FRS Clipper (Clipper Vacations) — Local services in Seattle

Tried to share this complaint with this lot, guess what got nothing back, nothing …

Sir / Madam,

I am writing to you about my disappointment, no absolute dissatisfaction about a whale watching trip I booked with you sailing on;

24th September 2022

Firstly I booked a whale watching trip advertised as;

About this Whale Watching Tour

Experience the best Seattle whale watching tour that leaves and returns direct from downtown! Hop aboard the San Juan Clipper and cruise out of Pier 69 on your adventure across the Salish Sea to discover and see transient orca whales, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales and a variety of sealife and wildlife!

Under the guidance of an onboard expert naturalist, you will explore one of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic areas while searching for a vast array of whales and sealife. Be sure to check out our Seattle Whale Watching Guide for an overview of what you may discover as well as our frequently asked questions.

That is from your website, we didn’t sail to the Salish Sea, we went to what I guess is Puget Sound off Vashon Island venturing as far south as past Tacoma Narrow Bridge. So that’s a breach of contract. Secondly the trip was to return to Pier 69 16:30 as advertised by you. We returned at 14:30 two hours early. Short changed I’m afraid. Thirdly and this is the most important point. FRS Clipper crew and tour guides freely offered during the trip that FRS new that only on whale was in the Puget Sound range of the tour offered. The Orca’s had left recently and only a juvenile Humpback Whale was in range. FRS sold me a trip to watch “whales” fully knowing there was only one to be seen. This is just unacceptable, why did FRS not advise of the situation. You sell the tours as to discover and see transient orca whales, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales and a variety of sealife and wildlife! Those are your words not mine, I note the plural ….. Now I have been whale watching off Cape Cod, Maui, Monterrey etc, I realise nature isn’t a given whales don’t just show up and perform, but the fact is you know there was nothing out there but still sold the tickets. Shame on you. Final point ….. the one whale out in Puget Sound that day … a juvenile, according to your guides no more than 2 years old …… what on earth are you doing selling trips day in day out to interfere this one precious animal, I say what are you doing ? its isolated and needs protection, it’s not a dog and pony show for some two bit whale watching company who has nothing else to show. FRS you really need to have a long and hard look at yourself. Every single person on that boat that day wanted to see whales as advertised, they are interested in whales and no doubt care for them. You were mercenary and sold tickets not as advertised, going to a completely different destination, knowing there was nothing to see and abusing an animal that should be treated with more respect.

DO NOT BOOK W|IT|H...

Wanted to visit Victoria, BC for years, but something always came up and we never made it; until this September 15, 2025.

Originally, was going to drive (143 miles, 2 1/2 hrs.) from Seattle to Vancouver and take the car ferry over to the island. Glad I didn't. Decided we were not going to need the car since there was so much to see in Victoria during our 4 1/2 day stay.

We instead booked a round-trip fare on the FRS CLIPPER V. We made our reservations weeks in advance and paid less (NOTE: TICKETS NON-REFUNDABE). The FRS website will answer ALL QUESTIONS, so advise reviewing when making reservations. There is only one round-trip cruise per day and I would definitely recommend a minimum of 2-3 days visit. Leaving Seattle from Pier 69 was hassle free, although FRS wanted you to check-in around 7 am, departing at 8 am, for the 3 hours cruise. Returning with a check-in at 4pm, leaving at 5pm, arrival at 8pm.

Check-in went smoothly, when you have all your required ID's and tickets. They allow a medium sized carry on but will "soak you" $40 for each checked in bag. Storage on the boat is spacious and convenient.

Highly recommend upper deck, Vista Class, window seating Row 16 or higher to keep you away from the W/C's. There is a big up charge to seating in upper deck, Premium Class, but the forward ship view with no obstructions is spectacular. Note: If your traveling during a slow time of year, reserve the cheaper seating on upper level since window seating will likely not be sold out and you can move to an unfilled window seat.

Was surprised at how luxurious the leather seating was, and they reclined (which unfortunately I didn't discover until the return trip). Another reason I recommend the upper deck seating, is the spaciousness available to the traveler and the easy access to the outdoor deck at rear to the ship. Standing only, no seating.

Also surprising was the (limited items) galley food quality. Note: place your food order early since many of the popular items were sold out.

The journey itself was smooth, fast (35 knots /40 mph), relaxing, comfortable, and extremely QUIET due to the design of the ship's propulsion system. No engine noise.

Had to slow down due to a Pod of Orcs near ship. So there are opportunities to see some sea life.

Finally, the Duty-Free shop needs some updating and expansion. Not much of a selection. Staff was friendly and helpful.

Going to Victoria, BC??

FRS CLIPPER V IS THE WAY TO...

STRANDED IN VICTORIA WITH NO WAY HOME // cancelled return trip 6/8/24

Approximately one month ago, my mother and I embarked on a trip to Victoria, BC for a weekend getaway, only to find ourselves abandoned by the FRS Clipper. Despite the enjoyable time spent in Victoria itself, the entire experience was ruined by the utter failure of the FRS Clipper team to communicate effectively and take responsibility for stranding us. The night before our scheduled return, our hotel displayed a Victoria Clipper advisory indicating a sailing advisory was in effect. The concierge vaguely mentioned technical issues without providing further details, raising immediate concerns. We hoped these would be resolved by morning.

Regrettably, they were not. At 9:30 AM, hours before our scheduled 6 PM departure, my mother received an email (which apparently not all passengers received) informing us that our return trip was canceled. Shockingly, the email offered no alternatives for getting back to Seattle, focusing solely on only refunding the boat fare. Consequently, our final vacation day was consumed by stress and wasted time as we scrambled to find a way home. We even had a high-tea reservation at the Empress that was also tainted, since we spent the entire hour looking at viable options to get home.

Ultimately, the most direct and less time consuming option we found was an $800 flight back to Seattle, plus the additional expense of an Uber to reach Victoria Airport. Upon our return, our attempts to engage with FRS Clipper for empathy or accountability were met with further disappointment. The company showed no willingness to reimburse us or any other affected customers for the substantial extra costs incurred due to their cancellation. Had the initial email from the Clipper provided viable return options (such as bus routes, ferry alternatives, etc.), we could have salvaged the remainder of our trip and adjusted our plans accordingly. Once again, the flagrant lack of accountability, communication, and customer service displayed by this company was utterly disgraceful.

While Victoria remains a charming destination, I strongly advise exploring alternative travel methods such as driving, or carefully considering other routes. Otherwise, you risk being stranded and forced to shell out hundreds of dollars unexpectedly—funds that could have been better...