2007 Press Releases

12/01/07 - VICTORIA CLIPPER OFFERS DECEMBER SPECIAL TO SEATTLE
12/07/07 - RING IN THE NEW YEAR ABOARD THE VICTORIA CLIPPER III
12/01/07 - SEE EAGLES LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH CLIPPER VACATIONS
10/29/07 - TRAVEL TO LEAVENWORTH’S TOWN LIGHTING FESTIVAL WITH CLIPPER GETAWAYS
10/08/07 - CLIPPER VACATIONS OFFER TWO NIGHT PACKAGES FROM VANCOUVER, B.C. TO SEATTLE
08/28/07 - LINDA BOTTS JOINS DESTINATION SERVICES NW
08/09/07 - SUMMER SIZZLER PACKAGE OFFERS SPECIAL RATES TO VICTORIA
08/09/07 - SAN JUAN WHALE WATCHING WATCHING TRIP EXTENDED DUE TO POPULARITY
07/12/07 - CLIPPER OFFERS MILITARY DISCOUNTS TO SAN JUANS AND VICTORIA, B.C
07/03/07 - DESTINATION SERVICES NW WELCOMES ANNA CRONIN
07/03/07 - DARCI HAUSTVEIT JOINS CLIPPER
04/12/07 - CLIPPER’S TULIP TOURS BEGIN APRIL 13TH
01/16/07 - 20th ANNUAL TWO NATION VACATION TRAVEL TRADE SHOW SERIES EXPANDS TO ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA
01/16/07 - 20th ANNUAL TWO NATION VACATION TRAVEL TRADE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS PACIFIC NORTHWEST & WESTERN CANADA 

VICTORIA CLIPPER OFFERS DECEMBER SPECIAL TO SEATTLE

December 1, 2007

Available only to Vancouver Island residents, Victoria Clipper is offering spectacular two night packages to Seattle. As a special gift from Clipper, to Island residents, the offer is valid only until 1 January 2008. 

“With the strong Loonie, we felt it was the perfect time to give back a little and allow the local residents to enjoy the shopping and winter festivities of downtown Seattle, at very little cost”, said Darrell Bryan, Executive Vice President and General Manager.

The two night packages start at $132 per person (based on double occupancy) and include round trip to Seattle via the Victoria Clipper, round trip taxi transfers between pier and hotel, and two nights accommodations. There are a variety of hotels to choose from at varying rates. All hotels are downtown and close to the shops and theatres, and there are no concerns about border line-ups.

In December, the Downtown Seattle core is alive with lighted trees and decorated shops, theatres are offering shows such as Jersey Boys, The Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker Ballet. The Seattle Sheraton is full of Gingerbread Houses for viewing and stores are all open late for shopping.

To enjoy a relaxing getaway, call 250-382-8100 or 800-888-2535. Passports are not required for Canadian born citizens.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR ABOARD THE VICTORIA CLIPPER III

December 7, 2007

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 Monday December 31, the Victoria Clipper III sets sail from Pier 69 at 10:15 p.m. and returns at 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2008 after the pyrotechnic show from the Space Needle. The price is $54.00 for adults and $32 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.victoriaclipper.com.

Media Contact:
Janis Smith
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
206-443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com

SEE EAGLES LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH CLIPPER VACATIONS

Bundle up for this spectacular day trip on January 19th to Brackendale, “The World Eagle Capital,” located just forty minutes north of Vancouver, B.C. in the Squamish Valley.

Our eagle-watching tour takes you up from Seattle by an escorted motorcoach, where you will be able to experience this unique eagle haven. In 2007, 1,757 American Bald Eagles were spotted in the area, and the location holds the world record of 3,769 eagles counted in 1994! Upon arrival, you will be joined by a wildlife expert on a two-hour eagle walk near the mouth of the Squamish River. After your eagle-watching adventure, you will have two hours at the Brackendale Art Gallery to enjoy a home-style lunch (meal included) and view exhibits from local artists.

The cost is $82 for adults and $71 for children 2 – 11 including tax, a breakfast basket, lunch and admission. Motor coaches will pick-up at several area locations and will arrive in Brackendale at approximately 11:45am. Coaches will depart Brackendale following lunch, arriving back in Seattle about 9:05pm. Your return trip includes time for a short dinner stop (meal not included) en-route to Seattle.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 206-448-5000 or
800-888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com.

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

TRAVEL TO LEAVENWORTH’S TOWN LIGHTING FESTIVAL WITH CLIPPER GETAWAYS

October 29, 2007

Be a part of Leavenworth’s Annual Town and Tree Lighting Festival on Saturday, December 1 ^st, 8 ^th, or 15 ^th. Each year, visitors to this Bavarian Village eagerly await the magical transformation from darkness to a magical wonderland of lights.

CLIPPER VACATIONS OFFER TWO NIGHT PACKAGES FROM VANCOUVER, B.C. TO SEATTLE

October 8th, 2007

Canadians can take advantage of the strong Loonie by traveling to Seattle for shopping, sporting events, concerts or just an economical weekend away. It has been more than 30 years since the two countries have seen parity between their dollars.
Clipper Vacations offers “Two Night Accommodation Packages” for as little as $162 Cdn. pp/dbl. That price includes: Roundtrip between Vancouver, BC and Seattle on Amtrak Cascades, transfers between Seattle train depot and hotel, and two night’s accommodations in Seattle. A variety of hotels are available at varying rates, as well as extra nights.
Border crossings have been busy lately due to the number of Canadians shopping in Washington. With the Amtrak package, there is no stopping at the border, so travel is quick, relaxing and efficient. Clipper also offers a motor coach option which can be substituted for one way, or both.
Booking is as easy as one call to Clipper Vacations, or travelers may book online. Reservations are available at 800-888-2535 or online at www.clippervacations.com.

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

LINDA BOTTS JOINS DESTINATION SERVICES NW

SUMMER SIZZLER PACKAGE OFFERS SPECIAL RATES TO VICTORIA

August 9, 2007

Clipper Vacations has extended the booking period for the Summer Sizzler package, a new choice for traveling from Seattle to Victoria, BC.
Round-trip rates between Victoria and Seattle range from only $101 per person, and overnight stays at Traveller’s Inn with a round-trip Clipper cruise included range from $129 per person in August and from $118 per person in September. Children under 12 are FREE with a paying adult on a Clipper hotel package. The booking period for this package has been extended through August 31st, with travel valid through September 16th.
Victoria is always a popular, last-minute getaway and the Summer Sizzler Package is the perfect opportunity to head up to Canada before kids go back to school. Passports are not required for US Born Citizens when traveling by sea.
Popular Victoria attractions for families include the Titanic exhibition at the Royal BC Museum, nightly light shows at Butchart Gardens, Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress as well as Miniature World, Whale Watching, Buskers in the Inner Harbour and fun shops along Government Street.
To make a reservation, please call 206-448-5000 or 800-888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com.

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

SAN JUAN WHALE WATCHING TRIP EXTENDED DUE TO POPULARITY

August 9, 2007

Clipper Vacations has added September 14 and 21 to their San Juan and whale watching schedule.
The popular, all-day Clipper whale watching tour starts in Seattle and takes you through scenic Deception Pass enroute to San Juan Island. From there, the 2 ½ hour Whale & Sealife Search begins. Whale sightings have occurred in over 90% of the trips this season, and all three pods are still in the area. A knowledgeable naturalist is onboard to answer questions and educate passengers about the sealife in the area. All passengers also receive a complimentary Guidebook to the San Juans. After the Whale & Sealife Search, there is free time to explore Friday Harbor.
The adult fare ranges from $75 through September 3rd, and from $60 from September 4 - 29th. Departures are daily through September 9th, with additional trips on Friday, Saturday, Sunday of the two following weekends, and another on September 29th. Children under 12 are FREE with a paying adult when booked at least one day prior. Clipper Vacations also offers overnight packages in the San Juan Islands that includes the Whale & Sealife Search and a choice of hotels.
All prices are in US dollars and include tax. For schedule information or to make a reservation, please call 206-448-5000 or 800-888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com.

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

CLIPPER OFFERS MILITARY DISCOUNTS TO SAN JUANS AND VICTORIA, B.C.

July 12, 2007

Clipper Vacations is offering discounted rates to military personnel, on fares to Victoria, B.C. and travel to the San Juan Islands. These special rates are available to all active and retired Military, Reservists, National Guard, Coast Guard and their immediate families. Military ID will be required upon check-in.

For Victoria, B.C., Clipper is offering the 2nd adult at 50% off and one child under 12 free (except fuel surcharge) with each paying adult. Currently, Clipper offers morning and afternoon departures to Victoria daily. Economically priced, all inclusive overnight packages may be purchased in conjunction with this fare which is available through the end of the year. Clipper can also add sightseeing tours, Afternoon Tea, Butchart Gardens or admission to the Titanic Exhibit at the Royal BC Museum (thru 14 Oct.) to any day trip or overnight package.
The discounted Military rate for travel to the San Juan Islands, including whale watching, is just $50 per adult Mon – Thur and $75 on Fri-Sat-Sun, and one child travels free per paying adult. Vessels to the San Juan Islands leave from downtown Seattle’s Pier 69 traveling north via scenic Deception Pass. The day includes the round trip cruise via Victoria Clipper III, a complimentary Guidebook to the San Juan Islands, a 2.5 hour whale watching excursion as well as a couple of hours of free time in Friday Harbor. An onboard naturalist provides narration, and identifies and educates passengers about the wild life and sea life in the area. Trips depart daily through 9 Sept, then weekends through Sept. 29th.
All prices are in US dollars and include tax. For schedule information or to make a reservation, please call 206-448-5000 or 800-888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com.

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

DESTINATION SERVICES NW WELCOMES ANNA CRONIN

July 3, 2007

Destination Services NW, a Victoria Clipper Company specializing in meeting planning, is pleased to announce the addition of Anna Cronin as Program Design/Event Coordinator. Anna is an accomplished planner, bringing with her 2 years of experience in event design and coordination well as booking, customer service, sales, and scheduling. A graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor degree in Communication, she has an eye for detail and a knack for organization. Anna's addition to this company will enable Destination Services NW to continue the steady growth experienced since it's inception in 2005.  An eleven year volunteer for Twelfth Night Productions, a non-profit arts organization, Anna is serving as the 2007 auction chair. She also continues as the PR Coordinator for LakeFest 2007, a Seafair Community Festival.

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

DARCI HAUSTVEIT JOINS CLIPPER

July 3, 2007

Clipper Navigation, Inc., operators of Clipper Vacations, the Victoria Clipper vessels, and Destination Services NW, is pleased to announce the addition of Darci Haustveit to the position of Controller.
Darci joins the executive team at Clipper and will be responsible for all accounting functions for both Clipper’s U.S. and Canadian interests. She will also supervise a team of eight accounting personnel in the Seattle corporate office. Darci, a graduate of Central Washington University will bring a wealth of relevant experience gained while working 15 plus years in the field of accounting.

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

CLIPPER’S TULIP TOURS BEGIN APRIL 13TH

March 12, 2007

Victoria Clipper is gearing up to run their annual Tulip Tours on April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. Clipper has been an official sponsor of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival since 1991. During that time, thousands of people have enjoyed taking Clipper Vacations’ one day guided “Tiptoe through the Tulips” tours to La Conner. During April, the fields are alive with acres and acres of red, yellow, purple and pink tulips; spectacular from a distance, and up close. Flower enthusiasts who book the event this year will travel round trip to and from La Conner via deluxe motor coach (a change from the Victoria Clipper III option). Passengers will board the fully guided coaches at Pier 69 and head north to La Conner. The day event includes: stops at two bulb farms to enjoy display gardens, fields of blooms, the shops and opportunities to order bulbs, as well as plenty of time in the quaint Town of La Conner for shopping and/or lunch. Arrival back to Seattle will be about 6:00pm. These trips are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 13-22. Cost for the one day narrated excursion is only $37 per adult if you book 7 days in advance, and $43 per adult for booking within 7 days. The price for children ages 11 and under is $24. Tax is included. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 206-448-5000 or 800-888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com.

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

CLIPPER’S 20th ANNUAL TWO NATION VACATION TRAVEL TRADE SHOW SERIES EXPANDS TO ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA

Januaruy 16, 2007

In its 20th year, this popular Seattle based show event will highlight the best of the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada to Travel Agents and meeting planners in California and Arizona. In addition to Clipper Vacations’ 2007 products, over 40 suppliers from Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver Island, San Juan Islands, Oregon, Alberta, Vancouver, and the Canadian Rockies will be exhibiting. The exhibitors represent hotels, attractions, transportation services, Destination Marketing Organizations and more. All are traveling with the show and are anxious to meet agents and planners at each of the five venues.

Travel agents and Meeting Planners are invited to attend shows as follows:

Feb. 26 Phoenix, AZ at the Buttes by Marriott
Feb. 27 Tucson, AZ at the Sheraton Tucson
Feb. 28 Pasadena, CA at the Masonic Temple Ballroom
March 1 Irvine, CA at the Radisson Irvine
March 2 San Francisco, CA at the Palace Hotel

A 4:00-5:00pm seminar focusing on the PNW and Western Canada and pre/post Alaska tour options will start the evening. The Tradeshow will follow from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, complete with goodie bags, beverages, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and lots of prizes. (The exception is San Francisco which will be 1.5 hours earlier.) Complimentary parking will be available at all venues.

   For more information, or to RSVP for attending the travel show or seminar, contact the Victoria Clipper at (206) 443-2560, extension 0, or online at www.clippervacations.com/tnv.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
(206) 443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com

20th ANNUAL TWO NATION VACATION TRAVEL TRADE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS PACIFIC NORTHWEST & WESTERN CANADA

January 16, 2007

Travel agents and meeting planners are invited to attend the 20th Annual “Two Nation Vacation” Travel Show, to be held in Seattle on Thursday, March 15, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Bell Harbor Conference Center at Pier 66.

This popular event will highlight the best of the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, and will introduce the 2007 Clipper Vacations products and help familiarize agents and meeting planners with our subsidiary, Destination Services NW. More importantly, over 75 suppliers representing hotels, attractions and transportation carriers in Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver Island, San Juan Islands, Alberta, Vancouver, and the Canadian Rockies will be exhibiting.

  Ample free parking is available in the adjoining garage. Appetizers and beverages will be hosted, and over 50 door prizes will be awarded to attendees.

  A pre-show seminar featuring speakers discussing Pre/Post Alaska Cruise Packages and other regional tour products will be available from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Space is limited to 70 people for the pre-show seminar, and RSVPs are required.

  The show is hosted by the Victoria Clipper, Clipper Vacations and Destinations Services NW – serving the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada since 1986.

  For more information, or to RSVP for attending the travel show or seminar, contact the Victoria Clipper at (206) 443-2560, extension 0, or online at www.clippervacations.com/tnv.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Janis Smith
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
(206) 443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com