509 replies to this topic

[Nparker]

Here it is caught up in tuna nets...

What sort of bait do you need to catch a vessel of this size?

[vortoozo]

I had the opportunity to poke around the Clipper V this afternoon as part of the launch blessing ceremony.

 

I was struck at how much larger it seems when standing next to it. It’s only 12 meters longer, but seems to tower over the dock.

Because it’s wider, it can accommodate more passengers. Clipper plans to run two round trips daily this summer season, both on the Clipper V, instead of the 3 that it previously ran with the smaller vessels.

 

 

There are two classes of service on the Clipper V. Economy and Comfort.

Economy takes up the whole main deck, as well as most of the second deck. Seats are positions around tables, or, with airline-style fold down trays.

Galley service with snacks for sale will continue, however in future they will have the capability of preparing hot food.

 

Lower deck Economy class:

 

 

Upper deck Economy Class:

 

 

The front cabin of the second deck is dedicated to Clipper’s new Comfort Class. All seats in Comfort are front-fancing and have a full table. These seats recline, unlike Economy.

 

 

Comfort Class passengers will also have access to complimentary snacks & non-alcoholic beverages.

 

 

Clipper is planning on charging $20 per person for the upgrade to Comfort Class – great value.

 

The third floor is limited to crew – looks like a lot of fancy gadgets to keep them happy 😊

 

 

Clipper V is expected to start sailing on Friday.

 

[Mike K.]

Very cool! Thank you for sharing.

[Nparker]

...Clipper is planning on charging $20 per person for the upgrade to Comfort Class – great value....

V2V could learn a thing or two about what passengers are willing to pay for an upgrade.

[VicHockeyFan]

Next Friday, yes.

 

What are they going to do with Clipper V all summer?  Just San Juans?

[VicHockeyFan]

V2V could learn a thing or two about what passengers are willing to pay for an upgrade.

 

Comp bev and snacks sounds good for $20.  Especially if I can load up on cheese like on BCF Quiet Lounge.

[Jackerbie]

Comp bev and snacks sounds good for $20.  Especially if I can load up on cheese like on BCF Quiet Lounge.

 

The best thing about the BCF Ferries Quiet Lounge is the cheese. The second best thing about the BCF Quiet Lounge is the absence of children taking the cheese before I can.

[vortoozo]

Next Friday, yes.

 

What are they going to do with Clipper V all summer?  Just San Juans?

 

This vessel is the Clipper V. It won't be travelling to the San Juans.

 

V2V could learn a thing or two about what passengers are willing to pay for an upgrade.

 

Personally, I think $20 is extremely good value. They could probably charge a bit more, given their clientele. We'll see how it shakes out.

[VicHockeyFan]

Oh, I mean what's Clipper IV to do all summer now?

 

Edited by VicHockeyFan, 01 March 2018 - 04:43 PM.

[VicHockeyFan]

Oh, I mean what's Clipper IV to do all summer now?

EDIT: Clipper folks say they are selling I and IV.

[grantpalin]

So no backup vessel?

 

Last time I visited Seattle with my folks, in Sep 2016, the clipper on the way back had engine trouble shortly after leaving Seattle and had to return. All passengers had to wait for 3+h for the other Clipper to travel from Victoria to Seattle to bring us home.

[vortoozo]

So no backup vessel?

 

Last time I visited Seattle with my folks, in Sep 2016, the clipper on the way back had engine trouble shortly after leaving Seattle and had to return. All passengers had to wait for 3+h for the other Clipper to travel from Victoria to Seattle to bring us home.

 

I imagine the Clipper III could pinch hit if required.

[thundergun]

New ship looks nice. Too bad there will be fewer sailings though. 

[VicHockeyFan]

Well if it makes two returns it actually serves us pretty well. More capacity on the early departure. And probably earlier by 30 minutes or an hour.

[VicHockeyFan]

Well if it makes two returns it actually serves us pretty well. More capacity on the early departure. And probably earlier by 30 minutes or an hour.

 

 

Victoria departure    -     Seattle arrival

 

So Tues/Wed it's only one return sailing.

Edited by VicHockeyFan, 02 March 2018 - 09:47 AM.

[Nparker]

Are the above all Victoria departure times?

[vortoozo]

Departure on the left, arrival on the right

[Rob Randall]

I'm on the maiden voyage to Seattle on the Clipper V. We got a complementary upgrade to Comfort Class. Very nice so far.

[Sparky]

How about some interior photos Rob?

[Rob Randall]

I have a few photos but the ones posted above are better and show the interior quite well. The sailing was about 30% capacity I'm guessing.

 

The ship came to a dead stop just as we were leaving the harbour and getting up to speed. The captain announced they had to reboot the dampening system and we were back up to full speed within a minute. The strait was choppy but the ride was as smooth as a jet plane. Very friendly crew.

 

When we docked in Seattle we could see all three Clippers together and the difference between Clipper V and the original Clipper is dramatic, the new one is so much larger. Apparently Clipper V is big enough to fit all the passengers from both Clippers I and IV.