2GO Travel unveils new ship

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ largest shipping company 2GO Travel unveiled yesterday the newest addition to its luxurious fleet – the M/V St. Francis Xavier (SFX).

The leader in the domestic shipping industry released the 11,000-toner and 151 meters long SFX in time for the summer season to serve the ports of Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete and Zamboanga.

SFX has a 1910-passenger capacity and can carry 180 TEU’s.

“There’s a growing demand for domestic sea travel, and tourism is booming in all parts of the islands. Add to that the demand for more cargo space for exchange of goods and produce from the Visayas and Mindanao areas to Manila and vice versa,” said Stephen Tagud, company vice president.

Tagud added that while the company’s giving of affordable and safety-focused travel are forest in its thrust, it also envisions to promote a cruise-like experience to its passengers. Thus, the fleet has been refurbished to become a domestic cruise ships, a breakthrough in the local shipping industry.

Consistent to its ‘Sarap Maglakbay’ slogan, 2GO Travel’s new ship has comfortable cabins and accommodations with beautiful interiors designed by One Urban. Italso has spacious economy and first class restaurants, a relaxing spa, a 24-hour convenience store, fun karaoke and event halls for various forms of entertainment held nightly, a conference room and an open air deck where guests can converge for island sight-seeing and stargazing.

M/V St. Francis Xavier (SFX) will serve the following routes: Every Wednesday from Manila to Bacolod –Iloilo-Manila and Every Saturday from Manila to Cebu – Dumaguete – Zamboanga – Dumaguete – Manila.

In related news, 2GO Travel will also open two new ports – Masbate and Romblon – and will resume operations in the ports of Dumaguete, Ormoc and Zamboanga this March.