Ours was called Josille, but I think it’s the same type of boat. We nearly did the Coron-Manila run but they were booked up for a fortnight ahead. Sounds like we had a lucky escape. 18 hours, or however long it took, was quite long enough.

Actually, Paolo, the average public loo here puts the average British public loo to shame. No graffiti. No junkies. No mess on the floor. The loos on the cargo boat were far, far cleaner than the equivalent on a UK ferry. Rather rough and ready. But the advantage of the mandip/tank system is that everyone simply sluices the floor when they’re done…

He is one happy boy now I have discovered that the Coron-Manila cargo boat route is fully booked for the next fortnight, and we’ll be flying PAL like normal people…

Yes. Worst place we’ve stayed yet. Although the capering chap means well… We have set it as a benchmark for “never again”…

No shit!!! Now, you see, in my youth I’d probably have wanted to visit a kanga court. As it was, I made my excuses and left. That’s maturity for you….