I recently had the opportunity to take a quick tour of 2GO’s MV Masagana, and it was a fascinating glimpse into a ‘different kind’ of sea travel. If you’ve never gone on a sea voyage aboard a massive Philippine ferry, then you’re definitely missing out. Keep reading and I’ll tell you why!
You see, if you’d been reading my blogs, you’d know that I frequent the island of Negros where my mom was born. And to get to Negros, we would simply travel to Santander to get on a small ferry to get to Sibulan. But that’s about it. And the few times we decided to take a boat from Cebu City, we rode the George and Peter or the Cokaliong ones that although were bigger, were definitely not as big as the ones that head straight to Manila.
First Impressions of MV Masagana
So imagine my excitement when I stepped aboard the MV Masagana for the very first time. I was immediately struck by its size and scale. Compared to the ones that I’m familiar with, the vessel is a floating city, complete with various amenities to cater to the needs of its passengers.
The interior was clean and well-maintained, with a modern and comfortable aesthetic.
Exploring MV Masagana
One of the highlights of my tour was exploring the different facilities on board. I visited the passenger cabins, which ranged from basic economy accommodations to more luxurious suites. I also checked out the dining areas, where passengers can enjoy a variety of dining options. Other amenities included retails outlets, a prayer room, a souvenir shop, and more! Take a look!
The boat is made up of different section. It can get confusing at first, but with the signages, you get familiar the hallways fast.
There is a convenience store inside the ship. So you can enjoy your favorite snacks while the boat is sailing.
Take a look at the bathrooms/toilets. They are so spacious and clean!
The rooms are gorgeous, too! This one has beds right on the floor. Perfect for those who love this kind of set-up.
This room type has bunk beds. This one is perfect for groups of friends or small families.
For those who want a more comfortable trip, these rooms are perfect for them.
This lovely area outside the main dining hall has a row of tables and chairs facing the windows. Lovely!
This section has a wall filled with life vests. This is actually a nice touch.
The network of stairs and hallways lead to various parts of the ship.
At the roof deck, travelers can enjoy the breeze and the sun (or the stars) as the ship speeds towards its destination.
A Glimpse into Life at Sea
While the tour was brief, I got a sense of the daily life of passengers and crew members on board. I observed the crew members going about their duties, from serving meals to ensuring the safety of passengers. It was both fascinating and scary. (because I can’t swim. Haha!)
Take a look at the helm where most of the controls can be found. I didn’t realize how modern these ships are.
So that was my quick tour of 2GO’s MV Masagana. It was a memorable experience. It gave me a newfound appreciation for sea travel (now im thinking of long sea travels to Luzon, perhaps? :))
Stay tuned for more Cebu travels, dear friends and see you next time! š
