DOT welcomes return of Cebu-Tacloban sea route after 28 year

The long-awaited return of passenger ships between Cebu and Tacloban has brought renewed optimism to local travel and tourism, providing more affordable transportation options for the public. The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauded the resumption of the Cebu-Tacloban sea route, which is expected to significantly benefit budget-conscious travelers and support the region’s tourism goals.

DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Karina Rosa Tiopes, emphasized how the sea voyage aligns with the agency’s strategic priorities of connectivity, equality, and convenience. "We are offering our locals, especially those who cannot afford air travel, an alternative way to reach Cebu. This promotes inclusivity and broadens travel options for everyone," Tiopes stated during an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

The revival of the Cebu-Tacloban sea route began on September 11, with Roble Shipping Inc. launching the maiden voyage of the M/V Claudine Star, the first passenger vessel to dock at Tacloban's port since 2008. This marks a historic moment for the city, as it restores a sea connection that had been dormant for 28 years. The last active sea route from Tacloban to Cebu was halted in the 1990s, leaving travelers with limited and often costly alternatives.

"This development offers great convenience. People no longer need to endure hours of travel to other parts of Leyte just to catch a boat to Cebu," Tiopes remarked, underscoring the potential boost in accessibility for residents and tourists alike.

The M/V Claudine Star now makes regular trips three times a week, departing Cebu at 8 p.m. on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, and arriving in Tacloban the next morning at 7 a.m. The return leg leaves Tacloban every Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday at 2:45 p.m., arriving in Cebu by 2 a.m. the following day.

Tacloban’s port was once one of the busiest in the country, with regular sea travel routes connecting it to Cebu and Metro Manila. However, in 2008, passenger operations came to a halt when Sulpicio Lines, which serviced the port, ceased operations after the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars during Typhoon Frank. For years, the port has only been used for cargo shipping, until this latest development.

With the reintroduction of passenger sea travel, the DOT remains hopeful that it will enhance tourism and provide a much-needed economic boost to the region, as it reconnects Tacloban with neighboring islands.