BC Ferries has announced its plans to replace the now-defunct all-you-can-eat buffet on its Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route with a new dining experience.
The "Seascapes Lounge" is set to launch on the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island first, prior to the peak travel season this summer.
According to BC Ferries, for $6 per person, passengers will gain entry to the lounge and access to all the coffee, tea, and soft drinks they can consume. Also available at an extra cost is a "curated menu of high-quality dishes made from fresh ingredients and an assortment of local beer, wine and non-alcoholic craft beverages."
The lounge will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
"Customers have been clear in their feedback," Customer Service VP Melanie Lucia said, noting that over 10,000 people participated in surveys related to the space. "They want a space that is special and distinct from the other dining areas, offering a quiet and comfortable setting."
She said the Seascapes Lounge will be "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."
"As operational costs continue to rise, we need to find new ways to meet customer expectations while ensuring financial stability," Lucia added. "Seascapes Lounge allows us to do both — delivering a better experience for passengers while supporting our ability to invest in the future."
BC Ferries made the decision to shut down the Pacific Buffet for good in 2023 after initially ceasing operations in 2020 due to COVID-19. It had been a staple of the journey from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay since 1979.
