Cebu is an exciting starting point for other island adventures in the country because of their bustling seaport, from Cebu you can go to other islands like Negros, Siquijor, Panay, Leyte and Samar. During my Siquijor trip, I discovered that there are still many people who go shipping instead of flying perhaps because it is a cheap way to travel. Cebu ports probably had 5000 or more passengers each day.
From what I know, Cebu seaport is divided into 4 piers. Pier 1 mostly has trips in inter-Visayas destinations while Pier 4 caters to bigger ships like Super Ferry or Negros Navigations enroute to Manila. I can only share my experience at Pier 4. Youn will never run out of destinations, everyday there are scheduled trips everywhere in the Visayas.
Purchasing ticket is very easy, there are many seats available. After have the ticket, you will be asked to go to the xray machine. Its like an airport although the security is not very strict. Ocean Jet passengers will have the comfort of airconditioned room while other passengers will stay at gym-like holding area. I suggest to the local officials that they make Cebu port a tourist friendly area, they should also clean some garbage around. Cebu has a lot of potential as the tourist hub in the country.
I personally enjoyed the seaport, its like an airport withships and large vessels. Cokaliong lines looks very great among other lines. My trip to Bohol was courtesy of Ocean Jet and to Siquijor was FJ Palazio Shipping Lines. Other ships I saw were Lite Ferries, Supercat, Cebu Ferries and Negros Navigation. In Cebu, backpackers or budget travellers will really enjoy island hopping to different provinces.