Media Releases
What's New At Clipper Vacations!
There's no better way to keep informed on what's happening at Clipper Vacations than visiting
the media room. Here you'll find press releases announcing new members of the Clipper
Navigation,
Inc. team, new ships in the Victoria Clipper fleet, the latest specials and promotions,
articles on
community involvement and reminders about upcoming vacation packages, sightseeing tour and
excursions that you won't want to miss! Stay tuned for all the latest news from the folks at
Clipper Vacations.
Links To Current Press Releases
2009 Press Releases06/29/09 - CLIPPER VACATIONS’ 23rd ANNIVERSARY SALE - SEATTLE
06/29/09 - CLIPPER VACATIONS’ 23rd ANNIVERSARY SALE - VICTORIA
05/29/09 - CLIPPER VACATIONS PUTS SEATTLE ON SALE
05/14/09 - CLIPPER VACATIONS CELEBRATES FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION MONTH
05/14/09 - CLIPPER VACATIONS OFFERS MILITARY APPRECIATION RATES
04/20/09 - TODAY’S VICTORIA, YESTERDAY’S PRICES
04/07/09 - CLIPPER’S TULIP TOURS BEGIN APRIL 17TH
03/25/09 - STAY AN EXTRA NIGHT IN VICTORIA ON US
01/29/09 - CLIPPER VACATIONS’ “LOVE IS NEARLY FREE…” GETAWAY
01/29/09 - TWO FOR ONE TRAVEL ON VICTORIA CLIPPER
Archived Press Information
2008 Press Releases2007 Press Releases
2007 Press Releases
2006 Press Releases
2005 Press Releases
2004 Press Releases
2003 Press Releases
CLIPPER VACATIONS’ 23rd ANNIVERSARY SALE - SEATTLE
June 30, 2009
To help celebrate Clipper’s 23rd Anniversary, the company is giving the gift of a low cost,
great value getaway to Seattle. If booked by 12 July, the two night summer packages, including
round trip cruise from Victoria on the Victoria Clipper, start at only $188 per person, and kids
are free!
Clipper Vacations recognizes that even in the current economic situation, families still
want and need to get away, but possibly on a smaller scale than previous years. By offering prices
comparable to off season, and with opportunity to travel at those rates through Labor Day, we feel
families and others can take advantage of a unique opportunity to enjoy Seattle this summer without
breaking the budget.
“So far this year, Clipper Vacations has seen a general increase in passengers, and we have
also noticed the average stay has increased from 1-2 nights, up to 2-3 nights”, said Darrell Bryan,
President and CEO. “We feel these customers are taking some close to home mini-vacations in lieu of
longer, more costly trips.” The current exchange rate allows Canadian visitors to enjoy all that a
Summer in Seattle has to offer including concerts, Mariner Games, Sounders Football, the
waterfront, Woodland Park Zoo, shopping, fine dining and more.
In addition to the Seattle overnight getaways and day trips, Clipper Vacations offers
packages to Vancouver, Kelowna, and Whistler, BC, the Olympic Peninsula and Portland, OR. All are
reasonably priced and all packages can be customized adding multiple cities, nights, and
sightseeing tours. All tour offerings are available online at www.clippervacations.com.
The Victoria Clipper departs Belleville St. daily at 11:30am, 5:30pm and 7pm. Reservations
are recommended and the best rates are available when booked in advance via
www.clippervacations.com or by calling 1-800-888-2535. A Passport is required for travel, see
website for more information.
Media Contact:
Janis
Smith
Darrell E. Bryan
Vice President of Sales and
Marketing
President and CEO
Clipper Navigation,
Inc.
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
206-443-2560
206-443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com
dbryan@victoriaclipper.com
CLIPPER VACATIONS’ 23rd ANNIVERSARY SALE - VICTORIA
June 30, 2009
To help celebrate Clipper’s 23rd Anniversary, the company is giving the gift of a low cost,
great value getaway to Victoria. If booked by 12 July, the two night summer packages, including
round trip cruise from Seattle on the Victoria Clipper, start at only $177 per person, and kids are
free!
Clipper Vacations recognizes that even in the current economic situation, families still
want and need to get away, but possibly on a smaller scale than previous years. By offering prices
comparable to off season, with opportunity to travel at those rates through Labor Day, we feel
families and others can take advantage of a unique opportunity to enjoy Victoria this summer
without breaking the budget.
“So far this year, Clipper Vacations has seen an increase in customers visiting Victoria,
and we have also noticed the average stay has increased from 1-2 nights, up to 2-3 nights”, said
Darrell Bryan, President and CEO. “We feel these customers are taking some close to home
mini-vacations in lieu of longer, more costly trips.” Clipper Vacations also offers enhanced
packages to include golfing, spas, Butchart Gardens, Afternoon Tea and the special exhibit “
Treasures” at the Royal BC Museum; or a day trip to Victoria with a 3 hour whale watch tour is only
$123 per adult, less for children.
In addition to the Victoria overnight getaways and day trips, Clipper Vacations offers
packages to Portland, OR, Vancouver, Kelowna and Whistler, BC, various Vancouver Island
destinations and more. All are reasonably priced and all packages can be customized adding multiple
cities, nights, and sightseeing tours. All offerings are available on line at
www.clippervacations.com.
The Victoria Clipper departs each morning and afternoon from Pier 69. Reservations are
recommended and the best rates are available when booked in advance via www.clippervacations.com or
by calling 1-800-888-2535. A Passport, Passport Card or Enhanced Driver’s license is required for
travel. See website for details.
Media Contact:
Janis
Smith
Darrell E. Bryan
Vice President of Sales and
Marketing
President and CEO
Clipper Navigation,
Inc.
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
206-443-2560
206-443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com
dbryan@victoriaclipper.com
CLIPPER VACATIONS CELEBRATES 23 YEARS WITH A NEW LOOK
June 29, 2009
On 1 July 1986, entrepreneur Merideth Tall began operation of a high speed passenger
catamaran between Victoria, B.C. and Seattle, WA. Since that day, the Victoria Clipper and two
additional Clipper vessels have been operating daily, year round service between the two cities, as
well as seasonal service between Seattle and Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands.
It was not long before the company determined that travelers were looking for one stop
shopping and Clipper began offering hotel rooms and tours. Soon, travel agents and consumers were
requesting extended vacation packages to other Pacific Northwest destinations, and Clipper
Vacations was born.
Over the past 23 years, this locally owned and operated company has evolved into a trusted
resource for locals and visitors planning Pacific Northwest Vacations. Over 40 trained sales agents
are available to personally assist and make recommendations for customers interested in planning a
vacation or a short Getaway.
This growing company now sells destination options for overnight packages including:
Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, San Juan Islands, Kelowna, Whistler, Whitefish,
Olympic Peninsula and Portland – and all offerings may be customized to include a variety of
cities. Clipper Vacations truly offers one stop shopping as the packages are complete with a
variety of transportation options, accommodations, sightseeing tours and activities such as zip
lining, Afternoon Tea, whale watching, skiing, golfing and spas.
“Today, on our 23rd Anniversary, Clipper Vacations is pleased to present a new logo and tag
line which we feel better represents the scope of our business. Although market research has shown
that Victoria Clipper has nearly 100% recognition in the local marketplace as a passenger ferry
service between Seattle and Victoria, we need the public to know that the company has much more to
offer. This rebranding is a first step in that direction.”, said Darrell Bryan, President and CEO.
To learn more about the Clipper Vacations products, visit www.clippervacations.com or call
1-800-888-2535.
Media Contact:
Janis
Smith
Darrell E. Bryan
Vice President of Sales and
Marketing
President and CEO
Clipper Navigation,
Inc.
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
206-443-2560
206-443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com
dbryan@victoriaclipper.com
CLIPPER VACATIONS PUTS SEATTLE ON SALE
May 29, 2009
Anyone thinking about visiting Seattle this summer will be excited about the big
“I Love Seattle Sale”. The rates are comparable to off-season, but visitors can choose to
stay any time from now through July 31, 2009.
The Clipper Vacations’ I Love Seattle Sale packages start at only $186 pp/double occupancy
and include two nights accommodations in a downtown Seattle hotel and transportation via Amtrak or
Victoria Clipper. Those coming from Victoria will enjoy travel via Clipper on one of Clipper’s
three daily departures, those coming from Vancouver, B.C., or Portland area can travel via Amtrak
Cascades. And if you live in Eastern Washington, or even closer, the package includes two nights in
Seattle and a day trip to Victoria, B.C.
There is complete flexibility to add sightseeing options or extend the Seattle stay with
additional nights or visits and/or overnights to other cities. To encourage families, Clipper
Vacations offers kids free on the Victoria Clipper and kids stay free in hotel rooms with adults.
Seattle offers something for everyone including: Seattle Mariner Games, Seattle Sounders FC
Games, the Experience Music Project now featuring the works of Jim Henson’s Fantastic World,
shopping, the Pike Place Market, Festivals, Woodland Park Zoo, outdoor concerts – a terrific family
destination.
Clipper Vacations is offering a unique opportunity to enjoy an inexpensive getaway during
the peak of Seattle’s summer. Don’t miss the 10 day booking window of 1-10 June, 2009. To take
advantage, call 800-888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
CLIPPER VACATIONS CELEBRATES FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION MONTH
May 14, 2009
Clipper Vacations is offering special rates to active and retired U.S. or Canadian Police,
Fire Fighters, Ambulance and Paramedics and their families. From now through June 30, 2009, round
trip fare between Seattle and Victoria, B.C. on the Victoria Clipper is only $50 per person for
military personnel and one adult guest or immediate family. Overnight packages with accommodations
and round trip on Clipper start at only $138 pp/double occupancy. One child under 12 travels and
stays free per paying adult.
Spring is the perfect time to visit Victoria for a romantic getaway or with the entire
family. Enjoy the colorful and active Inner Harbour, take a wine tour with lunch and wine pairings,
visit the Butchart Gardens or see the new exhibit “Treasures: The World’s Cultures” on loan from
the British Museum and now showing at the Royal BC Museum.
There are plenty of free activities for families. Enjoy Beacon Hill Park and the petting
Zoo, fly a kite with all of the locals out on the water’s edge along Dallas Road, stroll through
the oldest Chinatown in Canada and see the smallest street – Fan Tan Alley is only 5 feet wide. If
you do some shopping, you will be able to take advantage of a very favorable exchange rate – about
$1.17 Canada for each US dollar.
The offer is valid for Active and Retired US or Canadian Police, Fire Fighters, Ambulance
and Paramedics and their immediate families. To take advantage, call 800-888-2535 or visit
www.clippervacations.com.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
CLIPPER VACATIONS OFFERS MILITARY APPRECIATION RATES
May 14, 2009
Clipper Vacations is offering special rates to Military personnel and their families. From
now through June 30, 2009, round trip fare between Seattle and Victoria, B.C. on the Victoria
Clipper is only $50 per person for military personnel and one adult guest or immediate family.
Overnight packages with accommodations and round trip on Clipper start at only $91 pp/double
occupancy. One child under 12 travels and stays free per paying adult.
Spring is the perfect time to visit Victoria for a romantic getaway or with the entire
family. Enjoy the colorful and active Inner Harbour, take a wine tour with lunch and wine pairings,
visit the Butchart Gardens or see the new exhibit “Treasures: The World’s Cultures” on loan from
the British Museum and now showing at the Royal BC Museum.
There are plenty of free activities for families. Enjoy Beacon Hill Park and the petting
Zoo, fly a kite with all of the locals out on the water’s edge along Dallas Road, stroll through
the oldest Chinatown in Canada and see the smallest street – Fan Tan Alley is only 5 feet wide. If
you do some shopping, you will be able to take advantage of a very favorable exchange rate – about
$1.17 Canada for each US dollar.
The offer is valid for Active and Retired US or Canadian Military personnel, Military
Reserves, Coast Guard, National Guard and their immediate families. To take advantage, call
800-888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
TODAY’S VICTORIA, YESTERDAY’S PRICES
April 20, 2009
Clipper Vacations is offering a “FARE FLASHBACK SALE” - an opportunity to experience Today’s
Victoria, at Yesterday’s Prices.
For a limited time, you can purchase an overnight Victoria package including round trip from
Seattle on the Victoria Clipper, for as little as $99pp/double occupancy. In addition, children
under 12 are free (1 child per adult). This rate allows an opportunity to Re-discover Victoria at
prices comparable to many years ago. “We are hoping that by planning ahead, more people will be
able to take advantage of a quick getaway, even in this tight economy”, said Darrell E. Bryan,
President and CEO.
If you have not visited for a while, you may enjoy the Butchart Gardens including Afternoon
Tea at the gardens, a traditional Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress, or add some excitement to
your 2 day visit with a zip line tour or whale watching. If you prefer your feet on the ground,
take advantage of the “Treasures” Exhibit on loan from the British Museum and now on display at the
Royal BC Museum, or the Southern Vancouver Island Wine tour via Limousine and lunch with wine
pairings.
Several Inner Harbour hotels are included in this special deal with the $99pp/do stay at the
three diamond Best Western Carlton Plaza; a $109pp/do rate is available at the Inn at Laurel Point;
$119pp at the family friendly Royal Scot Suite Hotel; and $149 at the five star Hotel Grand Pacific
located across from the Clipper ferry terminal. Also included in the price is roundtrip on the
Victoria Clipper.
All bookings must be made by May 1, but travel is allowed from May 1 through June 30. You may
choose the departure times from 2-3 convenient options per day during May and June. Go soon to
enjoy the Spring blossoms, blooming bulbs and off season quiet or plan ahead for a trip in June.
The offer is good 7 days a week, but space is limited and Memorial Day Weekend is excluded. So make
a plan and call us at 800-888-2535 or book online at www.clippervacations.com.
Media Contact:
Janis
Smith
Darrell E. Bryan
Vice President of Sales and
Marketing
President and CEO
Clipper Navigation,
Inc.
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
206-443-2560
206-443-2560
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com
dbryan@victoriaclipper.com
CLIPPER’S TULIP TOURS BEGIN APRIL 17TH
April 7, 2009
Clipper Vacations will be operating their annual Tulip Tours on April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and
26. 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 this event will
travel between Seattle’s Pier 69 and La Conner via deluxe motorcoach. Fully escorted, everyone will
enjoy a 2.5 hour narrated tour of the Tulip Fields with stops at two bulb farms, plenty of free
time in the quaint Town of La Conner for shopping and/or lunch and still be back to Seattle around
dinner time.
These trips are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 17-26. Including tax, fare for
the entire excursion is only $41 per adult if you book 7 days in advance, and $46 per adult for
booking within 7 days. The price for children ages 11 and under is $27-29.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call 206-448-5000 or 800-888-2535 or
visit www.clippervacations.com.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
STAY AN EXTRA NIGHT IN VICTORIA ON US
March 25, 2009
Victoria, B.C.– Tourism Victoria in partnership with Clipper Vacations, is
offering a fantastic new promotion for travel through April: buy a two night package including
transportation from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper and with select hotels, you’ll get
a third night free.
”We have found that people are staying a little closer to home right now, and with kids
free, this international getaway is being offered at a price that is perfect for families and those
watching their budgets”, said Darrell Bryan, President and CEO of Clipper Vacations.
“As the destination marketing organization for Greater Victoria, it is imperative that we
work with our partners to provide consumers with real value travel options,” said Robert
Gialloreto, President and CEO of Tourism Victoria. “Clipper Vacations is a key partner and we look
forward to the combination of our strengths in bringing visitors to our region."
Two night packages start at only $121 US per person based on double occupancy. Details about
the limited time offer are available at www.clippervacations.com or by phone at 1-800-888-2535.
- Packages include round-trip Victoria Clipper cruise between Seattle and Victoria, 2 or 3 nights accommodation in Victoria and all applicable taxes
- This package must be booked by Clipper Vacations
- Subject to availability and change
Tourism Victoria is the official not-for-profit tourism industry association marketing Victoria as a world-class destination. In partnership with business members, local municipalities, surrounding communities of Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Canada, Tourism Victoria works to showcase the destination. Tourism Victoria’s mandate is to increase the economic impact of tourism for Greater Victoria by marketing the destination and servicing visitor needs. For more information about Tourism Victoria, visit www.tourismvictoria.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Janis Smith Kelsi Woodward
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Communications Coordinator
Clipper Vacations Tourism Victoria
206-443-2560 250-414-4477
jsmith@victoriaclipper.com kelsi.woodward@tourismvictoria.com
CLIPPER VACATIONS’ “LOVE IS NEARLY FREE…” GETAWAY
January 29, 2009
Clipper Vacations is offering a Valentine’s Getaway for an unbeatable rate. From only $119
US pp/dbl, you can enjoy Roundtrip to Seattle on the Victoria Clipper and TWO nights’
accommodations in the downtown Seattle Ramada Hotel. This special offer is available for travel
over the Valentine’s Day weekend, 13-17 February 2009.
Bring that special someone to the Emerald City for a fun and relaxing getaway to enjoy all
the attractions, dining and shopping in downtown Seattle. You could plan to stay Saturday and
Sunday nights, taking advantage of our President’s Day Weekend sales, then return on a noon
departure Monday the 16th, allowing time for a leisurely breakfast after sleeping in.
AND, when you book a two night package, you will receive a gift letter for 2 for 1 travel
another time in 2009 (excluding July & August).
Clipper offers a variety of hotels options and extra nights are always available. Shown
below are the Valentine’s Day Weekend two night hotel and Clipper packages for several hotel
options in addition to the Seattle Ramada at $119. All are per person US/dbl:
Executive Pacific Plaza $144
Springhill Suites $152
The Roosevelt Hotel $159
Hotel Vintage Park $175
Mayflower Park $221
For more information or to make a reservation, call 250-382-8100, 800-888-2535 or visit clippervacations.com.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
TWO FOR ONE TRAVEL ON VICTORIA CLIPPER
January 29, 2009
Clipper Vacations is offering an opportunity to receive a certificate valid for Two for One
travel to Seattle. This offer is available to anyone booking a two or more night Clipper Package to
Seattle, with travel before 31 March 2009. At the time of travel, you will receive a letter
entitling you to travel again in 2009 (excluding July & August) at a two for one rate. Two
night packages to Seattle start at $140 US pp/dbl and include round trip on the Victoria Clipper
and accommodations in downtown Seattle. Many hotel options are offered and extra nights are always
available. Cruise time from Victoria to Seattle is less than 3 hours and the Clipper departs daily
from Belleville Street in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
This is an opportunity to take advantage of off season rates to enjoy Seattle’s many
attractions such as the Pike Place Market, Lucy’s Legacy Exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, The
Lion King at the Paramount Theatre (Feb. 11- Mar. 15) or the NW Flower and Garden Show (Feb. 18-22)
at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center; then return in the summer to see a Mariners
Game or shop ‘til you drop.
Special for Valentine’s Day Weekend, is the same package offered from $119 US pp/dbl when
you travel February 13-17. Take advantage of the President’s Day Sales that weekend, or a special
dinner at the Space Needle.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 250-382-8100, 800-888-2535 or visit
www.clippervacations.com.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Clipper Navigation, Inc.
