For Immediate Release
24-30
January 20, 2025

Seascapes Lounge: A new dining experience on BC Ferries

VICTORIA, BC – Starting this summer, BC Ferries passengers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience with the launch of Seascapes, a new on-board lounge featuring a selection of food and beverage options in a quiet, more relaxed setting.

Located in the former Pacific Buffet space on board the two Spirit class vessels, Seascapes will be a paid-access dining lounge offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For an entry fee of $6 including tax, passengers can access the lounge and enjoy unlimited coffee, tea and fountain beverages. A curated menu of high-quality dishes made from fresh ingredients and an assortment of local beer, wine and non-alcoholic craft beverages will be available for purchase separately.

“Customers have been clear in their feedback - they want a space that is special and distinct from the other dining areas, offering a quiet and comfortable setting,” said Melanie Lucia, VP Customer Experience. “Seascapes Lounge is designed to meet those expectations, offering an elevated dining experience with a curated selection of food and beverage options, while also reducing congestion in the Coastal Cafe.”

Customer input was central to the development of Seascapes Lounge. More than 10,000 people participated in surveys to share what they wanted from the space, expressing strong support for premium food options and a quieter atmosphere. BC Ferries is delivering on this feedback while also exploring innovative ways to maintain its role as an essential public service.

Lucia emphasized that initiatives like Seascapes Lounge are critical to BC Ferries’ long-term sustainability. “As operational costs continue to rise, we need to find new ways to meet customer expectations while ensuring financial stability. Seascapes Lounge allows us to do both—delivering a better experience for passengers while supporting our ability to invest in the future.”

Passengers travelling on the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island will continue to have access to other onboard dining options, including the Coastal Café and Arbutus Coffee Bar.

Seascapes Lounge will officially open ahead of the peak summer travel season, offering travellers an exciting new way to enjoy their journey.

Media Backgrounder

Seascapes Lounge: A new dining experience on BC Ferries

Overview

Seascapes Lounge is BC Ferries’ latest onboard offering, designed to create a quiet, elevated dining experience for passengers. Located in the former Pacific Buffet spaces on the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island, Seascapes Lounge will feature a curated menu, comfortable seating and refined ambiance. The lounge will open ahead of the peak summer season in 2025.

Customer-Driven Development

BC Ferries placed customer and crew feedback at the heart of the Seascapes Lounge concept by conducting two extensive surveys:

• June 2023 Survey: Designed to gather input on the customer experience and understand what passengers wanted in a replacement for the Pacific Buffet. Over 10,000 responses revealed strong support for creating a dining space that was distinct from the Seawest Lounge and cafeteria spaces.

           Key feedback included:
           - A dedicated dining space rather than repurposing the area for another use.
           ⁃ Comfortable seating with scenic views.
           - High-quality food options, including plated entrées, artisan foods, and desserts.
 

• November 2023 Survey: A follow-up survey to gather more detailed input on menu preferences and pricing formats. Insights from this survey, combined with detailed research and analysis, informed the final menu design and concept for Seascapes Lounge.

Future Rollout

BC Ferries will launch Seascapes Lounge on the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island first, as these vessels require minimal modifications. The Coastal Celebration may follow based on the performance and reception of the lounge on the Spirit class vessels.

Background on the Pacific Buffet
 

• The Pacific Buffet spaces on the Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver Island, and Coastal Celebration have been closed since March 2020.
• In its final year of operation, the buffet attracted less than 9% of passengers on the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay route and incurred an annual loss of $1.2 million.
• Seascapes Lounge reimagines these spaces to better align with customer needs and financial sustainability.

Revenue and Financial Sustainability
 

• Seascapes Lounge is projected to generate approximately $1.3 million annually, directly supporting BC Ferries’ operational budget.
• Revenue from the lounge will help offset rising operational costs while maintaining BC Ferries’ role as an essential public service.

Dining Options on Spirit Class Vessels
 

• Coastal Café: Self-serve cafeteria offering casual meals such as burgers, breakfasts, and salads.
• Arbutus Coffee Bar: Hot and cold snacks and beverages.

Timeline
 

• Seascapes Lounge will open ahead of the peak summer travel season. 

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Media Contact:
Victoria: (250) 978-1267
Email: media@bcferries.com
Web: https://www.bcferries.com/contact-us/media-room

Customer Contact:
Victoria: (250) 410-1465
Toll-free: 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779)
Web: https://www.bcferries.com/contact-us