On board SuperFerry 18, a floating hotel
Going somewhere in the Philippines? Perhaps, you're planning to visit Manila and the cities of Northern Luzon in the near future. Maybe you are thinking of doing it like the usual - taking it by plane. Why not consider the more adventurous way of traveling? Why not put the phone down and give yourself a time to ponder? Close your eyes and let your imagination wander into the abyss of the kind of vacation that you fancy. You do love the sight of the sea and the comfort of the hotel. Right? Well, why not sail your way to your destination?
SuperFerry, a huge name in the commerce of shipping, first introduced the SuperFerry 1 into the ports of Manila, Iloilo,and Cagayan de Oro on May of 1990. After a decade and a half, the Aboitiz Transport System conquered the seas with its ten vessels, namely: SuperFerry 1, SuperFerry 2, SuperFerry 5, Superferry 9, SuperFerry 12, SuperFerry 15, SuperFerry 16, SuperFerry 17, SuperFerry 18, SuperFerry 19, and the Our Lady of Medjugorje. These ten vessels has been into the ports of Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Coron, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Dumaguit, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Manila, Ozamis, Puerto Princessa, Roxas, Surigao, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga. SuperFerry has been setting the trend in the local maritime market. As a proof to that, the company received the International Ship Management (ISM) Code certification for having high standards on safety management, environmental protection, emergency preparedness, maintenance of the ship requirements, qualified and well-trained crew, and development plans for shipboard operations.
Now the two-year old SuperFerry 18, an exact replica of SuperFerry 17, is sailing with Captain Greg D. Sazon. For twenty-two-hour trip from Iloilo to Manila, the gigantic steel vessel becomes a home to 2,246 passengers and to hundreds of its staff. The 28 cabins, 11 state rooms, and 3 suite rooms offer luxury to the guests.
Mr. Lary Brian Malicse, Hotel Manager of SuperFerry 18, and Miss Reinier Salboro, Guest Service Officer, gladly welcomed the members of local media on a quick on-board tour last March 1, 2006. It was a superb experience.
An escalator, leading to the hotel-like lobby, provides ease to the passengers. The lobby itself is captivating. With amiable front desk officers, you can be assured that your stay will be hassle-free. Right across the information counter is the Star Bar, a place to unwind for the rabid music worshipers. The circular bar counter on the center is surrounded by tables and chairs and on the four corners of the crystal-enclosed room are the four videoke sets.
Next to the Star Bar is the home of the pasalubong stuffs known to most foreign guests, the Island Souvenir. On its right wing, a convenience store called the Quik Mart houses different products ranging from foods to other personal necessities. Further on, is the most active part of the ship, the Island Fiesta. An eating place, similar to the foodcourts we have, that serves affordable foods and drinks. For only P40.00 you can have a set of a cup of rice and chicken or pork. If you're tastebuds are looking for that street-food taste, you don't have to worry because fishballs and the likes are also available. At night, the Island Fiesta transforms into a party arena. You can listen to the band playing while having a gulp of your favorite beer. Yes, beers are also available at P61.00 on board. If you get lucky, you can witness the once-a-month Captain's Night where you get to see the captain of the vessel sing or groove. It is also the time for the crew to entertain the guests using their God-given talents. Pretty cool!
For the Tantra and Counterstrike addict, you need not go psycho because they have a gaming station on board too. Isn't it great?
For the businessmen and for the gastronomic type who prefers fine dining, the Horizon Bar and Cafe meet your needs. It has a wide room with brown and white furnitures giving it the modern and classy look. Framed paintings hang on the walls and TV sets installed in each corner. The place is ideal for family dinners, casual business meetings, and romantic dates. Imagine dining in a fine restaurant with mouth-watering menu served by friendly waiters while seeing the calm sea through the side windows. Perfect!
Inside the State Room, a remnant of the old Tatami rooms, are the two Japanese beds covered with white sheets. The room is very oriental. The kind that you often see in Japanese movies. The windows are small with an translucent creamy paper-like material attached to it. The mocha-colored mat-like carpet covers the floor. The Suite Room, on the other hand, is more westernized. A window with an ochre blind completes its amorous ambiance. The Cabin Rooms are more suitable for a traveling family. It contains eight cubicles with corresponding curtains designed to give the occupants a sense of privacy. Each room also includes a television set, a toilet and a shower room.
Aside from the mentioned rooms, the Supervalue and the Megavalue packs are also present. The Supervalue has two subcategories: the yellow, a non-aircon , and the red, with aircon. The Megavalue, a wide room of beds equipped with aircon. Another option is the Jetseater. By the name itself it is a chamber similar to that of an aircraft with airplane seats that can be reclined. The Jetseater is for the overnight travelers. It is only available during peak seasons though to accommodate more passengers. The Jetseater and Supervalue share the same rate.
Medical concerns are also given emphasis by SuperFerry. To attest to that, a medical clinic is also available to answer health concerns.
For the more religious ones, enlightenment and inner peace is not that far. The universal prayer room, a solemn and quiet place containing nothing but chairs and a podium designed so to respect the differences in faith of the guests, is open to all.
Couples who can't wait to tie a knot and make a vow while on board can actually be united by a matrimony officiated by the captain himself!
So if you think that being on board is a total bore, think again. This is what you are missing - a luxurious and exhilarating cruise that is worth your 22-hour stay. Experience the floating hotel now!