With Baguio being my hometown, riding the bus has been my common mode of transportation and Victory Liner first comes to mind. It used to average around 8 hours when the expressways weren't constructed yet. Now, bus travel between Cubao and Baguio City takes around 5 hours.
Last October, Victory Liner announced their new offering which they call as Royal Class. It's basically a sleeper bus that caters to those wanted more leg room and comfort.
Prices of the bus rides are of the following (as of November 2023):
Regular Aircon (inner-cities) - Php616.00
Regular Aircon (express) - Php626.00
First Class (express) - Php999.00
Royal Class (express) - Php1,500.00
'Express' basically denotes the passage through the NLEX-SCTEX-TPLEX (expressways) which enables a faster travel. Regardless of which class, make sure to pick express. I booked First Class on my way to Baguio, then Royal Class for my travel back to Metro Manila. This, I've done via online and costs just an additional Php50.00.
I spent my long weekend mostly at home, except for the days we visited our departed ones. No choice but to go back to work. I almost missed my bus because I overslept and woke up at 11am (Thanks Ma!). I had to endure the La Trinidad traffic, not to mention additional time needed to claim my bus ticket (for those who booked online). Good thing there was no queue for the online ticket claims.
First order of business upon entering was to find placement for my hand-carried bags. Good thing there is enough space at the back of my seat. I recall I could only do a 135 degree recline, but I'm not sure if it's because I have bags behind. As you can see, there is no overhead cabin, so I guess it's up to the passenger how to utilize the back space.
I booked my seat at the back and also on the 2nd floor. There were only a few seats available when I booked online. I didn't want the middle lane so I chose the window-seat even though it was at the back. Right behind me was the rest room, which wasn't much of a problem. I think the first floor seats are better.
With curtains closed off, not bad for privacy which you wouldn't get in any other bus. It feels a bit cramped though and I'm not even a wide guy. Legroom definitely is very sufficient for long-legged ones.
There is not much headspace and the aircon vents are located right next to my face. Good thing at least they can be totally covered and rotated. But in full blast mode, it's a bit noisy. I initially closed off the vents but being on window-side on a sunny day, one can feel the heat. On some other buses, airconditioning is too cool one tends to bring their own jacket/blanket.
The snacks were a bit meh, as I've encountered these on the earlier 'First Class' buses. I realized they have downgraded the food in First Class, so as to implement the same in Royal Class. I expected a better offering for 'Royal'.
Verdict:
Royal Class bus definitely gives you a very comfortable journey. I didn't feel tired or sleepy during and after the trip. I wasn't sleepy during the travel anyway, probably as I've already overslept prior.
Considering the pricing and the added features, I'd say paying Php1500 is a bit on the steep side. I would recommend 'Royal Class' to those craving for much legroom and to those who would need to really lie down to sleep. Other than that, I think the 'First Class' offering is sufficient for the much needed comfortable ride. While this is quite a good offering for travelers to Baguio, I don't think this would change my travel habit as of yet. What I usually do is take the night bus Regular Aircon (express) since I'll be sleeping again at home upon arrival anyway. But when going back to Metro Manila (work), I opt for the more comfortable ride, which First Class can achieve.
Will I take Royal Class again? Maybe if I just feel like being fancy.