2003 Press Releases


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2003

Leavenworth Tree Lighting Festival

Be a part of Leavenworth’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival on Saturday, December 6th, 13th, or 20th. Each year, visitors to this Bavarian Village eagerly await the magical transformation from darkness to a magical wonderland of lights.

Food booths and the aroma of roasting chestnuts fill the air, while holiday music creates a festive atmosphere for all. The plentiful and unique shops are open for holiday shopping, or take time to visit with St. Nick and Father Christmas as they stroll the streets. At dusk, everyone gathers to sing “Silent Night” and witness the dramatic lighting of the entire village.

Clipper Vacations and Gray Line of Seattle are providing an opportunity to be a part of this event. Travel will be via deluxe motorcoach, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy a complimentary breakfast and breathtaking scenery. The cost is $42 for adults and $32 for kids 11 and under.

Motorcoaches will pick-up at several area locations and will arrive in Leavenworth at approximately 11:00am. Coaches will depart Leavenworth following the lighting ceremony, arriving back in Seattle about 8:00 – 8:30pm.

Details and reservations are available by calling Clipper Vacations at 206-448-5000, or 800-888-2535 (from outside Seattle area).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2003

Holiday Trimmings - Molbak's, Wine and Chocolate

Clipper Vacations and Gray Line of Seattle have created a very special holiday themed afternoon. Get into the spirit of the holidays on Sunday, December 7th with a Sunday afternoon motorcoach tour featuring the highlights of the holidays.

The first stop will be at Molbak’s, in Woodinville, to marvel at the endless displays of poinsettias and holiday arrangements for both indoors and out. Molbak’s has hundreds of the more familiar poinsettias, as well as some unusual colors you will not find anywhere else. There will be time to shop for your floral holiday centerpiece and to visit their extensive holiday store with displays of gifts, ornaments, cards and more.

Carrying your purchases onto the motorcoach, we will make the brief trip to the Columbia Winery for a tour and wine tasting. You may also want to take advantage of some wine specials for last minute gifts, or upcoming dinners.

The end to the afternoon will be a stop at the famous Boehm’s Candy Kitchen for a special tasting of their perfectly crafted confections. The motorcoach will then return you to your original pick-up point.

The tour cost is only $29 for adults and $24 for children. Call Clipper at 206-448-5000 (or 800-888-2535 from outside Seattle area), or book online at.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2003

Santa Train Ride

Clipper Getaways and Gray Line of Seattle are offering an opportunity for families to experience The Northwest Railway Museum Santa Train – a unique holiday experience for children of all ages.

Our motorcoach will pick up at several locations around Seattle, and travel to North Bend, where our group will have a priority boarding for the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad Santa Train. The 3.5 mile, 20 minute ride on this restored train, will end at the seasonally-decorated 1890 built depot in Snoqualmie. Children will be able to visit Santa, receive a small gift, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate in the Museum’s restored kitchen car.

There is some time to wander through town, enjoy the festive decorations and visit some of the shops, before boarding the train for the return trip to North Bend. Upon arrival back in North Bend, the motorcoach will continue on to Boehm’s Candy Kitchen for an introduction to their fine confections. You will be back to your pick up points, mid-afternoon, after a fun and relaxing day.

Tickets are $40 for adults, and $23 for children under 15. Call Clipper Getaways at 206-448-5000 for more information and reservations. This very popular event sells out each year.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2003

Victoria, BC and Butchart Gardens' Holiday Lights

Each December, the famous Butchart Gardens delights its visitors with a spectacular display of lights, decorations, music and an entire building of Poinsettias. Ever popular toy soldiers point the way to the sunken gardens, and fountains of lights.

Clipper Vacations offers a variety of overnight packages to Victoria, BC. Available from December 1st through 23rd, the Sun - Fri holiday light packages start at only $112 pp/do, and include: round trip fare from Seattle via the Victoria Clipper, overnight accommodations, and a motorcoach tour to the Butchart Gardens. Weekend packages start at $132 pp/do. Many hotel options are available, including the Laurel Point Inn from $137 pp/do, or the Empress from $146 pp/do, both slightly higher on weekends.

The Victoria Clipper departs from Seattle each morning at 8:00am, and returns in the evening with a departure from Victoria at 5:00pm. Two full days allows plenty of time for enjoying the city, “taking” Afternoon Tea at the Empress, visiting the Royal BC Museum, or taking advantage of a favorable exchange rate to do some holiday shopping.

For details and reservations, visit , or call 206-448-5000, or 800-888-2535 from outside Seattle area.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2003

Vancouver, BC - Peak of Christmas

Clipper Vacations is offering a unique, yet carefree, travel experience for a couple, a family, or a group. This 2-day/1-night package is available anytime, Dec. 1-23, 2003. Packages start at $118 per person (incl. tax) based on double occupancy at the Century Plaza, or upgrade to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Fairmont Waterfront property for only $129 pp/do. Clipper Vacations offers over a dozen hotel choices so you can choose the one for your budget and needs.

Starting in Seattle, you will hop aboard the Amtrak Cascades train at the King St. Station. With departures every morning at 7:45am, you’ll arrive in downtown Vancouver before noon, and without the hassles of stopping at the Canadian border. Upon arrival, cab transfers are included to get to/from your hotel.

During your stay, make your way via taxi or water ferry over to North Vancouver, to the Grouse Mountain gondola. Included in the package is the skyride admission to Grouse Mountain and a variety of Christmas activities like Santa’s workshop, Santa’s reindeer, “Christmas Classics” at the Theatre in the Sky, ice skating and sleigh rides. While at the top, relax and enjoy the spectacular view of Vancouver.

The train back to Seattle is not until 6pm on the following day, so you will have plenty of time to explore, do some holiday shopping, visit a spa, and just have fun in Vancouver, all while taking advantage of a favorable exchange rate.

For more details and reservations, call Clipper Vacations at 206-448-5000, or 800-888-2535 from outside the Seattle area.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2003

Ring in the New Year Aboard the Victoria Clipper III

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 Party Cruise around Elliott Bay features a DJ and dancing, as well as party favors, scrumptious desserts, and a champagne toast at midnight. The Victoria Clipper III sets sail from Pier 69 at 10:30 p.m. and returns at 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2004 after the pyrotechnic show from the Space Needle. The price is $38.00 per person.

To book a reservation for Victoria Clipper’s New Year’s Eve Party & Cruise around Elliott Bay, please call the Victoria Clipper reservation department at (206) 448-5000 or toll free from outside of Seattle at (800) 888-2535.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2003

Vancouver Getaway via Amtrak Cascades and
Clipper Vacations

Clipper Vacations has launched an off-season Vancouver package that will allow travelers an overnight getaway to Vancouver, BC for less than $100pp.

The Clipper Vacation packages begin with a relaxing and scenic train trip, following Puget Sound north, via the Amtrak Cascades. There is no delay with a stop at the border, instead you travel directly to the Vancouver train depot to meet Canadian Immigration officials.

Cab vouchers are provided to whisk you to your downtown hotel for a two-day, one-night stay in this cosmopolitan city. You will have two days to explore and shop and relax before catching the 6pm train back to Seattle.

Clipper Vacations packages include: round trip on the Amtrak Cascades, transfers to/from hotel, one night’s accommodations, all taxes. There are 10 hotel options to choose from – all centrally located in Vancouver. The Century Plaza package is $99pp/do, or stay at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Waterfront or Sutton Place for only $110pp/do.

Vancouver is a four season city with an active night life, unique shopping, local skiing, fine restaurants, spas, Stanley Park, and evening theatre. These package rates are based on double occupancy and will be valid through April 2004.

Call Clipper Vacations at 206-448-5000 (800-888-2535 from outside Seattle) to make a reservation, or book online at www.clippervacations.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2003

Victoria and Vancouver Get-Away

Visitors to the Seattle area and locals alike can experience the best of Victoria and Vancouver with one Clipper all-inclusive package. The value season is a perfect time for that two-night getaway with rates starting from only $179 pp/do. Upgrades using the Fairmont Empress and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Waterfront start at $224 pp/do.

The “Victoria-Vancouver package includes: one-way cruise between Seattle and Victoria, BC on the Victoria Clipper; champagne continental breakfast en route; one night’s accommodations in Victoria and Vancouver (extra nights available); transfers between Victoria and Vancouver via BC Ferry and motorcoach; transfers between hotel/pier/terminal in each city; Amtrak Cascades transfer between Seattle and Vancouver; and all applicable taxes.

This packages offers full days in both Victoria and Vancouver, allowing plenty of time to see the sights and shop at a very favorable exchange rate. Optional tours are available as add-ons in any city.

Clipper provides a one-call-does- it-all service through its reservations center at 206-448-5000 or 1-800-888-2535. Reservations are also available through travel agents, or online at www.clippervacations.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2003

Fall Empress Hotel Special

For a limited time, Clipper Vacations is offering a special package deal to the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. It is time to getaway, and take advantage of this unique opportunity.

For only $98 per person, this Clipper Vacations package includes: roundtrip cruise between Seattle and Victoria’s Inner Harbour on Victoria Clipper, continental champagne breakfast en-route, transfers to/from Fairmont Empress, one night’s accommodation at Fairmont Empress, 2 for 1 breakfast at Kipling’s Restaurant in the hotel, luggage handling and all taxes.

This special rate is based on double occupancy, staying Sunday through Friday nights, during October. (Rate is higher for Saturday night stays.) Children under 12 years travel and stay for free.

Clipper Vacations offers 16 different hotel options at varying rates. Other fall package specials include the Hotel Grand Pacific at $96pp/do and the Laurel Point Inn at $89pp/do.

Reservations are available by calling Clipper Vacations at 206-448-5000. If calling from outside Seattle, call 800-888-2535 or book online at www.clippervacations.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2003

Okanagan, BC Wine Escape

Join Clipper Vacations on a tour of the Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia. This three-day/two-night tour begins with a breakfast on board a deluxe motorcoach as it heads northeast across the scenic North Cascades Highway. We will make a stop in the western town of Winthrop, Washington before continuing north, over the border, and up to Kelowna in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.

The Okanagan Valley is home to over 40 wineries with a total of 4,200 acres of premium grape varieties. The south end of the valley gets less than six inches of rain per year, making it the only area in Canada to be classified as desert.

You will enjoy two nights’ accommodations in Kelowna at The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort on the eastern shore of Lake Okanagan. This full service, deluxe property has a full spa, boat rentals, pool and Jacuzzi, casino, and restaurants. On day two, the motorcoach will take you out to tour the picturesque valley, visiting numerous wineries in the region. A commemorative glass will be yours to keep as a souvenir.

En route back to Seattle the following day, you will stop for a visit at Harrison Hot Springs resort, before continuing on to cross the border and return to Seattle.

Tour dates are August 22-24, 2003 and cost is $309 pp/do. Call Clipper for more information or reservations: 206-448-5000.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2003

Sequim Lavender Fields

Join Clipper Excursions for a one-day excursion to Sequim to tour the famous and colorful Lavender fields. You will receive a light breakfast to enjoy en route to the Olympic Peninsula. Travel will be via deluxe motorcoach and Washington State Ferry.

Upon arrival in Sequim, you will visit the fields and gifts shops of three of the Lavender Farms: Cedarbrook Farm, Jardin Du Soleil and Purple Haze. Each will have sample of products from lotions, to Lavender cookies or lemonade. They will make you feel like you’re in France. There will also be time for visiting Sequim’s annual Lavender Festival Street Fair. The fair features booths of Lavender related products and fun gifts, as well as plenty of opportunity for lunch.

On the return trip, the coach will stop in the Historic Victorian seaport town of Port Townsend where there will some time for exploring the quaint shops and waterfront before returning to Seattle via the Washington State Ferry.

Saturday, July 19, 2003. The all-inclusive cost is $48 pp. Call Clipper Excursions at 206-448-5000 for reservations or more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2003

Victoria Clipper Offers Discounts for Military Personnel

Effective immediately, Military personnel will be able to travel at a discount on the Victoria Clipper vessels, between Seattle and Victoria, BC.

“The discount offer is just one way for Clipper to show their support for American and Canadian Armed Forces. We hope they will be able to take advantage of this opportunity and get away with their families”, said Darrell Bryan, Executive Vice President and General Manager for the Victoria Clipper.

The offer allows all active duty Military personnel (including National Guard and Reservists) to receive an additional 10% discount off of the best available roundtrip fare for their selected travel times. For the best possible deals, travelers should book early, to take advantage of the advance purchase fares. Currently, advance purchase fares on Mon-Thurs. start at $61 ($54.90 for military). Weekend fares start at $81. The offer allows one guest to accompany Military at same rate. Children under 12 are currently free (with restrictions) with an adult, and will be half price after 16 May 2003. Discounted fares can be applied to any of Clipper’s overnight packages.

For more details or reservations, contact your travel agent, call Clipper Reservations at 206-448-5000 in Seattle, or 250-382-8100 in Victoria. (800-888-2535 from outside Seattle and Victoria)

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2003

Victoria Clipper Welcomes Dan Salvatora

Clipper Navigation, Inc, operators of the Victoria Clipper service between Seattle and Victoria, BC, is pleased to announce the addition of Dan Salvatora as Director of Sales and Marketing.

Dan is a highly accomplished and results driven sales and marketing professional with over 20 years of transportation, travel and hospitality experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Dan’s most recent position was with Waterways Cruises and Events. He is very involved in professional organizations and comes with a strong track record for increasing sales and contributing to a company’s growth and success. Clipper is fortunate to have Dan’s leadership as part of the Clipper team.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2003

"Dragon Bones" via Victoria Clipper

Victoria Clipper is offering overnight “Dragon Bones” packages to Victoria, BC. A new exhibit, “ Dragon Bones, When Dinosaurs Ruled China” can be viewed at the Royal BC Museum beginning 13 March through 15 September 2003.

After once ruling the earth, then mysteriously disappearing more than 65 million years ago, these remarkable creatures are back in an exciting new dinosaur exhibit featuring rare fossils from China. Real dinosaur skeletons and fossils will be on display, along with several spectacular life-sized cast reconstructions.

The Royal BC Museum is the first venue in Canada and western North America to showcase these dinosaurs, assembled from China’s renowned Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology.

Clipper Vacations has packages for the whole family. Through 30 April, overnight packages start at only $103 pp/do including round trip on the Clipper from Seattle, and one night at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Children under 12 travel free on the boat, and stay free at the hotel. Summer rates are higher. Admission tickets to the Dragon Bones exhibit are available for advance purchase through Clipper, at a cost of $9.00/adult and $7.00/child.

For reservations or more information, call your travel agent or Clipper Vacations at 206-448-5000, or 800-888-2535 from outside Seattle Area. To book online, visit www.victoriaclipper.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Clipper Vacations
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
206.443.2560

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