RoRo Tips

We are currently on our 2nd to the last RoRo on our second to the last of our 19 day adventure. We've ridden on quite a few RoRo's on the nautical highway, the one we are on now, Caticlan to Roxas is our 4th. We thought we could share some tips.

1. Travel very light.
Bring at most 2 bags. A small belt bag or purse for valuables and a backpack or duffel bag filled with soft things and nothing breakable to use as a pillow.

2. Use the toilet before boarding.
Most of the RoRo's we've been on have been refurbished old Japanese ferries with the Japanese style toilets. Basically a hole in the ground. Speaking from experience its tricky if you've never used one and even trickier when on a rocking ship. Also I'd like to apologies to the other passengers, I couldn't figure out how to flush it so I made a bit of a nasty mess.

3. Be early
If you are loading a motorbike it pays to be in the dock at least 2 hours before departure. Depending on the port there are multiple tarrifs and fees you need to line up for. You should also position your bikes near the exit of the boat. You definitely don't want to be gearing up while all the 16 wheeler trucks have started their engines.

4. Tie Downs
When strapping your bike down try to park your bike close and angled towards. There are a multitude of places where you can strap your bike. You will have to run the ties like a triangle keeping the stress on the side stand. Also put it in first gear.

Gonna crash, will post more tips on the next ferry.

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