{
  "id": 17496426,
  "title": "Passengers give their verdicts on new Spirit of Tasmania",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/passengers-give-their-verdicts-on-new-spirit-of-tasmania",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T23:39:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-01/passengers-give-their-verdicts-on-new-spirit-of-tasmania/107333176"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The new Spirit of Tasmania arrived in Devonport early Sunday morning with clear skies and calm seas. The passengers and crew enjoyed a clear deck and smooth sailing as the vessel left Geelong for its inaugural passenger voyage. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff praised the ship's completion, comparing its significance to that of the Sydney Opera House. Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman likened the new Spirit to a cultural icon for the state. Finns were proud to see the project through, with the Finnish ambassador Arto Haapea describing it as a historic collaboration. Ship enthusiasts, like Mitchell Bruce, had long awaited the new Spirit. Many aboard used the journey as a way to return home, with some celebrating the historic crossing. Celeste Ackerly, traveling with her child and two dogs, was pleasantly surprised to learn her booking was for the maiden voyage. Brian Munday completed a long road trip and welcomed the return trip home. Sweety Neik, a Melbourne visitor, eagerly anticipated exploring Tasmania, including the Cradle Mountain and Salamanca Market. As the sun rose over Bass Strait, Premier Rockliff and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent addressed the media, expressing hope for a new chapter for the Spirit of Tasmania after years of challenges.",
  "summary": "With the long-awaited first voyage done, passengers aboard one of the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries give their verdicts.",
  "key_points": [
    "Spirit of Tasmania arrives in Devonport on inaugural voyage.",
    "Tasmanian Premier and Transport Minister express optimism.",
    "Passengers celebrate historic crossing and return home."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}