10 Reasons to Experience the Victoria Clipper V Fast Ferry

Thinking about that next easy international escape to Victoria, BC or Seattle, WA? Look no further than the quickest, most direct connection via the Victoria Clipper V fast ferry!

Victoria Clipper V is the newest member of the FRS Clipper fleet. At an impressive 170 feet long (52-meters) and max capacity of 525 passengers, the vessel can cruise at up to 36 knots (nautical miles per hour). And that’s just the beginning.

Climb onboard and discover 10 reasons why you should experience travel aboard the Victoria Clipper V!

1. Seat Selection Plus Luxurious Comfort Class at an Affordable Price

FRS Clipper offers seat selection for all three classes of service as well as upgrade seating within each class. Comfort Class is our version of business class seating. Settle into one of 76 leather seats encircled by large windows in a spacious private cabin area on the upper deck (insider tip:  splurge for the class upgrade Comfort VIP seats for the ultimate scenic trip!). The best part? Selecting these primo Comfort Class seats is only $30 USD more per leg of travel than our Economy class seats!

2. A Lineup of Complimentary Treats in Comfort Class

Along with the best seats on the vessel, we’ve got you covered with a number of complimentary goodies, such as seasonal fruit, pretzels, trail mix and non-salted almonds. Quench your thirst with Coca-Cola products, still and sparkling water. When you’re ready for dessert, there are Biscoff cookies to pair with your Café Vita coffee, your choice of espresso beverages or Rishi Tea. De-lish.

3. Comfort Class Onboard Espresso Maker: Your Source for Caffeinated Goodness

Let’s be honest, there is nothing better than warming up with a local coffee roast, a frothy latte foamed to perfection or a punchy double espresso. If you forgot to grab your morning cup of joe or are in desperate need of a refill mid-journey, Comfort Class passengers can head over to the complimentary espresso machine and whip up a cappuccino, latte, macchiato or espresso to fulfill your caffeine fix.

4. Expansive Window Vistas

With large, panoramic windows at the front and either side of the vessel, there are outstanding ocean vistas nearly everywhere you look. Even as a local familiar with the sights of the Pacific Northwest, it’s hard not to get into a staring contest with Mother Nature’s display of Salish Sea views and snow-capped mountains on either side of the route between Seattle and Victoria.

5. Spacious Interior

Unlike a cramped airline flight or shoulder-to-shoulder bus ride, the Victoria Clipper V’s spacious, light-filled interior and wide walkways provide an irresistible sense of freedom and relaxation. The boat is yours to explore, featuring an outdoor sun deck on the second deck as well as an onboard gift and a galley complete with a fully stocked bar. For families or groups who need a little space to spread out, there is table seating in Vista and Economy classes where you can play cards or share photos to pass the time. (Insider tip: Vista Class is only $15 USD more per segment than Economy Class and offers spectacular views from the upper deck and additional legroom for window seats if you upgrade to Vista Class Panoramic.)

6. Locally-Sourced Fresh Fare and Sensational Sips

Should hunger strike, order up a selection of locally-sourced and freshly prepared meals, including Northwest favorites such as handmade sandwiches on Macrina Bakery bread, Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt parfaits, smoked, wild-caught salmon and Theo’s Chocolates. Feeling extra fancy? Marry your meal with a mimosa or a handcrafted cocktail produced with locally-distilled spirits such as Copperworks vodka and gin or Mischief bourbon.

7. Stunning Outdoor Deck Views

It’s easy to spend the quick, 2 hour and 45 minute journey between Seattle and Victoria cozied up in your seats, but don’t miss the opportunity to wander out to upper, outside deck. With the powerful streams of water rooster tailing behind the vessel from the waterjets, the views back at the city of Seattle or departing Victoria at sunset are absolutely breathtaking.

8. Comfortable Reclining Seats

There is no better way to start or end an adventure than to cozy up in your reclining seat, kick back and relax. Curl up with a good book or check out that movie you’ve been meaning to watch. Just don’t forget to look up every once and a while to stare out at the natural beauty that surrounds you.

9. Clipper’s Trademark In-Seat Concierge Service

Not sure what to do in town? Leave the activity planning to us. Our 35 years of vast local expertise allow us to offer suggestions for a curated getaway you won’t forget. From recommendations on where to find legendary castles, to the finest place to grab a macaron, to booking your afternoon tea or a trip to The Butchart Gardens, our knowledgeable onboard attendants have got you covered.

10. Bigger Platform for a More Comfortable Ride

Compared to our previous vessels, Victoria Clipper V’s larger size (Clipper V is a whopping 38 feet longer than the previous Victoria Clippers!) makes cruising through the Salish Sea much smoother. The ship is also aided by a motion-dampening system and huge, bulbous bows that better pierce the waves and allow the ship to glide through rough seas.

11. Bonus – Wheelhouse

Since you aren’t allowed to visit the wheelhouse, here’s a chance to peek inside where all the “magic” happens while we’re underway. Wraparound windows and an instrument panel full of screens, dials, knobs and switches offer homage to travel’s romantic past and provide our captains with everything they need for a seamless journey.