Spirit of British Columbia to be Refit

As a part of revitalizing its fleet, the Spirit of British Columbia will undergo a major passenger services upgrade and refit this winter. Other components of the fleet renewal program include three new Super C-class vessels, a new intermediate vessel, mid-life upgrades to the existing C-class ships and terminal upgrades.

The vessel will be removed from service on the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route for its annual refit and a complete passenger amenities renovation from Tuesday, January 4 to Thursday, March 17, 2005 inclusive.

Among the many improvements planned for the Spirit of British Columbia are an expanded Passages Gift Shop, an upgraded cafeteria, a redesigned buffet, renovated washrooms, reupholstered seating, and new flooring and carpeting.

New passenger amenities include closed caption flat screen televisions installed in the upper passenger lounges and children’s play area. On the car deck, the pet waiting area will also be improved.

BC Ferries looks forward to reintroducing the renovated Spirit of British Columbia to service with the 7:00 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen on Friday, March 18.

While the Spirit of British Columbia is out of service the Queen of Esquimalt will be the replacement vessel from January 4 to February 6, followed by the Queen of Vancouver from February 7 to March 17.