Lite Shipping Ferry

Experience the Philippines’ most unique inter-island travel with Lite Shipping Ferry, the only major ferry operator offering bed accommodations instead of traditional seating. With a solid 4.3-star rating from 291+ verified reviews and 95.9% customer satisfaction, Lite Shipping transforms overnight ferry journeys into comfortable sleeping experiences across the archipelago.

Operating extensive routes throughout the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Lite Shipping Ferry connects major destinations like Cebu-Bohol with up to 8 daily departures, plus longer overnight routes to Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and beyond. Their innovative bed-based class system offers everything from budget-friendly Economy beds to air-conditioned Tourist cabins, perfect for budget travelers and adventure seekers.

Book early for overnight routes as bed spaces fill quickly, especially during peak season and holiday periods!


Why Choose Lite Shipping Ferry

Lite Shipping Ferry revolutionizes Philippines ferry travel by providing beds instead of seats, making overnight journeys comfortable and affordable. This unique approach allows travelers to save on accommodation costs while traveling between islands, essentially combining transport and lodging in one booking.

Their extensive route network covers destinations other operators don’t serve, including direct connections to Northern Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro, Butuan) and remote islands like Siquijor. With journey times ranging from 2-hour Cebu-Bohol hops to 10-hour overnight adventures, Lite Shipping caters to both day travelers and island hoppers.

“All classes have beds instead of chairs which is really nice. The difference is in comfort: Tourist is in a room with AC, the beds are a bit bigger and they provide a sheet.” – Recent Passenger ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It was a great experience and very smooth ride…I was impressed with the overall quality of the ship and the entertainment.” – Tourist Class Traveler ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unique Value: Save on hotel costs for overnight travel while reaching destinations other ferries don’t serve!

✅ Budget-friendly | 💤 Overnight comfort | 🧗 Adventure travel | 📷 Remote destinations


Routes & Schedule Overview

🚢 Core Lite Shipping Ferry Routes

Cebu ↔ Bohol (Tubigon)Most Frequent

  • 8 daily departures each direction (bed accommodations)
  • Travel Time: 2 hours
  • Schedule: Hourly from 1:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Classes: Economy A, Tourist Sitting, Tourist Lying, Business Class

Cebu ↔ Cagayan de OroOvernight Adventure

  • Daily departures: 7:45 PM (7-hour journey)
  • Travel Time: 7 hours overnight
  • Perfect for: Northern Mindanao exploration, budget accommodation

Cebu ↔ SiquijorMystical Island

  • Daily departure: 1:00 PM
  • Travel Time: 10 hours (via multiple stops)
  • Best For: Off-the-beaten-path adventures

Specialized Long Routes:

  • Bohol ↔ Butuan: 7-hour overnight journey
  • Cebu ↔ Ormoc: 11-hour route with bed accommodation
  • Bohol ↔ Cagayan de Oro: Cross-region island hopping
  • Dapitan ↔ Oslob: Southern connections

Route Advantage: Lite Shipping Ferry reaches destinations other operators avoid, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking unique itineraries.


Bed-Based Class System

🛏️ Lite Shipping Ferry’s Unique Accommodation Classes

Economy ABudget Beds

  • Features: Open-air deck, basic bunk beds, shared facilities
  • Location: Upper deck with natural ventilation
  • Best For: Budget backpackers, short 2-hour routes
  • Includes: Bed space, shared restrooms

Standard AUpper Deck Beds

  • Features: Upper deck beds, open-air with ocean breeze
  • Location: Top deck with better views and airflow
  • Best For: Travelers who don’t mind open-air sleeping
  • Advantage: Cooler temperatures, scenic views

Standard BLower Deck Beds

  • Features: Lower deck beds, more protected from elements
  • Location: Main deck level, less wind exposure
  • Best For: Travelers preferring shelter from ocean spray
  • Comfort: More stable, less motion sensitivity

Tourist SittingReclining Seats

  • Features: Air-conditioned area, reclining seats
  • Location: Indoor cabin with controlled environment
  • Best For: Day travels, travelers preferring seats over beds

Tourist & Tourist LyingPremium Beds

  • Features: Air-conditioned cabin, larger beds, bed sheets provided
  • Location: Enclosed cabin with climate control
  • Best For: Overnight routes, comfort-conscious travelers
  • Premium Includes: Linens, privacy, optimal temperature

Business ClassLuxury Beds

  • Features: Premium air-conditioned cabin, enhanced amenities
  • Location: Best cabin areas with superior comfort
  • Best For: Special occasions, maximum comfort needs
  • Luxury Includes: Superior bedding, priority boarding, enhanced service

What’s Included & Excluded

Includes:

  • Bed accommodation (varies by class)
  • Shared restroom facilities
  • Basic safety equipment and life jackets
  • Onboard entertainment (movies, music)
  • Terminal access and boarding

Excludes:

  • Bed linens (except Tourist and Business classes)
  • Terminal fees (₱30-50 per person)
  • Meals and beverages (limited onboard canteen available)
  • Personal pillows or blankets for budget classes
  • Transportation to/from ferry terminals

Class-Specific Inclusions:

  • Tourist/Business: Bed sheets, pillows, air conditioning
  • Standard A/B: Bed space only, bring own linens
  • Economy A: Basic bed, open-air sleeping

Important Notes:

  • Pier Confusion: Departures may be from Pier 1 or Pier 3 in Cebu – confirm location
  • Print Requirements: Tickets must be printed (no mobile displays accepted)

Value highlight: Overnight routes effectively provide accommodation + transport, saving hotel costs for budget travelers!


Lite Shipping Ferry Frequently Asked Questions

Which pier do Lite Shipping ferries depart from?

Departures alternate between Cebu Pier 1 and Pier 3. Always confirm your specific departure pier as this changes by route and schedule. Allow extra time to walk between piers if needed.

Do I need to bring my own bedding?

Standard A/B and Economy classes require your own sheets and pillows. Tourist and Business classes provide linens. Pack light travel sheets for budget classes.

How comfortable are the beds for overnight travel?

Tourist class offers the best overnight comfort with air conditioning and linens. Standard classes provide basic bunk beds suitable for budget travelers who don’t mind simpler accommodations.

Are there dining options onboard?

Limited canteen service with basic meals and snacks. Hours are restricted, so bring food for longer journeys or purchase before boarding.

What about seasickness on longer routes?

Beds are more comfortable than seats for seasickness. Choose lower deck (Standard B) for stability or Tourist class with air conditioning if you’re prone to motion sickness.


Travel Tips & Booking Strategy

Best Routes for First-Timers: Start with 2-hour Cebu-Bohol route to experience bed accommodations before committing to overnight journeys. Tourist class recommended for comfort.

Overnight Travel Tips: Bring light blankets for Standard classes, earplugs for open-air decks, and snacks for longer routes. Secure your belongings as beds are in shared spaces.

What to Pack: Travel sheets (Standard classes), pillows, light blankets, entertainment, snacks, water, motion sickness remedies, and small padlock for luggage security.

Booking Timing: Reserve 3-5 days ahead for popular routes, 1+ weeks for overnight journeys during peak season (December-May). Bed spaces fill faster than traditional ferry seats.

Weather Considerations: Open-air classes get wet during rain. Choose Tourist/Business classes during monsoon season (June-November) for weather protection.

For comprehensive Philippines island hopping guides, check our Complete Cebu & Bohol Travel Hub.


Terminal Information & Pier Logistics

🚢 Cebu Departure Points

Pier 1 vs Pier 3 Confusion

  • Route-Dependent: Different routes depart from different piers
  • Distance: 800m walk between Pier 1 and Pier 3
  • Recommendation: Arrive 90+ minutes early to locate correct pier
  • Taxi Drivers: Often unfamiliar with Lite Shipping pier assignments

General Cebu Port Facilities:

  • Basic amenities: Waiting areas, small shops, restrooms
  • Food Options: Limited, bring snacks for longer waits
  • Luggage: Security checks required, arrive early for processing

🏝️ Destination Terminals

Bohol (Tubigon Port):

  • Onward Transport: Tricycles, jeepneys to Tagbilaran and resorts
  • Travel Times: 45 minutes to Tagbilaran, 1 hour to Panglao

Cagayan de Oro:

  • Arrival: Early morning after overnight journey
  • City Access: Taxis and jeepneys to downtown and hotels

Check our detailed Ferry Terminal Navigation Guide for specific pier directions and onward transport options.


Best Time to Travel

Peak Season (December-April): Calmest seas perfect for overnight routes, but expect higher demand for bed spaces. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for guaranteed preferred class.

Shoulder Season (May, November): Good weather with moderate demand. Excellent time for first-time overnight ferry experiences with better availability.

Rainy Season (June-October): Avoid open-air classes during storms. Tourist/Business classes provide weather protection but expect potential delays for safety.

Overnight Route Strategy: Choose Tourist class during rough weather seasons for air conditioning and enclosed sleeping. Standard classes work well during calm, dry periods.

Festival Periods: Extra demand during Sinulog (January), local fiestas, and holidays. Bed accommodations book out faster than traditional ferry seats.

Route-Specific Timing:

  • Short routes (2-hour): Any class works well
  • Medium routes (4-7 hours): Tourist class recommended for comfort
  • Long routes (10+ hours): Business or Tourist essential for proper rest

Passenger Experience Analysis

Lite Shipping Ferry maintains a 4.3/5 rating with 95.9% satisfaction across 291+ reviews. The unique bed concept receives mixed reactions, with comfort levels heavily dependent on class choice and passenger expectations.

“Pleasant experience. Highly recommend!” – Business Class Passenger ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The bed was a really unexpected surprise!” – Tourist Class Traveler ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Common Praise: Unique bed concept, cost-effective overnight travel, reaching remote destinations, helpful crew, clean facilities, smooth sailing on calm seas.

Frequent Concerns: Pier location confusion, air conditioning temperature extremes (too cold/hot), delays on longer routes, restroom cleanliness, need to print tickets.

Class-Specific Feedback:

  • Business/Tourist: Generally positive, comfortable for overnight travel
  • Standard A/B: Mixed reviews, depends on weather and personal tolerance
  • Economy: Budget-friendly but basic, suitable for short routes only

Delay Patterns: Longer routes (7+ hours) more prone to delays. Plan flexible schedules for overnight journeys.


Route Planning & Connections

Multi-Island Strategies: Use Lite Shipping Ferry for unique destinations other operators don’t serve. Combine with mainstream ferries for comprehensive island hopping.

Northern Mindanao Access: Lite Shipping provides the most affordable route to Cagayan de Oro and Butuan, perfect for exploring Mindanao’s natural attractions.

Budget Accommodation Strategy: Overnight routes eliminate hotel costs. Tourist class beds cost less than most hotel rooms while including transport.

Adventure Route Combinations:

  • Cebu → Bohol → Siquijor → Mindanao circuit
  • Island hopping with accommodation included
  • Remote destination access unavailable via other operators

Explore advanced island hopping strategies in our Philippines Multi-Island Adventure Guide.


Comparing Lite Shipping Ferry Classes

🏆 Which Class Should You Choose?

Choose Economy A If:

  • Traveling on minimal budget
  • Taking short 2-hour routes only
  • Don’t mind basic open-air sleeping
  • Comfortable with shared, simple facilities

Choose Standard A/B If:

  • Want beds without premium pricing
  • Comfortable bringing own bedding
  • Prefer natural ventilation (A) or shelter (B)
  • Taking medium-length routes (4-7 hours)

Choose Tourist Classes If:

  • Taking overnight routes (7+ hours)
  • Want air conditioning and linens included
  • Prefer enclosed, comfortable sleeping
  • Need proper rest during travel

Choose Business Class If:

  • Celebrating special occasions
  • Need maximum comfort for long journeys
  • Prefer premium amenities and service
  • Want guaranteed best bed locations

Budget Travelers: Standard B offers good balance for overnight routes Families: Tourist class ensures everyone stays comfortable Solo Adventurers: Standard A works for short routes, Tourist for overnight


Is Lite Shipping Right for You?

Perfect For:

  • Budget travelers wanting accommodation + transport combinations
  • Adventure seekers exploring remote destinations
  • Backpackers comfortable with basic but unique accommodations
  • Island hoppers needing routes other operators don’t serve

Consider Alternatives If:

  • You need luxury ferry amenities (choose OceanJet/SuperCat)
  • You’re uncomfortable with shared sleeping spaces
  • You require frequent departures (other operators offer more daily options)
  • You prefer traditional seating over bed accommodations

Best Value: Tourist class for overnight routes provides hotel-level comfort at budget prices while including transportation.

Adventure Level: Moderate – suitable for travelers comfortable with basic accommodations and flexible schedules.

Unique Advantage: Only operator providing bed accommodations, reaching destinations others avoid, and offering genuine budget overnight travel solutions.


Book Your Lite Shipping Adventure Now

🛏️ Reserve Your Bed Ferry Experience Today

✅ Rated 4.3/5 by 291+ verified travelers
🛌 Unique bed accommodations on all routes
🕐 8 daily departures on popular Cebu-Bohol route
Bed spaces fill faster than traditional ferry seats!
🎫 Online booking guarantees your preferred sleeping class

👉 [Check Lite Shipping Schedules & Book Now] – Secure your unique ferry bed experience!

Booking Benefits:

  • Instant Confirmation: Immediate ticket delivery via email
  • Unique Experience: Only ferry with bed accommodations
  • Budget Solution: Overnight routes save hotel costs
  • Remote Access: Reach destinations other operators avoid

Pro Tips: Choose Tourist class for overnight comfort, confirm departure pier, and print tickets before travel!


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Date Created: August 13, 2025
Words: 1,624
Created by: Claude Sonnet 4

Bohol & Cebu Travel

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