2GO Travel, the passenger shipping arm of 2GO Group, has once again been recognized for its efforts to transform sea travel into a cultural journey. The company received the Cruise Ship Entertainment of the Year – Philippines award at the Travel Daily Media (TDM) Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 Asia, marking the second consecutive year it has claimed this honour.
The award highlights 2GO Travel's initiative, “Discover the Philippines at Sea: Transforming the Journey into the Destination with 2GO Travel Fun,” which integrates entertainment, cultural celebrations, and tourism partnerships into the onboard experience. The company’s approach is built on the idea that the voyage itself can be a destination for discovery, not just a means of reaching a port.
Travel Fun: redefining the passenger experience
At the core of this vision is Travel Fun, 2GO Travel’s onboard engagement platform that combines activities, connectivity, food, and interactive programming. Designed for a diverse passenger base—from families and groups of friends to solo travellers and digital nomads—Travel Fun turns time at sea into an opportunity to unwind, connect, and create lasting memories.
“We believe that the journey should be as memorable as the destination,” said a 2GO Group spokesperson. “Travel Fun allows us to deliver that promise by making every voyage an engaging experience.”
The platform has been instrumental in shifting passenger expectations, encouraging travellers to view their time onboard as part of the overall holiday rather than mere transit.
Festival at Sea: bringing Philippine culture onboard
Building on Travel Fun’s foundation, 2GO Travel launched Festival at Sea, a programme that recreates the energy of Philippine festivals in a maritime setting. Debuting in conjunction with Sinulog 2026, the initiative features themed activities, carnival games, board games, and DJ parties, allowing passengers to celebrate Filipino culture while at sea.
The programme’s adaptable format means it can be extended to other regional festivals, creating a bridge between the onboard experience and the destinations passengers are heading to. By bringing these celebrations to sea, 2GO Travel encourages travellers to look beyond the voyage and explore what each port has to offer.
Connecting passengers to local communities
2GO Travel’s commitment to cultural immersion extends beyond entertainment. Through partnerships with government agencies and tourism stakeholders, the company integrates destination-focused content and tourism information into the passenger experience. One notable initiative is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Nooks onboard, which provides a platform for Filipino micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their locally made products to a wider audience.
These efforts create a gateway for passengers to appreciate the Philippines’ local stories, products, and cultural experiences, potentially inspiring them to explore more during their current trip or plan future visits. The approach also benefits local tourism stakeholders, festival organisers, and entrepreneurs by giving them direct access to travellers throughout the voyage.
“Our goal is to make every voyage an opportunity for cultural engagement and economic participation,” the spokesperson added. “By bringing the Philippines onboard, we are strengthening the connection between transport, tourism, and local communities.”
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme in the Asia Pacific region, honouring excellence across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology. 2GO Travel’s repeat win underscores its leadership in cruise entertainment and its innovative approach to passenger engagement.
For travel professionals, 2GO Travel’s success offers a case study in how shipping lines can differentiate themselves by integrating cultural programming into their core offering. As the industry continues to evolve, the company’s model may serve as a blueprint for other operators looking to enhance the value of sea travel.
