2GO Travel unveils new sea vessel to serve Visayas, N. Mindanao cities

To raise the standard on domestic travel by providing passengers with a world-class and cruise-like experience, premier land/sea trip provider 2GO Travel launched last month the newest addition to its fleet of luxurious and modern sea vessels, the M/V St. Therese of the Child Jesus, with the aim of promoting local tourism and strengthening the economy. 

2GO Travel unveiled the South Korean-made passenger and cargo vessel—which is insured in London and replaced the now-decommissioned M/V St. Joan of Arc—on March 17 as part of its refleeting program. The new ship measures 160 meters in length, weighs 16,662 tons, and can accommodate 1,856 passengers and 200 20-foot equivalent units (TEU) of cargo.

The ship, which serves the Manila-Bacolod-Iloilo-Cagayan de Oro route every Thursday at 9 p.m., embarked on its maiden voyage also on March 17, carrying at least 1,200 passengers.

According to 2GO Senior Vice President Stephen Tagud, the company acquired a new vessel to address the growing demand for domestic sea travel and to provide tourists an affordable, safe, and convenient alternative for travel.

“It has always been 2GO’s mission to promote local tourism and to introduce both Filipino and foreign tourists to the many beautiful and interesting destinations all over the country,” Tagud said in a statement.

“At the same time, we wanted to raise the bar in domestic travel by providing passengers not just safety and convenience, but a most leisurely, cruise-like experience aboard our vessels.”

During a press conference on the ship’s unveiling, Tagud also said the average ticket price is P1,000, inclusive of meals. Promos are offered during lean seasons.

The M/V St. Therese of the Child Jesus, like the rest of the 2GO Travel fleet, has been refurbished to become a domestic cruise ship. It has six suite rooms, 12 state rooms, and 21 business-class and 34 tourist accommodations, as well as elegantly designed furnishings.

It also has a spacious first-class bar and restaurant; a 24-hour convenience store and gift shop; a spa and salon; areas for karaoke, comedy and other forms of entertainment held nightly; a clinic; chapel; and an open-air deck where passengers can enjoy island sightseeing and stargazing.

Besides raising the bar for domestic tourism, 2GO, the country’s largest shipping company, also sees the addition of the new vessel as an opportunity to strengthen the firm by providing better services to meet high demands for cargo space for the transportation of goods and produce all across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

2GO Travel also offers a wide range of hotel accommodations, tours and event packages, entertainment options, and amenities.

For more information on 2GO Travel services, visit www.2GO.com.ph.