We've been on 50+ cruises over the years, and lately we have very much enjoyed the small ship ambience found on American Cruise Lines. I think what keeps people coming back is the friends is the ease with which you can travel to unique American destinations. Also, it's so easy to meet fellow travelers and share the journey together.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Perfect - we had the pre-cruise package and it was very convenient. The best part was the bus tour of Seattle the morning before we boarded the cruise - the guide was excellent and we really had a great understanding of the city of Seattle by the time we arrived at the ship and lunch was ready for us. Couldn
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food was delicious and plentiful. We really enjoyed all the meals, and found that the staff were very accommodating of allergies/ preferences/ special diets while still making really good food. Three full meals a day, cocktail hour appetizers, and of course, cookie time twice a day - we were fully satisfied.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We enjoyed playing Trivia with the cruise director, the arts and crafts classes, and the really knowledgeable guest speaker. The speaker provided enrichment lectures on the history, geography, animal and plant life of the Puget Sound every day. I especially found the port talks each evening helpful. There was enough down time that I was able to finish a book, and work on a "community" puzzle for a few hours.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Evening shows were local musical acts, and they were so fun. Several nights we hit the dance floor and worked off a few of those calories we had at cookie time.
Children's Programs
No children were onboard
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Dining room staff were so friendly and engaging with guests. This is part of the reason I love small ship cruising - you really get to know everyone on board - fellow guests, crew, deckhands, everyone. Several times I saw staff going above and beyond for the guests.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship was well maintained and always clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The rooms on this ship are generously sized, plenty of storage space, and super comfy beds.
Ship tip
Participate in all the activities, that's how you get to know the other guests and get the most from the enrichment programs.
One of the highlights of the cruise was our day in Friday Harbor. We took the Jolly Trolley tour, and visited lavender fields (which we caught in full bloom), an alpaca farm where we got to hand feed alpacas, a gorgeous lighthouse, and a lively Roche Harbor. I felt like we got a great look at the whole island.
American Cruise Lines made this day, which has a few moving parts and pieces, very simple. The cruise director escorted us on the trip - from our ship to the ferry to Victoria to Buschart Gardens and then back again - all seamless thanks to our very well prepared cruise director ( Conor).
Port Townsend turned out to be our favorite city on the Sound, so much so that we've already made plans to return for a longer visit. Charming Victorian seaside town that is committed to preserving the original look and feel. The ship was in port until early morning, so we were able to go to a movie at a gorgeously preserved/restored theater in town that evening, with an easy 1 block walk back to the ship.
A charming Norwegian town, with a bakery that is not to be missed - Sluys Bakery. Go get in line and enjoy! We opted for a walk around town on our own, and we had a terrific time. Also, check out the Marina Grocery store - it was filled with interesting international foods and if black licorice is your thing, this is your place!
Couldn't have been easier. Luggage was moved from our room to the bus, we got on the bus and were at the airport in plenty of time for our 10:30am flight.
I would love to take a Chesapeake cruise with them. Unfortunately, it a little out of my budget right now. It nice getting feedback on smaller cruise lines. Some day, when the kids are out of school.
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