RORO ferry trip between Batangas and Calapan

I took Roll-On, Roll-Off ferry trip between Batangas and Calapan, Oriental Mindoro for a meeting in Calapan. I was originally planning to take the SuperCat service between the cities but was informed there were no trips in the morning due to rough seas. Upon inquiring, I learned that the RORO ferry services were not affected by the conditions and a ferry left Batangas Port for Calapan every hour during a typical day (24-hour service). I was reluctant to take the RORO ferry in part due to their safety record and mainly because it took at least 2.5 hours for the voyage. Fast ferry service only had 1 hour journey times. Nevertheless, due to necessity, we had no choice but to take the RORO service instead. I just crossed my fingers that the SuperCat service would resume later in the afternoon.

A view of two RORO ferries docked at the Batangas Port. One was operated by Montenegro Lines' Marina Ferries and the other by Starlight Ferries.

Passengers boarding the ferry Reina Hosanna. Some vehicles, mostly trucks were already loaded on the ferry.  Others would have to wait until passengers have boarded the vessel.

A view inside the ferry where vehicle and freight are positioned and secured for the voyage. People form a line before the narrow stairway to the passenger level. 

Passengers climbing the narrow stairway to the passenger deck of the Reina Hosanna.

A view of the Batangas Port from the upper (view) deck of the ferry right above the passenger deck.  Trucks can be seen boarding (rolling on) the ferry. The orange things are lifeboats lined along the rear of the passenger deck.

A provincial bus arrives to board another RORO ferry, the Starlight Nautica, which was scheduled to leave an hour after our scheduled departure. There are many bus companies plying the western nautical highway route , which can take the traveler to Caticlan, the jump off point for Boracay Island.

A look at the Batangas harbor with docked ferries and containers on the pier. In the background is the coast of Batangas. The photo was taken in the general direction of the west.

Crewman bringing up the anchor as we start our voyage to Calapan.

Rough seas along the Verde Island passage during our voyage to Mindoro

A view inside the passenger deck - seats were cushioned but mostly dilapidated and obviously requiring re-upholstery. The cabin seemed to be originally air-conditioned and we were lucky that the weather was fine and not so hot that day. Some passengers went to the upper deck to get some air.

It was my first ferry ride in a long time. The last one was a fast ferry trip using the SuperCat service from Cebu to Tagbilaran, Bohol. That was in the afternoon and was quite a rough ride, too. I have not experienced riding the SuperFerries but in my childhood had a lot of trips between Manila and Iloilo via ships of Negros Navigation (Dona Florentina, Don Julio, Don Claudio, Sta. Maria) and Sulpicio Lines (once using Don Eusebio). I also had previously used the Fast craft service of Negros Navigation between Iloilo and Bacolod. The trip between Manila and Iloilo used to be something like 19 to 24 hours depending on the ship. I did remember the Don Julio being NN's fastest ship at one time and the Don Claudio being somewhat the slowest. Our family used to take First Class cabin or First Class deck so we could have decent accommodations and meals on-board.

I think shipping lines should not balk on the safety and comfort of passengers. People would be willing to pay a higher fare if the vessels are in better condition and facilities such as seats are well-maintained. I can only imagine the traveling conditions during the peak periods when a lot of people would take these RORO ferries as they are usually the cheaper and practical option between islands.

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