Finding the Delta Fastcraft

This is tricky! Good that I observed the movements at the terminal to sense I was not in the right place so I asked around. Otherwise, I could have missed my ride. Let’s describe how it is finding the Delta.

Yes, you enter the terminal building and I did just that, right? But, the waiting area/lounge of this terminal is not where one would stay to wait for any Delta boarding call. It’s still way far from this place! If you think someone would direct you to the proper area, no one will do that unless you asked. I learned that the passengers and crew waiting at the terminal were destined for other boats ferries and what have you. Yes, I remember hearing some guy shouting out Superferry, superferry and when anyone responded he would direct them to a place or area somewhere outside of the building. Anyway, so how is Delta’s?

This could change but let me recount how it is/was at least during the time I was there:

Once you are past the x-ray machines, do rest at the waiting lounge if you feel tired or you have to – and if you still have time. But note that you are still far from hopping on to the Delta fast-craft. You are supposed to emerge out of the building from the boarding gate – even without anyone telling you to do so. If someone asks, just show him your boarding pass. Note that this is supposed to be the “passengers only” area – but not if you’re riding the Delta. Note further that if it’s raining, you better have something to cover your head with as the walk is far.

On exit from the terminal building, you head towards the water’s edge beyond some scaffoldings and some construction equipment. As you do this, you would see that there are other ships, boats and all other kinds of watercraft docked at this big port. The easiest way is to keep a lookout for the name of your boat Delta – and take note, this is a fast-craft, therefore it cannot be those big ships that have so many floors high up from the ground level. But keep on walking.

The path actually traces the side of the pier. It just keeps twisting and turning because along the way there are too many other things either stocked or waiting on the port’s big concrete grounds. Hey, on this trip, I passed by two construction workers resting by the walkway and playing with a white cat who seemed to be having fun with their pants and shoes. Remember still that this is already away from the terminal buildings. If you cleaned those container, trucks, scaffoldings and other things, you could actually be walking by an expansive area equivalent to more than 10 football fields. Or more hehe!

Finally, at the end of the path you find a pontoon. It looks like a little building from afar but if you look closer, it is a pontoon or perhaps to be exact a barge converted into a combination of office, ticketing booths, a waiting lounge and even a little sari-sari store with comfort rooms! That is where you ride the Delta fast-crafts. It’s a floating thing and semi-permanently attached to the side of the pier. Their boats in turn dock (or is it “cling”) to this pontoon. I do wonder why you need to buy your tickets over at the entrance to the pier when they also have booths here. There also are non-passengers who wait here or send off their families and friends.

The total walk from the main entrance is about 300 to 400 meters, I guess. But, the pontoon is actually very near the exit point (near Rizal Blvd) that also allows people to enter – remember I entered there yesterday? Now that’s only about 50 meters from the pontoon!

Anyway, if you are able-bodied and do not have too many things to carry, the walk from the terminal is just fine. And, don’t forget to ask. But if it was raining… gosh!

For a chronology of stories on this trip, click the following article numbers: