2008 Press Releases

12/29/08 - LANGLEY MURDER MYSTERY VIA VICTORIA CLIPPER III
12/17/08 - GET UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH BALD EAGLES
12/11/08 - CLIPPER GIVES SPECIAL FARES TO SCHOOL FIELD TRIP GROUPS FOR THE 2008 – 2009 SCHOOL YEAR
12/08/08 - CLIPPER VACATIONS EXPANDS OFFERINGS IN WHISTLER, B.C.
12/08/08 - CLIPPER GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THE VERY, VERY GOOD
12/04/08 - RING IN THE NEW YEAR ABOARD THE VICTORIA CLIPPER III
11/25/08 - CLIPPER VACATIONS OFFERS OLYMPIC PENINSULA “TWILIGHT” TOUR
11/06/08 - VICTORIA CLIPPER WITH OVERNIGHT IN VICTORIA ONLY $99PP
11/04/08 - CLIPPER NAVIGATION NAMES A NEW VESSEL SUPERINTENDENT
 

LANGLEY MURDER MYSTERY VIA VICTORIA CLIPPER III

December 29, 2008

Once again, Clipper Vacations is offering an opportunity to cruise to Langley, WA, on Whidbey Island, to take part in their annual Murder Mystery Weekend on Sunday, February 22nd. The day begins with a scenic cruise to Langley, arriving in plenty of time to enjoy one of their fine restaurants for a late breakfast before setting out to solve the mystery.

Each year, the entire town produces an “interactive” play which takes place all over the town. Those attending learn about a “murder” that has taken place, and can spend the day collecting clues from the local merchants, and talking to the actors roaming around the town. You then submit your guess of who may have committed the “crime”.

Those who just want to shop the quaint stores, and not actively participate can have fun watching the others with their Sherlock Holmes attire, and serious consideration of each and every clue.
At the end of the day, everyone is assembled back on board and a town representative reveals “ who’s done it”. Once the “murder” is solved, we return to the lights of Seattle via a relaxing evening cruise on the Victoria Clipper III. Cost is only $46 for adults and $28 for children 2 - 11 (incl. tax).

To make a reservation, or find out more about this excursion and others, visit www.clippervacations.com or call 206-448-5000 or 800-888-2535.

GET UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH BALD EAGLES

December 17, 2008

Bundle up for this spectacular day trip to the Skagit River on January 10, 2009. For the first time ever, Clipper Vacations is offering a unique eagle-watching daytrip that will bring you within mere yards of these beautiful creatures, off the banks of the Skagit River. Your day begins with a scenic motor coach ride to Marblemount, WA, located hours from Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. A tour escort will be onboard to provide a short narration and background information on the area you will visit. Upon arrival, you will be met by professional rafting guides and trained naturalists at the North Cascades gateway, where your rafting boats and warm blankets will be waiting.

You will float down the Skagit River for approximately 2.5 hours, where you will view Eagles in their own habitat, just feet away on the river banks. As you float, you'll enjoy a cup of hot chocolate served onboard to keep you warm, and learn about these amazing birds from your tour guide. Along the way you will be awed by the amazing scenery that surrounds you in this tranquil setting. You will notice how the eagles become more numerous as you continue down the river and float into the Preserve, where you might even see several birds all on one tree!

Following the rafting tour, you will be transported back to the starting location where you'll enjoy a home-cooked chili and clam chowder lunch by a roaring campfire - a perfect way to finish a winter afternoon! This trip is perfect for all ages, and will run rain or shine. So that you come prepared, we've put together a list of suggested items to bring along for your comfort
Tour includes round-trip motor coach transportation, tour escort, continental breakfast, lunch and 2.5 hour float tour aboard a raft.

For more information or to book, call 800-888-2535 or visit clippervacations.com.

CLIPPER VACATIONS GIVES SPECIAL FARES TO SCHOOL FIELD TRIP GROUPS FOR THE 2008 – 2009 SCHOOL YEAR

December 11, 2008

Special, discounted rates will be offered for students through Grade 12 and chaperones embarking on educational field trips to Victoria or San Juan Island.
For students, Seattle to Victoria rates will be reduced to $39 -$54, Seattle to Friday Harbor to $33 including the Whale & Sealife Search. Chaperones will also receive the lower rates based on one adult per eight students.

All “field trip” travel must occur Monday-Friday and be a day-trip only. The rates will not apply to overnight travel. Restricted dates include the Friday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend, President’s Holiday weekend and the Martin Luther King Jr. Monday.
To make a reservation, please call 206-443-2560 ext. 3320, between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, and ask for Kathryn.

For reservations or more information, call 800-888-2535, or visit www.clippervacations.com.

CLIPPER VACATIONS EXPANDS OFFERINGS IN WHISTLER, B.C.

December 8, 2008

Clipper Vacations has expanded its Whistler, B.C. ski and vacation package program with tours and activities for the adventure minded traveler. Some of the exciting new tours include a five-line adventure between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, family-friendly snowmobiling along the glacier fed Fitzsimmons Creek watershed, and a once-in-a-lifetime dogsled tour that allows for a chance to drive your own dog team.

Also new this year to Clipper Vacations and Whistler, B.C. is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Opening on December 12, the gondola stretches an amazing 2.73 miles between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb linking 8,171 acres of terrain into one ski lift system.

Clipper Vacations is currently offering all inclusive, 4 days / 3 nights Whistler Packages from only $337 pp/dbl and includes: Roundtrip transportation from Seattle to Whistler, 3 nights accommodations and all taxes. Many hotel, ski lift tickets and tour options are available.

For reservations or more information, call 800-888-2535, or visit www.clippervacations.com.

CLIPPER GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THE VERY, VERY GOOD

December 8, 2008

Clipper Vacations is offering you the chance to give memories rather than “stuff” to your friends and family this holiday. It is a green option – no packaging, but full of opportunity for a fun getaway next summer, or right after the holidays; you could be giving the experience of a lifetime.

Three simple options make buying easy and you can customize to make the gift perfect for that special person. Attractive Gift Cards are available with your choice of:

1. Round trip travel between Seattle and Victoria, BC – valid any day, any season – only $99.
2. Round trip for two people with overnight accommodations – only $299. Valid anytime, any season.
3. You choose the dollar amount and recipient redeems for any Clipper product, when they want to travel. May be used for Tulips Tours, San Juan Island Whale Watching, Victoria, ski vacations, etc. See website for full offerings.

Gift Certificates may be purchased on line at clippervacations.com by clicking the Gift Certificate icon at lower left on home page, call 1-800-888-2535 or stop by Pier 69 between 7am and 7pm, 7 days/week. Short term parking is available in front of building.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR ABOARD THE VICTORIA CLIPPER III

December 4, 2008

The Space Needle’s New Year’s Eve fireworks tradition promises to be a spectacular show again this year, and Victoria Clipper is selling some of the best seats in town.

Victoria Clipper’s 2-hour New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise around Elliott Bay features an evening of comedy and surprises provided by Bruce Meyers, terrific views of the fireworks, light hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight. On Tuesday December 31, the Victoria Clipper III sets sail from Pier 69 at 10:15 p.m. and returns at 12:20 a.m. on January 1, 2009 after the pyrotechnic show from the Space Needle. The price is $69.00 for adults and $49 for children under 12.

For more information or to book a reservation for Victoria Clipper’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise, please call the Victoria Clipper reservation department at (206) 448-5000 or toll free from outside of Seattle at (800) 888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com.

CLIPPER VACATIONS OFFERS OLYMPIC PENINSULA “TWILIGHT” TOUR

November 25, 2008

Clipper Vacations is providing the perfect opportunity for “Twilight” fans and enthusiasts to visit some of the local haunts from the movie and best selling series by author Stephanie Meyer.

With costs starting at only $130 per person/double occupancy, this package offers total flexibility with regard to travel dates, accommodations and what you choose to see along the way as well as in the now, infamous Town of Forks, WA.

The package is designed for you to drive yourself with your vehicle, or rental cars are available. The first night is spent in Port Angeles where following the actions of the lead characters; you can visit the Lincoln Theatre and then head to Bella Italia for mushroom ravioli. Also, in town is the Port Book and News where visitors can purchase a heart shaped crystal like the one Edward gives to Bella.

Continuing south the next day, stop in Forks to see the Community Hospital, Police Station and Forks Outfitters – all featured in the story. Choose to spend the night at either Kalaloch Lodge on the Pacific Ocean or Lake Quinault Lodge in the rain forest. Extra nights are available.

For more information visit clippervacations.com or call to book at 1-800-888-2535.

VICTORIA CLIPPER WITH OVERNIGHT IN VICTORIA ONLY $99PP

November 6, 2008

Clipper Vacations is offering a special “Get Out of Town” package – available for travel anytime between now and Jan 4, 2009. The package includes Round Trip cruise on the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria and one night’s accommodations at the 3 Diamond Best Western Carlton Plaza in downtown Victoria – and kids are FREE.

Reservations for travel must be made by 30 November, but travel is allowed through 4 January 2009. Extra nights and hotel upgrades are available.

Victoria is the perfect destination for a Romantic Getaway or the start of a new family tradition. In less than 3 hours, the Victoria Clipper arrives into Victoria’s Inner Harbour where you can start your Holiday shopping with a favorable exchange rate, take the kids to the Royal British Columbia Museum, enjoy an afternoon wine tour, relax in a French inspired Café. The Holiday Lights at Butchart Gardens are spectacular and available via a Clipper tour every evening during December.

For more information or to book, call 800-888-2535 or visit clippervacations.com.

CLIPPER NAVIGATION NAMES A NEW VESSEL SUPERINTENDENT

November 4, 2008

Clipper Navigation, operators of the Victoria Clipper high speed catamarans, is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Rochester as the company’s new Vessel Superintendent. Steve has held a Chief Engineer position with Clipper for the past three years and “ we are pleased to have the opportunity to move him into the recently vacated Vessel Superintendent position”, said company CEO, Darrell E. Bryan.

Steve has worked for over 18 years in the maritime and maintenance industries. His vast experience includes 6 years of ship inspection experience including verification of international regulation compliance, project manager for multiple shipyard periods and owner/operator of a successful general contracting business.

As Vessel Superintendent, Steve Rochester will be responsible for all maintenance and operation of the Victoria Clipper, Victoria Clipper III and Victoria Clipper IV, as well as the Engineering Department staff and crew.