American Constellation in Alaska: Cruising

Cruising Lynn Canal Fjord
(Photo: Gerry Barker)

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

Day two of our "Alaska Explorer" cruise on American Constellation is spent cruising the waters of the Lynn Canal Fjord as we head for our next port of call, Haines. Capt. Bryan will keep us posted on any whale sightings as passengers settle into their staterooms and learn their way around the ship.

The scenery around us is -- what can I say? -- breathtaking. There's a chill in the air (after all, it is Alaska) and many choose to view the sights from the Cascade Lounge on deck 3, which offers the use of binoculars.

American Constellation was launched in 2017, built by ACL's shipbuilding company, Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp. It accommodates 175 passengers (there are around 150 on this cruise) and is 280 feet in length. The wheelhouse has an open door policy most of the time, so you can observe the crew at work as they navigate the Alaskan waterways.

Musicians Gosia and Ali serve as the house entertainment, and each evening features a social hour from 5:30-7 when cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served to guests. Passengers also spend a lot of their time onboard in the Sky Lounge on deck 4, where you can get breakfast and lunch. Snacks, water, soft drinks, wine and beer are also available here 24/7.

The main dining room on the first deck serves breakfast, lunch and dinner during designated hours. It's open seating, and you can view the daily menu, as well as make your selections, on ACL's personalized website, American Explorer.

The long daylight hours take some getting used to. It won't get dark until after 11 pm and the sun is back up by 4 am or so. More time to enjoy the spectacular views, we say.
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Cruising the Lynn Canal Slideshow
Photos: Gerry Barker

Video by Gerry Barker