Starlite Ferries to launch brand-new vessel M/V Starlite Gratitude for Cebu, Surigao, and Dapitan routes
Written by: Elmer Balbin Jr.
Published on:
SURIGAO CITY, Philippines — Maritime travel between the Visayas and Mindanao is poised for a major upgrade as Starlite Ferries Inc. prepares to launch its newest vessel, the M/V Starlite Gratitude, on its maiden voyage this coming July 5, 2026.
The brand-new, Japan-made vessel is set to service the vital Surigao-Cebu-Dapitan and vice versa routes under a highly coveted Pioneer Status granted by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Expanding Regional Connectivity
In tandem with the M/V Starlite Saturn, the deployment of the M/V Starlite Gratitude will significantly increase transit options, offering a combined 11 round trips weekly on the Surigao-Cebu-Surigao route and 2 round trips weekly on the Dapitan-Cebu-Dapitan route.
Classified under the prestigious international Class NK standards, the new vessel can accommodate up to 618 passengers, 12 cargo trucks, and 10 private cars. Boasting a service speed of 12 knots, the ship ensures that travel time on both the Cebu-Surigao and Cebu-Dapitan legs remains comfortable and efficient at under 10 hours.
To cater to different passenger preferences and budgets, the vessel offers four distinct accommodation types: recliner seats, tourist bunks, cabins, and private rooms. According to Starlite Ferries management, introducing this state-of-the-art vessel is a gesture of sincere gratitude to the traveling public, logistics partners, and travel agents for their unwavering support.
Sailing Schedules
| Route | Departure Days | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu to Surigao | Monday to Thursday Monday to Saturday Sunday | 9:00 AM 9:00 PM 8:00 PM |
| Surigao to Cebu | Monday to Sunday (Daily) Monday to Thursday | 9:00 AM 9:00 PM |
| Cebu to Dapitan | Friday and Saturday | 9:00 PM |
| Dapitan to Cebu | Saturday and Sunday | 9:00 AM |
Contact & Booking Information
For ticket reservations, cargo inquiries, and trip updates, passengers may reach out via the following contact channels:
- Cebu Office: 0905-336-0137
- Surigao Office: 0906-510-1623
- Dapitan Office: 0991-376-6278
- General Hotline: (02) 7709-0288
- Official Booking Website: chelseatravel.ph
Source: Facebook
Related Posts
Affected Operators
The software architect behind Pamasahe and hailing from Bacolod City, Elmer has years of experience in web and mobile development. Responsible for developing and maintaining Pamasahe’s codebase, Elmer likes to work fast and is always eager to try new technology stacks. Outside of personal projects, he teaches programming to aspiring developers and enjoys playing RPG games such as Skyrim and Fallout.