Articles by Melissa

I am a member of the Clipper online marketing team. I particularly love to explore cities of the Pacific Northwest and I am always on the hunt for something new and fun to do. I also enjoy art, music, tide pools and bargains.

Valentine's Day Getaway Ideas

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The thing with Valentine’s Day is that everyone has their own idea of romance and the way we like to celebrate is very different from couple to couple. What doesn’t vary is that we all like to feel appreciated by our spouse, partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, or significant other and there are many ways to show that you care. To add a little extra special touch this year, surprise them with a getaway that really reflects who they are, what they love and that thing they just wouldn’t splurge on for themselves. With travel, whether it is just a daytrip or a weekend getaway, you also get the added bonus of some extra quality time together. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In 25 years of operation, we have served over 7 million customers aboard our Victoria Clipper vessels and countless more have traveled with us to our other destinations with a Clipper Vacations package. We are always surprised and flattered to hear from any these passengers, especially when they reach out to share their experiences whether it be online, in an email or word of mouth. Here are some of the most recent:

www.tripadvisor.com

January 5, 2012

“LOVED our Clipper Vacation!”

Sue S (Lynnwood, Washington)

We took a Clipper Vacation from Seattle to Victoria just before Christmas 2011. We spent two nights at the Empress Hotel. We opted for the optional “High Tea at the Empress” and the Butchart Gardens Christmas lights tours… AWESOME! Victoria is a great town… everything is within walking distance. No need for a rental car. Sams Deli is a great little close by place to eat while you stay in Victoria… just across the street from the Empress Hotel. Excellent affordable food! We LOVED our entire experience and hope to do it again soon.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Victoria Clipper III dry dock

The Victoria Clipper vessels get annual maintenance and go into "dry dock" from Jan 3-13, 2012.

2011 marked an exciting year for us at Clipper Vacations. In the first few months we rolled out a brand new booking engine that most notably improved the online booking experience and gave a much welcomed new look and feel to it. Also in 2011, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary of operation. We threw a small celebration to recognize the event and we also took time to acknowledge all the great partnerships that we built in those years throughout the Northwest, and of course, our many (over 7 million!) amazing passengers we had the pleasure of serving in that time period. We REALLY could not have done it without you.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , ,

Victoria Clipper Gift Certificate Bonus

Even the hardest to shop for on your holiday list will love the gift of travel and a Clipper Vacations gift certificate can be used on any getaway– Orca or Gray Whale Watching daytrips on the Victoria Clipper are perfect for families, luxurious spa getaways for someone who deserves some R&R, ski packages for the family member who would just love to hit Whistler’s world renowned slopes, once-in-a-lifetime train rides through the Canadian Rockies and much more. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , , ,

We love reading feedback and your reviews about the Victoria Clipper and Clipper Vacations. Here are some recent things people are saying about us on TripAdvisor.com:

www.tripadvisor.com

“Flying by air does not compare”

November 13, 2011

Sue P (Eugene, Oregon)

We booked this trip through AAA as part of a package, and we are so glad we did! European-style catamaran ferry goes 30 knots/hour (that’s fast, folks!) and the ride was very smooth. Clearing customs into Canada and into the US was so easy compared to flying in. The land-side amenities, particularly the BATHROOMS past the gate, are very much appreciated. Food choices were better than an airplane; lots of legroom and reclining seats. Get there early to board early so you can sit by a window or up front for 180′ views. The vessel and the embarking/disembarking areas are very clean. The stewards are professional looking and very solicitous of our comfort. The ONLY way to travel around Puget Sound and the Salish Sea.

www.tripadvisor.com

“Great side trip from Seattle!”

October 31, 2011

ColeenRN (Jacksonvile, FL)

My husband and I took an overnight trip to Victoria, BC via the Victoria Clipper. The boat was very comfortable and the staff attentive to any needs that you may have. It was a very smooth trip.

Victoria is a very pretty harbor town. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions to keep you busy. We took a trip to Butchart Gardens which were absolutely beautiful! The British Columbia museum and Thunderbird Park, with all the totem poles, is a great way to spend a few hours. The museum has wonderful displays and is very interesting.

www.tripadvisor.com

“Excellent experience”

October 19, 2011

neelie55 (Florida)

Took the ferry from Seattle to Victoria for the day. I was a bit apprehensive because I had to get up early to get the Clipper and I had just returned the previous night from Hawaii. I am so glad I went! The trip was easy, the scenery was fantastic and the staff was very attentive. They serve you food, (for purchase), and even have a duty free shop on board. Victoria was amazingly beautfiul and the return trip was equally enjoyable. I would highly recommend this experience. It was worth every cent!!!

Tags: , , , , , ,

Your favorite Northwest cities are at their most glamorous during the Holiday Season when they start to spruce themselves up in twinkling lights and gleaming tinsel. They also start to roll out the best shopping of the year and some of their best festivities. Take advantage of the great Holiday travel at amazing prices and treat yourself to getaway or surprise someone you REALLY like.

Victoria Clipper Holiday Sale

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , , ,

We were so excited to have the Clipper mentioned on the Today Show last week by local blogger, Hip Travel Mama. We thought that she did a fantastic job getting the word out as to why the Northwest is a great travel destination.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , ,

With a fleet of three boats and multiple daily departures, a lot of people walk through the Seattle and Victoria terminal doors a year so it is always nice to hear when someone enjoyed their trip. We <3 feedback and it comes to us from a lot of different channels including onboard surveys, the Victoria Clipper Facebook page, and review sites like Trip Advisor and Yelp.

Here are some the great things people are saying about their recent Clipper Vacations trips:

www.tripadvisor.com

“Best way to get from Seattle to Victoria”

September 23, 2011

Freedomfan, Metro DC

The ship was clean and comfortable. The crew was quite nice and helpful. I paticularly want to mention Christie. She was quite patient with me and explained all the different options we had in Victoria – even circling things on the map. The bathrooms were quite clean on the ship. The coffee was good and the food was reasonably priced (given the captive nature of the audience). Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , ,

I am a self-identified nerd. Specifically, I am a museum nerd. Everywhere I travel, whether it is a major cosmopolitan center like Vancouver or small seaside town that lines Washington’s waters, I want to know what museums are in the area and start mapping out my visit. In no particular order, I love art museums, science museums, history museums, museums of unique collections, large national museums, and tiny museums tucked into single rooms of old homes. You get the picture, I enjoy museums!

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , , ,

Haunted Victoria BC Ghost Tour

Ross Cemetery in Victoria,BC. Photo: Brandon Godfrey/Wikicommons.

Are you like me and easily spooked in the dark? Do you mistake shadows and bumps in the night for goblins, ghouls and ghosts? If so, the Haunted Victoria Tour may not be for you. Victoria, BC is known as Canada’s most haunted city and based on the eerie tales I have heard, it just may be the spookiest in all of North America. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , ,

« Older entries