IN PREPARATION for the increased passenger demand tied to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and forthcoming holidays, a passenger vessel with a capacity of over a thousand seats has been introduced in Cebu.
Roble Shipping Inc. unveiled its latest addition to its fleet, which is expected to bolster economic growth in Cebu and Hilongos in Leyte by providing more sea trips between the two provinces.
Jose Emery "Joy" Roble, president and chief executive officer of the shipping firm, introduced their largest passenger vessel, M/V Immaculate Stars, on October 18, 2023.
Roble told SunStar Cebu that he initially intended to inaugurate the vessel at a later date. Still, due to the upcoming election on October 30, as well as All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on November 1 and 2, he moved the inauguration earlier.
The ship set sail on its maiden voyage last Monday, October 23, connecting the two provinces of Cebu and Leyte.
The vessel, with a gross tonnage exceeding 2,400, can comfortably accommodate up to 1,300 people, including both passengers and crew. It can also carry 32 trucks and 10 small vehicles or 300 small vehicles simultaneously.
Roble emphasized that aside from prioritizing passenger comfort, he assured that there is ample space for passengers' vehicles.
Roble said he acquired this vessel through a bidding process in China that took place before the pandemic. He said he won the deal as the sole bidder.
"During the bidding, I was the only one present, so I won. The bidding process in China is different from ours, where at least three bidders are required. I was offered by the other bidders that they would buy it at a higher price, but I did not agree because, in my mind, this was truly a gift from God," he said.
He said they have refurbished and redesigned the M/V Immaculate Stars to cater to passenger needs, with its capacity increasing from initially accommodating 200 to 400 passengers to now over 900 passengers.
He said the vessel offers various accommodations, including suite rooms, cabins, and tourist facilities, available in both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options. Passengers can access onboard amenities such as restrooms, a bar with karaoke, and a dining hall.
Roble said that to make it accessible and available to the public, the ticket prices will be the same as their other Cebu-Hilongos trips.
According to its website, a Cebu-Hilongos economy ticket costs P480, a tourist-class ride is P680, while a sitting ticket is P430. Cabin seats are priced at P1,245. The fare for Executive A, VIP, and other classes ranges from P2,450 to P2,650.
Roble, who served as former town mayor of Hilongos, expressed his expectation that this development will have a positive impact on the economic growth of towns and cities in east Visayas, now that sea travel to Cebu City has become more accessible.