Spirit of Tasmania III has arrived in Sydney Harbour less than a week ahead of its first Sydney to Devonport sailing on 13 January 2004.

The vessel, which was welcomed by a spectacular water display by the fire tug Ted Noffs, berthed at Sydney Ports� Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Captain Jim Lewis, who skippered Spirit of Tasmania III on its voyages from Hobart to Devonport, Devonport to Melbourne and Melbourne to Sydney, said the ship handled the long journey �beautifully�.

�Her stability, power and manoeuvrability are excellent, and the facilities for passengers are great,� he said.

�Passengers will be very pleased with the comfort onboard.�

Spirit of Tasmania Chief Executive Peter Simmons said the introduction of the Spirit of Tasmania III service would open up access between the states of New South Wales and Tasmania

�I think people are finding sea travel and cruises an increasingly desirable way to travel,� Mr Simmons said.

�It�s not just about getting from A to B anymore � it�s the experience as well.�

Tasmanian Premier Jim Bacon, who was in Sydney to welcome the vessel, heralded the arrival of Spirit of Tasmania III in Sydney Harbour as the start of a new era in Tasmanian tourism.

�More than 17,000 people have made bookings for the Sydney to Devonport service,� he said.

�The outstanding booking figures show that people along the eastern seaboard of Australia are already embracing the new Spirit of Tasmania III service.

�And when they see this magnificent ship sailing in and out of Sydney Harbour three times a week, I am sure that the high level of interest will only increase.�

Mr Bacon said the access difficulties that had previously deterred would-be-visitors had now been addressed, paving the way for many more people to enjoy the Tasmanian holiday experience.

In the initial stage of its service, Spirit of Tasmania III will depart both Sydney and Devonport three times a week, departing 3pm and arriving 11.30am.