The Samar-based SeaCat by GRAND Ferries has started its newest Cebu to Ormoc and v.v. route using their newest vessel: M/V SEACAT OASIS last February 9 2023!
Here’s a new way to travel through Ormoc and the Eastern Visayas region using their newest state-of-the-art high speed catamaran vessel. This will be their 2nd vessel in their fleet after the success of their first catamaran vessel: M/V SeaCat One which is the sister ship of M/V St. Sariel and M/V St. Camael of SuperCat Fast Ferries Corporation in which they were all built by Austal Shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.
The M/V Seacat Oasis has an overall length of 39 meters, a breadth of 10 meters and a listed gross tonnage of 390 tons. She carries the IMO No. 9903114, and has a passenger capacity of 304 passengers and 8 crews. The vessel is powered by 2 units of MTU (Motoren- und Turbinen-Union – which is a well known marine diesel engine for fastcrafts and catamarans) 16v2000 M72 with an installed power of 1930hp @ 2250 rpm which makes her capable or reaching a cruising speed of 22-25 knots.
This ship is designed by the world-renowned: Incat Crowther (same naval designer with SeaCat One) and is built by PT Cahaya Samudra Shipyard which is located in Batam, Indonesia.
Its construction began in 2019 and was finished in 2020. She was delivered to the Philippines in 2022 and was used in the company’s flagship route: Cebu-Calbayog and vice versa route. She was also used in the Cebu-Hilongos and v.v. route which started last December 13 2022 and was temporarily put on hold as of this moment.
The M/V SeaCat Oasis offers 3 types of Accommodations: Tourist, Premium Tourist and VIP Accommodation. However only the Tourist, Premium Tourist are available for regular passengers, while the VIP Accommodation is only for exclusive guests and premium passengers.
The Tourist Accommodation is located in the mid until the aft part of the first passenger deck. The seats are color-coded blue and it is arranged in a 3-8-3 seat configuration and has a total capacity of 148 passengers. The lifejacket of passenger is located below the seat and there are dedicated trash bins located in the middle aisles as well as Flat-Screen TV Monitors for the entertainment of the passengers. It is very much accessible to the toilet which is located in the aft most part of the vessel.
The Premium Tourist Accommodation is located in the middle until the forward/bow part of the first passenger deck. The seats are color-coded red with black-colored accent in the head rest area. It is also arranged in a 3-8-3 seat configuration and also has a total capacity of 148 passengers. Its arm rest is now enclosed compared to the one in the Tourist Accommodation which gives a little bit privacy to your adjacent passenger. The lifejacket of passenger is located below the seat. There are dedicated trash bins located in the middle aisles as well as Flat-Screen TV Monitors for the entertainment of passengers.
The VIP Accommodation is located just beside the entrance door of the vessel and in between the Tourist and Premium Tourist Accommodation. It is an enclosed room which can fit a total of 4 passengers inside. However, it only has 2 rooms across the starboard and portside of the vessel. The seats are color-coded red. It is arranged with 2 seats facing each other. With the two rooms combined, it will have a total capacity of 8 passengers. The room features a more comfortable chair and it also have a dedicated cup holder for 4 pax and a TV Monitor for the entertainment of the passengers inside the room.
There is an Onboard Canteen inside the vessel. It is where you can buy your own snacks and drinks to enjoy while you are onboard the vessel. It is located in the middle part of the vessel right in front of the Tourist Accommodation. Behind the Canteen (and the Stairs for Crew) is the Luggage Storage Area for the passenger’s big bags, luggage and different small cargo onboard. It is located in the middle part of the vessel, in front of the passenger door and behind the Premium Tourist Accommodation. While there are also 6 toilets located in the aft-most part of the vessel. Each cubicle has which has its own bidet, and grab bar for the use of elderly and PWD.
Here are the schedule and fare rates for M/V Seacat Oasis:
Daily Schedule:
Cebu to Ormoc – 7:00am
Ormoc to Cebu – 10:30am
Fares:
Tourist – PHP 1100
Premium – PHP 1200
Photos from: Jose Cardenas III and Anthon Briton of PSSS
For more information and inquiries message the official FB Page of SeaCat by GRAND Ferries as well as follow them on Instagram @seacatbygrandferries
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