There’s a novel way of  holding  meetings and conferences  in style through the newly-refurbished M/S St. Joseph the Worker of Negros Navigation. This new way is in keeping with the shining example consistently shown by Negros Navigation, which recently celebrated its sparkling 75th anniversary.

M/S St. Joseph now sports a more colorful look of blue, shades of yellow, orange and red wave patterns from its previous a combination of red-white-and-blue accent outside.

The company invested millions of pesos for the renovation of the ship when it underwent its two-month  annual dry-docking. As it resumes its trips, it offers new features and amenities – like the two rooms which can hold seminar for 20-30 persons; a lounge; a state-of-the-art disco and entertainment area where groups can hold events, and  a first-class dining facility.

Interiors of suite rooms were also refurnished and renovated as well as the admiral rooms, tourists, tatami and economy accommodation, Negros Navigation said, adding that for bigger seminars and conferences, the  showcase of comfort and style  “Blue Ocean Room”, a 276-seater theater type area ideal for film screening, local government planning, talks and other activities, has been added as a part  of its new facilities.

“We’re strengthening our claim as a “floating hotel and conference” venue for the many passengers were servicing all over the country that’s why we are investing on modernizing out fleet and onboard facilities” ,  said Grace Golez, NN Bacolod branch manager  during the blessing of M/S St. Joseph the Worker when it docked at the Banago Port last week.

Jose Manuel  Mapa,  NN executive vice president and head of Passage Business,  pointed out the need to add a bigger venue because big groups such as local government units, schools, religious organizations are now taking the vessel to hold meetings, seminars and workshops.

“As one of the pioneers in the shipping industry, the management is committed to bring a pleasurable trip to its every passenger and strengthen the ‘cruise and conference’ to groups taking NN, Mapa added.

M/S St. Joseph, which takes summer vacationers to Caticlan (Boracay), plies the  Manila, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan routes.