After years of delays and a $717 million cost blowout, the two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries have completed their first Bass Strait crossing.
Spirit of Tasmania V arrived at its Devonport berth not long after 6am on Sunday, bringing visitors to the island state and returning travellers home.
It departed Geelong about 12 hours earlier, with celebrations on board and many soaking up the occasion on deck with a drink in hand.
Paul Harrison, Riki Schroeder, and their aptly named dog, Sailor, were among the many using the new pet-friendly cabins.
"The fact it's no longer the kennels is amazing," Mr Harrison said.
"We wouldn't have done it otherwise.
"It's an upgrade from the old one, which I've done a few times. It's got a few more bells and whistles."
Also on board were officials and dignitaries, including Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Finland's ambassador to Australia Arto Haapea.
Mr Rockliff heralded the sailing as the "dawn of a new era".
The ferries can carry 1800 passengers, an increase of 400 from their predecessors, and 60 per cent more vehicles.
The state government originally wanted the ships in service in 2021 and initially signed a contract for $714 million.
It was left red-faced in 2024 when it was revealed the vessels would be ready before a new berth in Devonport was complete.
"We stayed the course. There were troubled waters but all major projects have their challenges," Mr Rockliff said.
"Some very capable people picked up the mantle and got it done."
Louise Halley and Michael Sewell were returning to Tasmania after a mainland adventure, saying they enjoyed the additional island-state touches on board.
"There is a lot more space," Ms Halley said.
"We've been on the old ships a couple of times and we did have a really rough trip once, but last night wasn't like that."
Some guests were unable to initially access their rooms due to keycards not working, but the problem was swiftly rectified.
While some timed their trip with the new ships, it happened to line up for Hugh Maslin and Jeff Mount, who had taken their sports cars to Orange.
"It's a total accident that we're here but a happy accident. I've travelled in ferries all over the world and this is the best one," Mr Mount said.
It is hoped the extra capacity and longer holidays by people with caravans can boost Tasmania's tourism industry.
Tourism delivers $3.79 billion annually in direct spending to the state and supports about 50,000 jobs.
AAP covered the inaugural sailing with assistance from Spirit of Tasmania.
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