SEATTLE — FRS Clipper will launch a seasonal passenger ferry service between downtown Seattle and Poulsbo beginning Nov. 27, offering round-trip holiday excursions on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20.
The new service, called the Poulsbo Express, will transport passengers from Seattle’s Pier 69 to downtown Poulsbo aboard the Emerald Clipper catamaran, providing approximately five hours for shopping, dining and holiday activities before returning to Seattle the same evening.
The 90-minute cruise will travel through Puget Sound and Agate Pass, departing Seattle at 10 a.m. and arriving in Poulsbo at 11:30 a.m. Return departures are scheduled for 4:30 p.m., with arrival in Seattle at 6 p.m.
Tickets start at $99 per passenger.
“This is about creating a complete holiday day trip, not simply getting people from Seattle to Poulsbo,” said Nik Coutinho, Director of Sales & Marketing, FRS Clipper. “Guests can step aboard in downtown Seattle in the morning, spend the day enjoying Christmas in Poulsbo and be back in Seattle that evening, without worrying about driving, parking or traffic to get there.”
The service will operate over four consecutive weekends during the holiday season, with sailings scheduled for Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 18-20.
Passengers will arrive near Poulsbo’s historic downtown waterfront, where shops, restaurants, bakeries and seasonal attractions are within walking distance. Holiday activities will vary by weekend.
FRS Clipper also plans to offer holiday music, themed food and beverages and family activities aboard the vessel during the crossings.
Poulsbo Mayor Ed Stern welcomed the additional transportation service and its potential to bring visitors to the city’s downtown businesses.
“The City of Poulsbo is pleased to welcome FRS Clipper Excursions to our waterfront for the 2026 holiday season,” said Ed Stern, Poulsbo City Mayor, “Their arrival offers new opportunities for visitors to experience Poulsbo’s unique charm, vibrant local businesses, and festive Nordic holiday traditions. We are excited to partner with FRS Clipper in creating a memorable and joyful season for residents and guests alike.”
Port of Poulsbo Manager James Weaver said the service aligns with the port’s efforts to encourage waterfront visitation and economic activity.
“We’re [also] thrilled to welcome FRS Clipper and its passengers to the Port of Poulsbo for this unique holiday experience,” said James Weaver, Port Manager for the Port of Poulsbo, “Creating new opportunities that bring visitors to our waterfront, support local businesses, and generate lasting economic benefit for our community is an important part of the Port’s economic development mission.”
FRS Clipper operates passenger ferry services and tourism excursions in the Pacific Northwest, including its Seattle-to-Victoria, British Columbia, route.
The Poulsbo Express will operate as a same-day excursion, with no overnight accommodations required.
Additional information, ticket prices and sailing details are available at poulsbo-express.frs-clipper.com.
Leave a Reply