The era of revenge travel is truly underway, as I’m sure you’ve noticed with the many travel photos and reels of your friends on social media. Of course, most travelers would choose to fly via plane because it’s the most well-known mode of transportation. But if you want to switch it up and try something different for your travels, you might want to travel by sea on your next trip!
2GO, a part of SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), is the country’s premier sea travel provider.
With more and more Filipinos wanting to see more of the Philippines, 2GO aims to make sea travel more affordable, comfortable, safe, and fun for more Filipinos.
For a country made up of more than 7,000 islands, it makes a lot of sense to maximize our oceans and travel around our islands via sea! With 2GO offering a cruise-like travel experience at such an affordable price, it’s an experience worth trying.
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We got to experience this firsthand when we traveled from Manila to Iloilo with 2GO’s M.V. 2GO Masagana, one of the newer vessels in 2GO’s massive fleet, during 2GO’s Creator Cruise. It was quite an unforgettable journey!
Here are 5 reasons you should travel by sea with 2GO for your next local trip:
1. It’s a relaxing and convenient “sail-cation” experience.
When we said that 2GO offers a cruise-like experience, we weren’t kidding. 2GO offers a variety of accommodation options on board for all kinds of travelers.
The stateroom is best for couples who want extra privacy—it has two beds, a private bathroom and tub, a lounge area, a dresser, and even coffee supplies. It’s just like staying in a hotel but you’re moving in the middle of the ocean!
Their business class also has a variety of private rooms that are good for solo travelers, couples, and even groups of four. These rooms have comfortable beds, a closet, and a sink.
Finally, the mega value option allows solo travelers, barkadas, and big groups to enjoy the company of others and make lots of friends! It offers a comfortable sleeping space while being the most affordable option.
Traveling by sea takes up more time for sure, but that just means you get to rest up and relax in the comforts of 2GO’s accommodations so that you’re ready to enjoy your vacation once you dock at your destination. You won’t be able to enjoy a full night’s sleep on a comfortable bed with a soft pillow and blanket on an airplane for just a few thousand pesos!
2. You get to enjoy all the amenities of the vessel.
2GO doesn’t just offer a comfortable space for you to sleep and rest while on your journey across the sea. They offer a variety of amenities on board as well. They may not have WiFi on the vessel, but you can be sure that there is a lot to do during your trip!
First off, 2GO has retail stores available including Miniso, Kultura, Goldilocks, and Brownies Unlimited; so you can go around and shop for cute knick-knacks, souvenirs, and snacks. Just make sure to prepare cash.
The 2GO vessel also has a salon on board where you can get facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, and even full-on hair treatments. Not only can you catch up on sleep during your journey, but you can enjoy a whole pampering day, too!
If you want to party with your friends (or new-found friends!), you can also check out the KTV rooms where you can sing to your heart’s content.
The dining area also commonly features live performances from the in-house band.
And of course, if you want to take the time to enjoy an unplugged start to your vacation, you can also enjoy the majestic views of the sea up on the ship’s sun deck.
3. Complete meals are included in your ticket.
If you’re still not convinced that sea travel is more affordable, this might change your mind: all your meals during the trip are already included in your ticket!
Since traveling by ship can take a bit more time, you’ll get to enjoy their delicious restaurant-level meals for the duration of your trip. If you’re spending the night at sea, then you’ll surely be eating dinner and breakfast (at least) at the Island Fiesta, or the vessel’s dining area.
Their meals are absolutely delicious, and they serve a variety of dishes for each mealtime.
Photo courtesy of 2GO Travel
In case you find yourself hungry in the middle of the night, you can also buy snacks and drinks from the different stores on board. You can get milk tea, coffee, pastries, sweets, and even alcoholic drinks!
To tell you honestly, most of the time we spent on our trip was spent eating. So, we can guarantee that you won’t go hungry on your 2GO trip.
4. You’ll meet new friends!
Since all of the passengers on the ship are cooped up for hours, you just might see the same faces over and over again (unless you’re just locked up in your room). So, many 2GO trips really end up with many passengers meeting new friends during their journey. This is especially true if you’ve purchased the Mega Value ticket which gives you a comfy bed in a sleeping area with lots of new people.
Photo courtesy of 2GO Travel
It’s definitely easier to make friends on a ship knowing that you’re all sharing the same exciting and unique experience of traveling the Philippines on a cruise-like vessel!
Making friends may not be on your itinerary for your vacation, but 2GO just might surprise you.
5. It’s a completely different adventure that will kick off your vacation.
Traveling on a vessel going across the Philippine seas is a completely different experience compared to going on flights or road trips. It’s an adventure and a relaxing “sailcation” in its own way. It will also let you appreciate the country even more, especially as an archipelago.
During your trip, you just might pass by many famous islands right from the middle of the sea!
On your next vacation, don’t let it start at the moment you set foot on your destination. With 2GO, your vacation starts right when you step aboard the ship!
A boost for Philippine tourism
Believing in the potential of the country when it comes to tourism, “2GO, together with the Department of Tourism, is really trying to promote our local destinations through sea travel. 2GO is one of the pioneers in transportation in sea travel. We have the largest fleet of cargo and passenger vessels in the country and we have been doing this for many, many years now,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President of 2GO Group, Inc.
A journey packaged with excellent customer service and value for money, 2GO makes sea travel more accessible. An advocate for local tourism, 2GO invites every Filipino to explore the beauty of the Philippines one island at a time.
With 17 ports of call nationwide, Filipinos can explore the Philippines’ must-see destinations with 2GO—including Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Coron, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Zamboanga, Caticlan (Boracay), Odiongan, Roxas, and Iloilo.
Book your next trip with 2GO via their website: https://travel.2go.com.ph. For updates, follow 2GO on Facebook (@2GOTravel), Instagram (@2go_travel), and TikTok (@2gotravelph).
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