The trip of a lifetime

Item: American Constellation
Rating: 4.9
Author: diane4art

American Constellation Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

diane4art

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 111

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5

10 Night Alaskan Explorer (Juneau Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 13, 2022

Ship: American Constellation

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Wonderful journey on a small ship. If you want to really see Alaska this is the way to do it. The ship is comfortable and the destination perfect. Small towns and plenty of wildlife. My favorites were the whales. We saw at least a dozen. The ice blue of the glaciers is breathtaking. I feel blessed to have had this experience. The daily lectured=s really enhanced our trip. When a whale was sighted the Captain or David, would announce it so no one would miss it. The small towns were very picturesque. I can't imagine living there. they are very remote. If you want to see the real inside package. a smallship...this small ship is the way to go. The trip of a lifetime.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

wonderful. We did the precruise hotel and city tour. boarding was very simple

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Just great!! dining room and Happy hour were perfect!

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

This is a small ship. 150 passengers. There is no pool, casino or spa but we did have a terrific speaker, David who gave lectures several times a day, evening games and entertainment and a wonderful art class daily.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

We had great entertainment, but I wish they used more local entertainment. I experienced that on the Mississippi, 9loved it) but I do realize that it is difficult in Alaska where transportation between ports is difficult. The did have a terrific Pianist and David the cruise director who are both very tallented.

Children's Programs

I am 72 and not traveling with children

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our waitress was so sweet. All staff are American and a joy to be around. Our room was keep very clean and i wish I could have brought them home with me.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The American cruiseline ships are all similar. Very Classy and comfortable. Beautiful wicker outdoor and sunrooms and a comfortable living room like area for lectures and programs.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our cabin was spacious. King bed with room for a desk bureau and 2 chairs. We also had a veranda with a table and 2 chairs. Very comfortable and quiet. we could not hear our neighbors.

Ship tip

Wifi and tv are not the best in remote areas. Bring a good book.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

we had a bus tour but after speaking to others I wish I had come to town earlier. everyone liked it.

Thumbs Up 0

Skagway, Alaska Did not visit port

We missed this port and went to Hoonah instead. It was a cute small town with an active Alaskan Native population. We enjoyed it.

Thumbs Up 0

Haines, Alaska

5 out of 5

We chose not to do an excursion and instead walked into town. It was really cute. The gardens were amazing. We went to the local museum and to the Hammer museum.. what a hoot! even a local brewery with great beer and art.

Thumbs Up 0

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

this was a sea day like no other. The captian went looking for wildlife and was not disappointed. We saw multiple Eagle, Sea Lion, Puffins and whales!!! Amazed!

Thumbs Up 0

PETERSBURG, ALASKA

5 out of 5

This is a fishing town. My husband took a charter fishing trip and I took the included Dock tour. What a cool place. It is the center of the fishing trade in Alaska. King Salmon and snow crab are the main catch I believe. The town itself is also quite charming.

Thumbs Up 2

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Great stop.. If I was to stay in Alaska I would probably stay here. The town has a lot to offer. a little bigger so more to do. Here we took a tour of a totem Park. It was fascinating. Our native guide was wonderful and don't miss the giftshop.. the best of all that we saw. We contributed to the economy! lots of 'Made in Alaska' original pieces.

Thumbs Up 0

Wrangell, Alaska

5 out of 5

Her we took and excursion to the Petroglyphs. They are on a beach on the outskirts of town. Very interesting. This town is also known for Garnets. They are collected and sold by children only. The garnet area was giving to the children.

Thumbs Up 1

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

5 out of 5

Just Wow!!! we saw everything but a Moose.. So much fun to watch eagles trying to swim with a large fish in their talons! Tons of sealions and many humpback whales.

Thumbs Up 1

Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

5 out of 5

Sawyer Glacier was breathtaking and in a small ship we got up close and personal! There were several beautiful waterfalls and icebergs on the way. The "ice Blue" was amazing.

Thumbs Up 1

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

the ship supplied a shuttle to the airport. They accommodated our early departure and even gave us a goodybag breakfast.

Traveler Photos

5 Comments

kwahl1 1 year ago

Great review! We've done the American Melody on the Mississippi and I high recommend. I'm tying to get a feel for the Alaska trip, due to sail in May 2024. I've read a number of negative from the COVID days, not on this website. Good to hear that customer service has improved. Please keep it up.

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Ship2Shora 1 year ago

What a brilliant way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sound

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dixietino 2 years ago

This is very informative and motivating to try your cruise line, thank you for the details

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AuntPinkie 2 years ago

Appreciate your detailed review. Sometimes the smaller ship can be more informative than any large cruise liner. Glad you enjoyed your cruise so much’

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javawoody 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your experience

Thumbs Up 1

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