The shipyard is the only one in Australia big enough to accommodate a ship of this size – P&O Cruises' ships are also dry-docked here – 280,000 tonnes of water are pumped out of the 46-foot deep chamber, where the ship has to be settled precisely on keel blocks before any work can be done. Standing underneath the massive hull gives you a whole new perspective on what it takes to keep a ship sailing smoothly across the oceans.

Spirit of Tasmania I's refurbishment includes an upgrade of the deluxe and standard cabins and plus two new 48-seat cinemas (one showing kids' movies). New recliners have been installed in the renovated accommodation lounge, and  the upper decks  are to have an entirely new layout and look. There will be a restaurant offering Tasmanian dishes of the day, bars serving regional wines, beers and ciders, a family area, takeaway shop and lots of light, bright seating spots.

The ship's sister vessel, Spirit of Tasmania II, is undergoing a similar refurbishment. The work on both ships involves a staggering 30,000 hours of labour, with 150 tradespeople employed to install new carpets, furniture, fittings, lighting, and TVs. About eight kilometres of Tasmanian oak have been used for lattice screens; 9682 square metres of carpet is being laid; 1700 square metres of flooring has gone into the new boardwalks on Decks 9 and 10; 15 kilometres of electric lighting cable power 1100 light fittings and some 90 kilograms of nails have been hammered into place.

Spirit of Tasmania I and II take passengers and their cars between Victoria's Port Melbourne and Tasmania's Devonport year-round, on day and night sailings. An extra 33 day cruises are scheduled for the coming year to cater for the increasing demand, particularly during summer. Most passengers take the drive-on drive-off option, taking cars, campervans and caravans packed to the roofs with everything you need for a road trip.

You can even bring your pets – kennels for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, some birds, chickens and ducks cost $22. Are these the world's only cruise ships, other than Queen Mary 2, that allow you to travel with furry friends?

MEET THE CREW

NAME Josefine Lauridsen, from  Denmark

POSITION 1st Officer, P&O Cruises' Pacific Jewel

MY JOB I am a senior officer of the watch. I am also known as the navigator, as I am the voyage planning officer for Pacific Jewel. I study our ports of call, plan and lay down the routes and display them to the rest of the bridge team before getting final approval from the captain. By keeping in daily contact with our agents in various ports, I also make sure the port facilities are ready to receive the ship and our guests.

MY TYPICAL DAY I'm on the bridge with my junior officer from 4am-8am and 4pm-8pm every day.

FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT In the evening I enjoy having a nice dinner after my shift and walking around the ship. If there are any shows on, you'll find me there.

MY FAVOURITE CRUISE PORTS Asia is an amazing continent - every day you are in a new port, a new country and there is a wide variety of cultures. If I need to relax, Isle of Pines in New Caledonia has the best beaches without a doubt.

INSIDER TIP Look out for sunrise and sunset times every day in the Pacific Daily for the most incredible views at sea.

Only six days to go to take up APT's offer of free flights to Europe when you book one of their 2016 river cruises – earlybird savings end on July 31. See aptouring.com.au.

NEWS 

Halloween spooktacular: Carnival Cruise Line is drawing on its American heritage to show Australians how to have a frighteningly good time on October 31. Carnival Legend's nine-night Pacific Islands cruise departing Sydney on October 26 will feature a costume party, themed movies, trick or treating and a menu to die for with witches bubbling brews at the bar, spider snacks and scary cheesecake for a death-defying dessert. Carnival Spirit will also host a Halloween spooktacular during its eight-night cruise to the Melbourne Cup, which departs Sydney on October 30 and includes transfers and entry to Flemington. See carnival.com.au.

European adventures: After many successful seasons sailing across the seas of Indonesia, the South Pacific and Australia, National Geographic Orion is embarking on a series of one-week cruises in Europe next year.  The itineraries are designed to take travellers beyond mainstream destinations and will offer onboard experts and tours specialising in ancient and modern history, art, photography and more. National Geographic Orion will cruise to Portugal, Spain, France, England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium and Scandinavia; two itineraries visit London, Wild and Windswept: Exploring the coasts of England and Wales, and The North Sea: London to Copenhagen. See au.expeditions.com.

Discover Ponant in Sydney: Boutique cruise specialist Cruise Traveller is hosting a special Ponant information event at Sydney's Pullman Quay Grand on August 25. Book a spot to find out more about the French cruise line, its fleet of expedition ships and where they'll be cruising during the next couple of years. The four new, nearly identical ships (L'Austral, Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal) will be in Antarctica for the upcoming season before they go their separate ways around the globe, while the line's motor-sailor, Le Ponant, spends most of its time in warmer climes. Call 1800 507 777 or email sales@cruisetraveller.com.au.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

ecruising.travel is offering some great value packages on Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Millennium; the shortest is a fly-stay-cruise package from Singapore to Sydney, departing March 13. Fares start from $3169 and include two nights at the Shangri La in Singapore, airfare to Singapore and the 16-night cruise that stops at Bali, Darwin, Cairns and Brisbane. Call 1300 369 848, see ecruising.travel.

MORE DEALS 

SCENIC is waiving the single supplement on 21 of its Europe river cruises next year. The offer applies to cruises in March to April, and October to December, including the 15-day Jewels of Europe and 15-day Romantic Rhine and Moselle itineraries, plus eight France sailings. Valid until sold out; phone 138 128 or visit scenic.com.au.

PRINCESS CRUISES Sail to New Zealand and back from Sydney on Diamond Princess from $1499 when you book by August 31. The 12-day cruise departs on January 23, 2016 and visits six ports including Fiordland National Park. Call 13 24 88, see princess.com.