The Clipper, which runs between Seattle and Victoria, and Seattle and the San Juan Islands, is the second passenger ferry to announce plans to launch service between downtown Vancouver and Victoria in the past month.
The Courier recently reported the V2V Empress will begin service between the two cities beginning in May. The Clipper is scheduled to launch in spring of 2018.
In a recent interview David Gudgel, chief operating officer of the Clipper, told the Canadian Press the company will acquire a 52-metre high-speed catamaran for the new route, which will be able to carry 579 passengers.
Like the Empress, it’s expected the Clipper will make one trip a day, leaving Vancouver in the morning and Victoria in the afternoon. The Clipper already offers service between Victoria and downtown Seattle at a cost of $98 US for a non-refundable, return ticket or $168 US for a standard ticket.
The cost for adult travellers on the Empress will be between $120 and $240 one way, while seats for children 12 and under are available in Premium Comfort Class for $60. The Courier was unable to confirm the Clipper’s cost for travel between Vancouver and Victoria before this story was published.
Meanwhile the 254-seat Empress is promising luxury service complete with a personalised onboard concierge service to offer information and assist with booking local attractions, three onboard seating classes, leather seats with USB ports and power outlets, onboard WiFi, a selection of locally-sourced menu items and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage service. Each guest will also have the option to select their seat at the time of reservation and check one piece of luggage free (some restrictions will apply) and one carry-on item.
The Empress will cruise under the Lions Gate Bridge before crossing the Strait of Georgia and navigating the Southern Gulf Islands offering views of Mayne, Galiano, Salt Spring, Saturna and North and South Pender Islands. The new 3.5-hour-long route will leave from Vancouver Convention Centre docks adjacent to the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre daily at 8 a.m. and depart Victoria directly across from the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings at 2 p.m.
@sthomas10
