2006 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2006

CLIPPER VACATIONS OFFERS TWO NIGHT PACKAGES FROM VANCOUVER TO SEATTLE VIA AMTRAK CASCADES

Clipper Vacations is offering Two night packages from Vancouver, BC to downtown Seattle, via Amtrak Cascades. These all inclusive packages are affordable and perfect for visiting Seattle during the festive Holiday season. From 24 November, thru 1 January, Seattle’s entire downtown is aglow with Holiday lights, a brightly lit tree dominates Westlake Square, shops are festively decorated and Benaroya Hall, the 5th Avenue Theatre and The Paramount Theatre have dozens of Christmas productions. In addition, each night there is a Christmas Parade of lighted boats in either Puget Sound or on one of the lakes. Additionally, the controversial “Bones, The Exhibit” is on display through December, the Dead Sea Scrolls through January 7th, the Big Seattle Boat Show January 25 through February 3, and the NW Flower and Garden show in mid February. The two night packages start at $208 Cdn pp/dbl, are available at a variety of hotels and may be extended for additional nights to allow more time to see the city. Packages are available through 4/30/07 and include: Round trip from Vancouver on Amtrak Cascades (motor coach option available), two night stay in a downtown hotel, taxi transfers between hotel/Amtrak station, document delivery fee and all taxes. For more details, or to make a reservation, call Clipper Vacations reservations at 800-888-2535 or go online at www.clippervacations.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Clipper Navigation, Inc. 206-443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2006

WINTER SPECIALS TO VICTORIA & VANCOUVER FROM CLIPPER VACATIONS

Clipper Vacations if offering some value season packages, many available through the month of April. Victoria and Vancouver, BC offer a multitude of things to do for anyone looking for a winter weekend getaway.
  Travel to Victoria aboard the Victoria Clipper. Visit the Royal BC Museum’s ”Fatal Attraction” exhibit, stroll around the Inner Harbour, shop in some of the many unique stores, enjoy a spa treatment or two, golf, rent a bicycle, dine on fresh seafood, or just relax. Victoria offers something for everyone. Overnight packages start as low as $87 per person, based on double occupancy and include round trip on the Victoria Clipper, one night stay, breakfast, luggage handling, transfers and taxes. 
   Packages booked at numerous Victoria hotels include great deals and added values. When staying at the Hotel Grand Pacific, receive two for one breakfast coupons to enjoy during your visit, at the Fairmont Empress receive a “secret season” coupon booklet with offers on local attractions, shopping and more, receive free breakfast at the Laurel Point Inn, and at Victoria Marriott receive a free room upgrade.
   A visit to Vancouver via Amtrak Cascades provides an international travel experience close to home. Anytime is a good time to explore the city, especially with great winter rates through April. Enjoy our accommodation package at the 4 Diamond Fairmont Hotel Vancouver from only $123 per person, based on double occupancy including round trip on Amtrak Cascades, depot / hotel transfers, one night stay, and all taxes. 
  To find out more or book a reservation, call 206-448-5000 or 800-888-2535, or book online at www.clippervacations.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Clipper Navigation, Inc. 206-443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2006

PASSPORT REQUIREMENT DELAYED UNTIL 2008

The US Homeland Security Office has just announced that international ferry routes will be included with land border crossings with respect to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.  That rule requires citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport; to enter the U.S., effective 1 January 2008.  Originally, passengers traveling by sea had been designated for implementation of this new rule by January 2007.
Until 1 January 2008, the I.D. requirement for U.S. residents traveling between Seattle and Victoria on the Victoria Clipper are:

 Passport, or
 Photo I.D, Birth Certificate or
 Naturalization Certificate, or
 Citizenship Certificate, or
 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

More details available by calling 800-888-2535.

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Darrell E. Bryan
Executive Vice President and General Manager
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
206-443-2560

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2006

ERIC HESS JOINS DESTINATION SERVICES NORTHWEST

Clipper Navigation, Inc., operators of Victoria Clipper, Clipper Vacations and Destination Services Northwest, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Eric Hess as Sales Manager for Destination Services NW.

Eric Hess is a senior marketing and business development leader with more than 13 years experience developing strategies which enhance existing product lines and create new business opportunities.

Eric gained expertise in product development, market research, brand marketing, team leadership and international business during a highly successful career at Adobe Systems both in the U.S. and Europe; for Qpass, a financial services infrastructure provider for the wireless industry; as Director of Marketing and Product Development for CitySeats.com, a relationship marketing venture serving theater, music and sports venues; and Marketing and Business Development Director for ExOfficio, a small but significant clothing manufacturer for the outdoor recreation enthusiast.

In addition to his many business accomplishments, Eric holds an Executive MBA from the University of Washington.
Destination Services NW is a full service meeting and event planning company. It is part of the Clipper Vacations “family” of businesses and services that include the Victoria Clipper, the Mosquito Fleet and Clipper Vacations. All of these companies work together with corporate, association, incentive, reunion and private clients alike to create memorable and exciting excursions and corporate events.

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Janis Smith
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
206-443-2560

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2006

EASTER SUNDAY TULIP FIELD CRUISE MADE SPECIAL

Victoria Clipper and Gray Line of Seattle are making their Easter Sunday Tulip Field cruise an extra special day for everyone. Recognizing that Easter is a day that families may want to spend together, all kids under 12 will be free. Additionally, while visiting Tulip Town, all adults will receive a free bunch of Tulips picked from the fields that morning.

Easter Day participants will cruise on the Victoria Clipper III one way between Seattle’s Pier 69 and La Conner, and travel the opposite direction via deluxe motor coach. Either way, everyone will enjoy a 2.5 hour narrated tour of the Tulip Fields with stops at two bulb farms, plenty of time in the quaint Town of La Conner for shopping and/or lunch and still be back to Seattle around dinner time.

In April, the fields are alive with acres and acres of red, yellow, purple and pink tulips; spectacular from a distance, and up close. This is also a perfect opportunity to see the display gardens, to order bulbs for home gardens and for some fun, colorful and memorable family photos.

Book at least 7 days in advance and the adult fare for April 16th is only $38 including tax and fuel surcharge and all kids under 12 are free.


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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2006

CLIPPER GETAWAY TO THE YAKIMA VALLEY SPRING BARREL TASTING

Join Clipper Excursions and Gray Line of Seattle for a one day tour to the Yakima Valley for the annual Spring Barrel Tasting. This annual event allows you to be among the first to taste the most recently released wines. A souvenir wine glass will be provided for your use at the wineries, and to keep as a reminder of the trip.

Deluxe motorcoaches will depart in the morning from various conveniently located park and ride locations on April 29th and 30th. A complimentary breakfast basket will be provided for you to enjoy as the coaches head east over Snoqualmie Pass to the Yakima Valley.

Stops will be made at four different wineries – some large, some small. You can enjoy the arts and entertainment at each, while learning more about wine making, and perhaps sipping new vintages right from the barrel. Enjoy our boxed lunch as you learn more about the process of wine making from your expert wine guide. Following the winery visits, the motorcoach will head back toward Seattle, dropping you at your preferred stop. You will be back to your start point just around sunset.

The cost for this excursion is $74 per person, including tax.


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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2006

MAIFEST IN LEAVENWORTH VIA CLIPPER GETAWAYS

Celebrate Spring in Bavaria! On Saturday May 13th, the Bavarian style village of Leavenworth will celebrate its 35th Annual Maifest Celebration.

Clipper Getaways will provide a one day excursion to allow you to participate in all the festivities without any of the hassles of driving and parking. The deluxe motorcoach will pick up at various locations in the Seattle area, and the only requirement will be to sit back and relax during the scenic ride across the pass, while enjoying a continental breakfast en route.

The motorcoach will arrive in time for the Grand Parade featuring folks in Bavarian costumes, along with horses and carriages, the Bierwagon and Bernese Mountain Dogs. The traditional Maipole Dance occurs after lunch in the Town Square.

The day is yours to enjoy continuous live Bavarian music and dancing, art in the Park, great shops, and a multitude of restaurants with delicious German cuisine before heading back home.

Tickets are $47.00 per adult and $37.00 per child (ages 2-11). Several motorcoach pick up points are available within the Greater Seattle area.


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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2006

CLIPPER’S TULIP TOURS BEGIN APRIL 7TH

Victoria Clipper and Gray Line of Seattle are gearing up to run their annual Tulip Tours on April 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16.

Flower enthusiasts who book this event for a Saturday or Sunday will cruise on the Victoria Clipper III one way between Seattle’s Pier 69 and La Conner, and travel the opposite direction via deluxe motorcoach. Either way, everyone will enjoy a 2.5 hour narrated tour of the Tulip Fields with stops at two bulb farms, plenty of time in the quaint Town of La Conner for shopping and/or lunch and still be back to Seattle around dinner time.

In April, the fields are alive with acres and acres of red, yellow, purple and pink tulips; spectacular from a distance, and up close. There will also be an opportunity to purchase freshly cut bouquets, see the display gardens and to order bulbs for home gardens.

These trips are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 7-16. Including tax, fare for the entire excursion is only $30 - 32 per adult if you book 7 days in advance, and $36 – 39 per adult for booking within 7 days. The price for children ages 11 and under is $16. A $6 Fuel surcharge will apply.


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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2006

CLIPPER BEGINS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BY ROLLING BACK PRICES

Clipper Navigation, Inc., operator of the Victoria Clipper vessels, will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary this spring.

In honor of the event, they are offering the same round trip fares as those available on their first day of Seattle / Victoria service, 1 July 1986.

The $59 fare roundtrip fare is available for Monday through Thursday travel, from March 1 through June 30, 2006. However, all reservations must be booked before the end of March and at least 3 days prior to travel (space is limited). Children will be free when accompanied by a paying adult.

In conjunction with this fare offer and associated restrictions, overnight packages are available through 30 April from $84 pp/dbl. occupancy for the Travellers Inn, $106 pp/dbl. occupancy for the Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel and $127 pp/dbl. occupancy for The Fairmont Empress. Packages include roundtrip from Seattle to Victoria on Victoria Clipper, continental breakfast (usually on board), transfers and one night accommodations.

“This is the first of several opportunities for Clipper to thank the public for our first 20 years of successful service,” said Darrell Bryan, Executive Vice President and General Manager. Clipper will be celebrating throughout the spring.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2006

Adrienne Baerny Joins Victoria Clipper

Clipper is pleased to announce the addition of Adrienne Baerny as an Account Manager for the Group Sales Department. In addition to Clipper’s daily, year round service to Victoria, Adrienne will be handling customized tours for all Clipper products including: Victoria, Vancouver, Portland, San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, Canadian Rockies, Seattle and more.

A graduate of Seattle Pacific University, Adrienne has had 12 years of sales and marketing experience, most recently with Curves for Women. Prior to Curves, Adrienne spent several years in incentive marketing, with a publishing company and as a meeting and event planner.

Adrienne’s extensive experience and knowledge of the tour and meeting industry will also allow her to sell for Clipper’s new destination management company, Destinations Services NW, based on Pier 66.


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