusk in Port Melbourne looking forward to my break away in Tasmania sailing on the spirit of Tasmania.
We travelled overnight return on the Spirit of Tasmania ship, Spirit 1, between Melbourne, Vic and Devonport, Tas. We chose to sail to Tasmania as taking our modified car with my equipment was the only logical economic and convenient choice.
This was our first wheelchair-using, equipment-requiring trip to Tasmania, and despite a fantastic accessible booking process, I was still a little nervous as to how the experience would go.
WEBSITE | BOOKING:
https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/terms-and-conditions/special-needs
WHAT WORKED:
A dedicated information section on how to book for accessibility
A downloadable PDF with room and service information
Room measurements – hallelujah
All the booking staff I spoke to were very professional helpful and friendly.
We were kept clearly and regularly updated with all information regarding sailing times, terms and conditions and dining and activities on board.
Every booked future passenger also has access to their specific booking portal on the Spirit of Tasmania website.
WHAT COULD WORK BETTER :
The term special needs could be changed to more inclusive language such as ‘equal access bookings’ or ‘accessibility requirements’
The brochure should stipulate that there is no smooth access to the bathroom on the brochure. We were specifically told there was no lip across the doorway and there are two retrofitted metal wedges on either side of the door ledge which makes assisted and independent shower commode access very difficult and potentially dangerous.
Take a note that the brochure also stipulates there are no hoists available. We were told that there was a ceiling hoist. Fortunately, we were taking our hoist anyway.
ACCESS TO VENUE | PARKING:
We drove to the embarkation driveway about 20 minutes before the requested scheduled time and there were already a lot of cars ahead of us on each trip. RECOMMENDATION: We did this because we knew we needed to request 2 1/2 metre clearance behind our Kia for rear access and to be close to the lift. Take a good book and a charged device. There were boarding staff and stevedores at very regular points as we wound our way down and through car parks and driveways and, finally, the ramp into the hull. They marked our windscreen with a fluoro pink cross and gave us a fluoro pink windshield lanyard to indicate our parking requirements initially, and at each stevedore point, we repeated our requirements as we were instructed to do. The whole process was very smoothly and professionally run and both times we were finally placed where we needed to be - next to the lift and with plenty of space behind us.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
WHAT WORKS:
Beautiful open communal spaces outside and inside on decks 10 and 7 .
The buffet-style restaurant served quality fresh food with many options and easy seating for wheelchair users.
The staff were once again extremely helpful. RECOMMENDATION: For both trips once onboard we requested assistance with our multiple bags and pieces of equipment for disembarking. A time was arranged for a member of staff to come and help in the morning-which they did of course.
The beds, by default, have a fantastic clearance space of around 30 cm which was not only essential for me being transferred on the hoist but when we needed to juggle the shower commode, the wheelchair, the hoist and our bags to do things like getting dressed we could utilise under the bed and tuck the hoist out-of-the-way a bit more.
The accessible ensuite worked very well for a small space, but a bit squeezy with 2 people and a bit of rollicking around. Consequently, with my advanced assistance requirements, I chose not to shower.
For day travellers that have decreased mobility the accessible bathroom in the recliner lounge area looked great.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK SO WELL:
Accessibility through each of the doorways from the lift area to the hallways and decks varied in comfort as the small metal wedges to enable access have been retrofitted and vary in gradient and height. I’m sure this will be rectified in the new ships that are due to be launched in 2023 in 2024. Click here for more info.·
The beds are very hard and doona’s weirdly stiff so don’t expect to sleep much.
The bumpy entrance to the accessible ensuite ( pictured above).
SUMMARY:
Our trip on the Spirit of Tasmania as an assisted wheelchair user was an experience I was glad and fortunate to have. At every point, the staff were courteous and attentive. We didn’t expect to sleep much as it takes more than one night to get used to a bit of rolling and rocking, and we didn't disappoint ourselves.
TT Lines clearly take accessibility seriously as shown in the retrofitting of the current ships and the accessible design of their upcoming replacements. The Spirit of Tasmania is a welcome alternative to flying in many ways where accessibility requirements, such as carrying specialised equipment, have to be addressed.
IMPORTANT FOOTNOTE:
I look at the ways in which businesses present an overall inclusive experience for their patrons. While I focus on mobility access I hope to get ideas from you and others to add observations relating to other disabilities. I take a comprehensive look at everything from initial website experience to staff attitudes. I do not comment on food (except sometimes if it’s super fab I might not be able to help myself) as you can have the joy of making up your own mind on that.
Happy accessible living and playing !
