‘Elevated’ dining venue coming to BC Ferries vessels

The Spirit of British Columbia is shown in an undated file photo. (BCFerries.com)

A new dining lounge is coming to some BC Ferries vessels this summer that will replace the long-shuttered Pacific Buffet, the corporation announced Monday.

Dubbed the Seascapes Lounge, BC Ferries says the venue will offer a “quiet, elevated dining experience” complete with a “curated menu, comfortable seating and refined ambiance.”

Passengers have long wondered what will become of the former buffet space on BC Ferries’ Spirit vessels that closed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and never returned.

The ferry provider launched a survey in the summer of 2023 asking customers what they would like to see done with the space, and it says participants expressed “strong support” for a more premium dining alternative to the self-serve cafeteria, which will remain open.

“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, vice president of customer experience, in a media release. “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.”

The Seascapes Lounge will cost $6 to access and the entry free includes unlimited coffee, tea and fountain beverages.

“As operational costs continue to rise, we need to find new ways to meet customer expectations while ensuring financial stability,” Lucia continued. “Seascapes Lounge allows us to do both—delivering a better experience for passengers while supporting our ability to invest in the future.”

The dining room will open before the peak summer travel season on the Spirit of British Columbia and Vancouver Island ferries, which operate on the Tsawwassen to Swartz