You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through travel videos and someone’s doing something completely insane that makes you think, “I need to try that”? Well, that’s exactly what happened when I decided to spend 75 hours cruising around the Philippines on a ferry. And let me tell you, it was nothing like I expected.

The whole adventure started with a simple goal: take the longest possible cruise through the Philippine islands. I wasn’t looking for luxury or Instagram-perfect moments. I wanted the real deal – a genuine Filipino ferry experience that would show me parts of the country most tourists never see.

Getting on Board: First Impressions and Deck Exploration

Right off the bat, the crew was explaining the deck system. “You’re allowed on deck seven, deck six, and deck five,” they told me. “But deck four, deck three, and deck two? You’re not allowed there, sir.” It’s like a floating apartment building with strict rules about where you can wander.

My room was on deck seven, which felt like winning a small lottery. The staff member showed me around, pointing out the emergency life jacket in the cabinet and mentioning they had snacks and drinks available – for a fee, of course. Nothing’s free on these ferries except the included meals at Horizon Cafe.

The ship itself was fascinating to explore. Deck six turned out to be the observation deck with some games and massage chairs. There was even a charging station, though it was temporarily closed when I visited. Deck five had the main action – Horizon Cafe, a little karaoke area, and what looked like the social hub of the ship.

One thing that struck me immediately was how hot it got on the sun deck. I guess that’s why they call it a sun deck, right? The heat was intense, but the views made it worth every sweaty minute. The ferry’s design clearly prioritized function over form – everything had a purpose, from the heavy-duty railings to the practical plastic seating that could withstand constant saltwater exposure.

The Food Situation: From Cold Fish to Beef Curry Success

Let me be honest about the food situation – timing is everything. If you don’t get to meals early, you’re gonna end up with cold food, and nobody wants that. I learned this the hard way on my first day when I got some cold fish that was less than appetizing.

The Horizon Cafe serves free meals included with your ticket, which is pretty great. They had options like chicken adobo, beef curry, and fried noodles. After my cold fish experience, I started asking which dishes were actually hot before making my selection. Pro tip: the beef curry was consistently the best choice.

But here’s where it gets interesting – if you don’t like what’s being served at Horizon Cafe, there’s another option. The ship has a separate cafe where you can order American breakfast for 240 pesos. And let me tell you, after trying both, sometimes it’s worth paying extra. The American breakfast came with bacon, pancakes, eggs, butter, and syrup. It actually looked and tasted like what you’d expect.

The dining experience itself was communal. Tables are shared because space is limited, so everybody eats like family. It’s not fancy, but there’s something charming about sharing a meal with strangers while cruising through the Philippine islands. I found myself learning about local customs and getting travel tips from fellow passengers over every meal.

Entertainment and Daily Life on Board

Don’t expect a carnival cruise level of entertainment here. The activities are pretty limited, but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in authenticity. There’s a small karaoke area, some basic games on the observation deck, and evening performances by Filipino musicians.

Speaking of those performances – Filipinos really are incredible singers and dancers. The evening shows were genuinely enjoyable, not just something to pass time. These weren’t professional cruise ship entertainers; they were regular crew members sharing their talents, and honestly, they were better than some paid performers I’ve seen on bigger ships.

Most of my time was spent on deck, watching the ocean and the islands pass by. This is where the magic really happens. As far as the eye can see, nothing but ocean and scattered islands. It puts life in perspective, you know? Makes you realize how tiny you are compared to how big this world is.

The ship also had a small store called Watson’s with local snacks, drinks, and basic necessities. They had everything from Pepsi and Gatorade to local Filipino snacks that I’d never tried before. Perfect for stocking up on movie night supplies. The prices were reasonable considering you’re essentially shopping at sea – only slightly higher than what you’d pay on land.

The Reality Check: Emergency Drills and Safety

Now, here’s something that might surprise you – these ferries take safety seriously. During my trip, we had an emergency drill that started with announcements about fire in the engine room and abandon ship procedures. “Fire reported at the engine room. All crew proceed to respective master station. Abandon ship. Abandon ship.”

Don’t worry, it was just a drill, but it was thorough. All passengers had to return to their rooms until it was finished. They had trainees on board learning to be crew members, and watching them practice emergency procedures was actually pretty reassuring.

The announcements throughout the trip could get a bit much, especially early in the morning, but they’re keeping everyone informed about meal times, activities, and safety procedures.

Island Views and Weather Adventures

The best part of this entire journey was the scenery. Waking up to views of distant islands, watching fishing boats in the early morning, and seeing the sun set over the ocean – that’s what made the 75 hours worth it.

We hit some rain during the trip, which was actually exciting since it was my first time experiencing rain in three months in the Philippines. Apparently, rainy season was just starting. Standing on deck listening to rain hit the ship while watching lightning in the distance was unexpectedly beautiful.

The ferry stops at various ports along the way, dropping off passengers and cargo, picking up new travelers and supplies. It’s not just a passenger service – it’s a lifeline connecting different parts of the Philippines. You see everything from cars and motorcycles to crates of goods being loaded and unloaded. Each port stop became a mini-adventure as I watched the organized chaos of Filipino logistics in action. Local vendors would sometimes come aboard briefly, selling fresh fruits and regional specialties that weren’t available in the ship’s store.

Accommodations: Stateroom vs. Bunk Beds

I specifically chose this cruise because it was the only one with staterooms available. The alternative was bunk beds in shared accommodations, and honestly, I wasn’t ready for that level of communal living. The shared areas have communal bathrooms and sleeping quarters without much privacy.

My stateroom was basic but comfortable enough for three days. It had everything I needed – a bed, some storage, and most importantly, privacy. For a 75-hour journey, having your own space to retreat to makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

After 75 hours of island hopping through the Philippines, would I recommend this experience? Absolutely. But you need to go in with the right expectations. This isn’t a luxury cruise – it’s authentic Filipino travel at its finest.

The ferry serves as both transportation and adventure. You’re not just getting from point A to point B; you’re experiencing how locals travel between islands, seeing parts of the Philippines most tourists miss, and connecting with the ocean in a way that’s impossible from a plane or resort.

The food situation improves once you figure out the timing and which options work best. The beef dishes were consistently good, and having backup options at the paid cafe helps. The people are incredibly friendly – from crew members to fellow passengers, everyone’s willing to help and share stories.

If you’re looking for Instagram-perfect moments and five-star amenities, this isn’t your trip. But if you want to experience real Philippine island life, see incredible ocean views, and have stories that nobody else will have, then book that 75-hour ferry ride. Just remember to pack some patience, bring snacks for movie nights, and always ask which dishes are hot before ordering.

The journey from Manila to General Santos gave me perspectives on the Philippines I never would have gotten otherwise. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that take you completely out of your comfort zone and show you how the rest of the world really lives.

Watch the Full 75-Hour Ferry Journey 🎥

Photos and words honestly can’t fully capture what this experience felt like.

From life on the 2GO Ferry and emergency drills at sea to ocean sunsets, ferry food, and finally arriving in Mindanao — I documented the entire 75-hour journey on video.

If you want to see what it’s really like crossing the Philippines by ferry, watch the full vlog below and experience the journey with me.

👉 Watch the full video on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe for the next part of the adventure through Lake Sebu and Mindanao.