Grand Alaska National Parks
Cruise Overview
Grand Alaska National Parks
Begin your Alaska experience with an amazing exploration of Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Our Adventure Guides will be with you throughout your journey to some of the most pristine geography on earth.
Admire the untamed landscape of Denali National Park, where low-elevation forest rises to alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in the tallest peak in North America. Next, venture to Kenai Fjords National Park, an ever-changing destination where ocean, mountains, and ice meet. After your incredible National Parks exploration, board your ship to begin your 12-day Alaskan Explorer cruise.
On this incredible voyage, explore the very best that Alaska has to offer. On your private balcony or one of the many open deck areas, you will have a front row seat to Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy exclusive access into Glacier Bay, the world’s largest biosphere.
Learn about the Tlingit and Russian history that has shaped Sitka from our native guide. Experience a jet boat adventure in Wrangell and charter a fishing boat while in Petersburg. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Tracy Arm Fjord and witness the hundreds of waterfalls cascading down its vertical cliffs.
At the end of an exciting, return to the comfoft of American Constellation and share the day's adventure with fellow guests.
Grand Alaska National Parks Itinerary
Grand Alaska National Parks Itinerary
Day By Day Itinerary
- Day 1 Fairbanks, AK
- Day 2 Fairbanks, AK
- Day 3 Denali National Park, AK
- Day 4 Denali National Park, AK
- Day 5 Travel to Anchorage, AK
- Day 6 Kenai Fjords National Park
- Day 7 Anchorage, AK
- Day 8 Juneau, AK
- Day 9 Afternoon of Cruising
- Day 10 Haines, AK
- Day 11 Day of Cruising the Inside Passage
- Day 12 Glacier Bay, AK
- Day 13 Sitka, AK
- Day 14 Cruising the Inside Passage & Frederick Sound
- Day 15 Petersburg, AK
- Day 16 Cruising the Wrangell Narrows
- Day 17 Wrangell, AK
- Day 18 Tracy Arm, AK
- Day 19 Juneau, AK
Day 1 - Fairbanks, AK
Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska’s largest interior city and meet your Adventure Guides for transportation to the hotel. They will be with you throughout your journey to some of the most pristine geography on earth.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 2 - Fairbanks, AK
Relax in the morning, enjoy lunch with your fellow explorers, and join your Adventure Guides for a narrated driving experiences through Fairbanks, including a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and the Trans Alaska Pipeline. Conclude the day with a Welcome Dinner.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Fairbanks Exploration
Fairbanks Exploration
Enjoy lunch with fellow travelers at a local restaurant. After, take part in an exploration of Fairbanks including a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, where you can get an overview of the area through exhibits that illustrate the cultural and economic history of the state. Next, view the Trans Alaska Pipeline, an oil transportation system spanning Alaska.
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Day 3 - Denali National Park, AK
Upon departing Fairbanks, a stop in Nenana will provide an opportunity to learn about the “golden spike,” which came to symbolize the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, the Pacific Railroad.
Once in Denali, admire the scenic landscape, where low-elevation forest rises to alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali, formerly Mount McKinley.
Stop at the Denali Visitor Center, where interpretive exhibits give you an overview of what the National Park has to offer. Hike short trails or explore the area around the Center, including the nearby bookstore/giftshop, and Alaska Railroad Depot.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Denali Visitor Center
Denali Visitor Center
Stop at the Denali Visitor Center, where interpretive exhibits give you an overview of what the National Park has to offer. Hike short trails or explore the area around the Center, including the nearby bookstore/giftshop, and Alaska Railroad Depot.
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Day 4 - Denali National Park, AK
After breakfast, enjoy a narrated Denali Park Road exploration. This comprehensive journey will lead you through the highlights of the park as a trained naturalist points out animals, geologic features, ecosystems, and more. Stop for a relaxing lunch before continuing your journey.
Bears, moose, Dall sheep, and migratory birds are some of the animals you may encounter during your ride. In the evening, be treated to dinner and a relaxing hotel stay.
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Guided Tundra Wilderness Exploration
Guided Tundra Wilderness Exploration
Led by a certified driver-naturalist, this exploration will guide you along the spectacular road corridor, as Denali’s wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Every day here offers different experiences. Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River to experience where Adolf Murie, an early 20th-century biologist for the National Park Service, lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park.
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Denali Dinner Theater
Denali Dinner Theater
Housed in an authentic log cabin in Denali Park Village, the Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre offers a taste of old-time Alaska. Be treated to hearty cuisine as well as a true-to-life Gold Rush tale of adventure set in early 1900s Alaska. Presented by a talented cast of characters, enjoy a great mix of colorful storytelling, spirited music, and humor.
Activity Level: Low / ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 5 - Travel to Anchorage, AK
Depart the Denali area by train in a deluxe dome rail car for your journey south to Talkeetna, a delightful and quirky town which began as a mining town and trading post and grew with the railway expansion.
Discover beautiful heritage buildings and a vibrant arts scene on a stroll down historic Main Street where you can talk with locals and find a perfect Alaskan souvenir. Then continue on to Anchorage for an overnight stay.
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Railcar to Talkeetna
Railcar to Talkeetna
Depart the Denali area on the Alaska Railroad in a deluxe dome rail car for your journey south to Talkeetna, a delightful and quirky town which began as a mining town and trading post and grew with the railway expansion.
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Day 6 - Kenai Fjords National Park
Enjoy a full day in Kenai Fjords National Park, an ever-changing destination where ocean, mountains, and ice meet. The park is comprised of the Harding Icefield, the largest icefield entirely within U.S. borders, as well as outflowing glaciers, coastal fjords, and islands.
Delight in a day of cruising along the shoreline and into fjords. Your captain will provide commentary along the way and position the boat for up-close viewing of glaciers and wildlife, including whales, stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Wildlife and Glacier Cruise – Kenai Fjords
Wildlife and Glacier Cruise – Kenai Fjords
Enjoy a half-day cruise that explores the natural beauty of Kenai Fjords. From tidewater glaciers to impressive sea animals such as whales, sea lions, seals, and porpoises, you will have an opportunity to experience the beauty of the park and surrounding waters.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yeshttps://aclmedia.azureedge.net/cmsmedia/libraries/acl/images/excursions/national%20parks/acl_700x500_wildlife_glacier_cruise.jpg?ext=.jpg
Day 7 - Anchorage, AK
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Anchorage with visit to the Alaska Sealife Center, the only cold water research and rehabilitation facility in Alaska.
Moving north, a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary which provides a home to injured and orphaned animals in 200 acres of spacious habitats. Meet the variety of animals native to Alaska, including bears, bison, reindeer, and wolf. You might even have the chance to feed a moose.
Be treated to dinner and a relaxing stay in Anchorage.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Alaska Sealife Center
Alaska Sealife Center
Explore the Alaska Sealife Center, the only facility in Alaska that combines a public aquarium with marine research, education, and wildlife response. Enjoy close encounters with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions, and other Alaska marine life, while learning about the work their researchers conduct both in the field and in their laboratories.
Activity Level: Low / ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Visit this unique sanctuary, dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. The center rescues injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides them with a spacious habitat. Most of the animals that arrive here become permanent residents and will always have a home here. Meet the variety of animals native to Alaska, including bears, bison, caribou, and wolf. You might even have the chance to feed a moose.
Activity Level: Low / ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial
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Day 8 - Juneau, AK
After your incredible National Parks exploration, fly from Anchorage to Juneau. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the city.
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Hotel Stay
Hotel Stay
Enjoy a premium hotel stay, a guided exploration of the city of Juneau, and transportation to the ship. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
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Day 9 - Afternoon of Cruising
In the morning, enjoy a guided exploration of Juneau. Downtown, peruse unique shops, excellent museums, and native heritage sites. Ride the enclosed tramway up the steep mountainside for spectacular views of forested islands, quiet coves, and rugged coastal mountains.
You excursion will end at the ship. As you depart the dock, keep an eye out for whales, renowned for their abundance in the area.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Juneau City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Juneau City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
On this tour through the city of Juneau, your guide will share the colorful history of Juneau's gold rush era and point out buildings of historical significance.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Welcome Aboard
Welcome Aboard
As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.
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Day 10 - Haines, AK
Nestled at the northern end of the Lynn Canal, the mountains rise steeply from the shoreline and seem to wrap around Haines. Along a river on the edge of town, view the bears that regularly feed on salmon.
Bald eagles are the stars of more than 260 species of birds in the adjacent Chilkat Valley. Enjoy a variety of activities, including a guided wildlife expedition, a private kayaking and rafting tour, or a visit to bald eagle rehabilitation center.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Historic Haines Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Historic Haines Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a historic walking tour led by a local guide who will give you an insider’s look at life in this small Alaskan town. Start at Fort William H. Seward, the first permanent Army base in Alaska. Learn about the rich history of the Chilkat Valley, including the pre-contact days of the Tlingit, the arrival of the missionaries, the US Army and Ft. Seward period, as well as more modern times. Admire the views from Officer’s Row, and visit Soap Suds Alley and the Parade Grounds. Explore the famous Hammer Museum, one of the prime attractions on Main Street. Hear stories about local controversies and the challenges of remote Alaskan living.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Valley of the Eagles Nature & Wildlife Expedition - Complimentary Excursion
Valley of the Eagles Nature & Wildlife Expedition - Complimentary Excursion
Knowledgeable and experienced local naturalists will guide you through the "Valley of the Eagles" to take in Alaska's nature and wildlife in six different wildlife habitats: ocean, estuary, river, lake, muskeg, and rainforest. Nestled between rugged glaciers and snow-capped mountains, the fertile Chilkoot Valley provides you with the potential to observe a wide variety of wildlife including brown bears, bald eagles, whales, seals, and river otters.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Discover Haines Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion
Discover Haines Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion
This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to the center of Haines and back. At your leisure, explore the rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture of this enchanting Alaskan town. This daily shuttle runs on a continuous loop.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Raft Excursion
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Raft Excursion
As you make your way to the Chilkat River to begin your rafting excursion, take a scenic riverside drive along Haines Highway, declared A National Scenic Byway. Witness glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, and green riverside channels that provide habitat for moose, bear, and trumpeter swans. After boarding your raft, enjoy a rapid-free, scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home of the world's largest concentration of bald eagle. Paddling is not required, as your expert guide will push the raft along, explaining the natural history of the area, the Chilkat Indian heritage, and fun facts about bald eagle ecology.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Adventure
Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Adventure
Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the scenic wonders of Alaska. Outfitted with the proper gear, you will soon be gliding silently along the shores of the pristine Chilkoot Lake. The tour begins with a seaside drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park which features a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and important Tlingit cultural sites. Keep an eye out for wildlife; bald eagles, brown bear, and migratory birds, all of which are often seen here. Arrive at the lake, take in the scenery and board your sea kayak. This lake is uncrowded, and the scenery is spectacular. Huge waterfalls spill off of the cliffs surrounding the lake, lush green forests line the shore, and wildlife abounds.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: High | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Port Chilkoot Distillery
Port Chilkoot Distillery
Welcome to Southeast Alaska’s first distillery, which has a quintessential Alaskan story; one of trailblazing, determination, creativity, and community. Get a peek behind the curtain at some of the Last Frontier’s favorite spirits, made on-site. Discover the art and science that goes into creating small-batch, hand-crafted spirits in the heart of the Inside Passage. Starting from the deck of a beautifully renovated historical building that now houses the Tasting Room. Learn the history of the distillery, visit the production space and barrel room, and try the spirits in cocktails or flights, including an excursion-exclusive sample of Wrackline Rye Whiskey straight from the barrel. Receive a souvenir shot glass and 10% off store merchandise.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 11 - Day of Cruising the Inside Passage
Relish a day of scenic cruising along the Inside Passage. Savor delicious cuisine, enjoy festive onboard activities and illuminating presentations, or just relax and be spoiled by the gracious hospitality of our all-American crew. As you glide smoothly aboard the new American Constellation, the only fully stabilized small cruise ship in the region, enjoy every modern comfort and convenience.
Nestle beside the large windows in one of our many lounges to revel in the scenery as you make new friends. Relax in the luxury of your stateroom, featuring a wall of windows, or sit out on your private veranda as the captain maneuvers the ship beside churning waterfalls, backcountry lodges, or into magical coves.
Thousands of humpback whales migrate for the nutrient-rich waters, as do orcas, sea lions, seals, dolphins, and porpoise. Watch for gliding or breaching whales, or even an incredible sighting of “bubble-net feeding” as the whales work to feed in tandem. Along the shoreline, you may also spot black and brown bears as well as Sitka black-tailed deer.
Excursions & Entertainment
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A Day of Cruising
A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
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Day 12 - Glacier Bay, AK
There is no place in the world quite like Glacier Bay National Park. The park sprawls majestically over 3.3 million acres of dynamic topography. Thousands of glaciers descend toward the bay, which is surrounded by the Fairweather Mountain Range, known to collect more than 200 feet of snow annually.
American Cruise Lines is one of a few cruise lines allowed privileged access into this natural wonder. Savor a day cruising through this 60-mile bay as you delight in the diverse and stunning surroundings. Sip on cocoa as the ship floats beneath massive glaciers. Gaze in amazement at hundreds of seals hauled out on floating icebergs and massive chunks of ice breaking off and collapsing into the water. Enjoy awe-inspiring sights as your onboard presenter shares stories about the unique aspects that make this place so remarkable.
From the comfort of your private balcony, watch for abundant marine and shoreside wildlife, including otters, seals, sea lions, black and brown bears, mountain goats, and many birds.
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Interpretive Glacier Bay Program - Complimentary Excursion
Interpretive Glacier Bay Program - Complimentary Excursion
The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is like no place else on earth. The park includes magnificent glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and miles of pristine coastline. Experience all of Glacier Bay’s beauty from the comfort of the American Constellation. A National Park Service Ranger will board the ship for the day and will provide expert narration as we cruise through Glacier Bay, identifying wildlife including orcas, humpback whales, brown bears, and bald eagles. Your tour will include a stop at a majestic tidewater glacier where you may hear the sounds of a calving glacier. American Cruise Lines has also made special arrangements to have an Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter join us on board who will share with you the fascinating human history and family stories of Glacier Bay’s native clans and people.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 13 - Sitka, AK
Discover this unique Alaskan town, which ascends beautifully up the hillside, with a harbor ornamented with lovely islands. Local museums feature artifacts and exhibits about the area’s long and rich history as an ancestral home of the Tlingit natives, the capital for Russia’s fur-trading enterprise, and the site of the formal transfer from the Russian empire to the United States on October 18, 1867.
Choose from dozens of attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places, seven of which are National Historic Landmarks. Surrounded by rainforest, this island community is framed by both mountains and sea and is teeming with wildlife, including brown bears, bald eagles, and all five species of Pacific salmon.
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Alaska Raptor Center Exploration
Alaska Raptor Center Exploration
Each year the Alaska Raptor Center takes in and treats hundreds of injured birds, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Observe wild eagles in the final stage of rehabilitation in the massive Bald Eagle Flight Training Center and learn about raptor natural history, habitats, and conservation. Explore the outdoor sanctuary which is a dramatic temperate rainforest setting and peruse the onsite gift shop.
Activity Level: Low / ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Sitka Local Loop
Sitka Local Loop
Explore Sitka at your leisure with this convenient shuttle that makes stops at:
• Sitka National Historical Park Visitor Center and Trails - This beautiful location preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit peoples. A unique totem pole collection from Tlingit and Haida areas lines the park's scenic trail. The Russian Bishop's House is another must-see and is part of the Sitka National Historical Park.
• Sheldon Jackson Museum - Founded in 1888, this fascinating museum presents an exceptional assortment of Alaska Native artifacts. Explore the unique collection that is housed in Alaska's first concrete structure, now on the National Register of Historic Places.
• The Sitka Historical Society and Museum – Learn the human history of Sitka and the surrounding areas, reflected in the breadth and variety of the museum’s collections and archives. With over 8,000 three-dimensional artifacts, several hundred paintings, and an extensive collection of photographs and documents from 1740s until present day, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Activity Level: Low / ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial
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Fortress of the Bears
Fortress of the Bears
Delight in the opportunity to get within 25 feet of Alaska's distinctive brown bears in a natural setting. set against the Tongass National Forest. View three populations of bears and observe their unique personalities from a large, covered viewing platform, indoor balcony windows, or ground level windows. Meet experienced naturalists as they share their love and knowledge of this often feared, yet most revered creature of the forest. Learn the challenges faced when rescuing these incredible giants.
Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Partial
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Day 14 - Cruising the Inside Passage & Frederick Sound
After several days of exploration, a cruising day is the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge as you enjoy marvelous views of Alaska’s natural wonders. Sail through glacier-carved fjords framed by sky-piercing mountains that frame our cruising route and provide a dramatic backdrop as they rise from sea level up to more than 15,000 feet. View numerous scattered islands, forested down to the waterline.
Your captain will position the ship for the best up-close viewing of whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and puffins. Bald eagles and seabirds may also be spotted flying overhead.
Excursions & Entertainment
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A Day of Cruising
A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
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Day 15 - Petersburg, AK
As your ship docks in Petersburg, admire the surrounding mountains which rise to the sky, white and gleaming. Founded more than 100 years ago by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg is an authentic Alaskan fishing town, with most families making their living from the sea. Be warmly welcomed by locals and excursion guides who are proud to share the treasures of their hometown and honor the culture of those who first settled here.
For a spectacular view, take a flightseeing excursion and soar over massive glaciers, majestic valleys, and mystic bays. Explore the charming shops and quaint museums of downtown or hike along the waterfront to enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Charter a fishing boat for the afternoon in the adjacent Frederick Sound or delight in a jet boat adventure to nearby LeConte Glacier Bay.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Petersburg Walking Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Petersburg Walking Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Explore this vibrant fishing town on a walk led and narrated by our local guide. View the scenic waterfront adorned with boats, both new and weathered, and stroll along the historic streets lined with homes decorated with flowery Norwegian Rosemåling. Along the way, learn about the early settlers, Sons of Norway Hall, Sing Lee Alley, commercial fishing, and the Norwegian heritage of Petersburg.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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LeConte Glacier Flightseeing Experience
LeConte Glacier Flightseeing Experience
Climb aboard a de Havilland Beaver floatplane and visit LeConte, Alaska’s southernmost tidewater glacier. During your 45-minute flight, fly over your ship at the dock and across Frederick Sound to LeConte Glacier Bay, where you can view the beautiful blue icebergs and hanging glaciers below, as well as seals and birds which inhabit the fjord.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Petersburg Dock Walk - Complimentary Excursion
Petersburg Dock Walk - Complimentary Excursion
Petersburg’s location is in the heart of southeast Alaska, making it ideal for major industry commercial fishing. Led by local fishermen and fishery biologists, enjoy a one hour narrated dock walk through Petersburg’s boat harbors. Enjoy
discussion of various fishing boats, methods of fishing, permits, processing and more.Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Private Fishing Charter
Private Fishing Charter
In the company of a small group of fellow American Cruise Lines guests, enjoy a half day of fishing aboard the “First Choice” fishing charter. Admire the scenic splendor of southeast Alaska as you enjoy the thrill of the catch. All equipment is provided and you will even be able to keep your delicious catch to ship home.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Discover Petersburg Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary
Discover Petersburg Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary
This convenient shuttle allows you to discover Petersburg independently as you shop and stroll through this charming fishing town. At your leisure, explore this island community which continues to make a living from the sea. Running daily on a continuous loop.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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LeConte Glacier Jet Boat Adventure
LeConte Glacier Jet Boat Adventure
Delight in a jet boat adventure to nearby LeConte Glacier Bay, the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Enter the narrow Fjord and watch for seals and eagles on the icebergs, mountain goats near the hanging glaciers and the creation of icebergs falling off the face of the glacier. Along the way, your captain/guide will provide engaging commentary about all you are witnessing.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Mitkof Island Guided Drive
Mitkof Island Guided Drive
Your exploration begins on your motorcoach ride to Falls Creek and Blind River Rapids trailhead, two local hangouts. Along the way, your driver and guide, born and raised in the area, will tell tales of life in a small Alaskan town. Enjoy the short drive through “Little Norway,” the downtown of Petersburg, and continue the drive “out the road,” as locals call it. Stop at Falls Creek Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall and salmon fish ladder, where you can learn about the life cycle of salmon, their role in the local environment, and their importance on the local economy.
Continue to Blind River Rapids trailhead. Upon arrival, walk along a quarter-mile boardwalk which allows your feet to stay dry as you observe the rapids and the local ecosystem. View muskeg, the favorite skunk cabbage of bears, Alaska wildflowers and berries, as well as lodgepole pines. As the rapids are a popular spot for fishing and salmon viewing, your guide will explain the various types of salmon found in the area. Keep an eye out for bald eagles which are also a common sighting.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial
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Day 16 - Cruising the Wrangell Narrows
Cruising between Wrangell and Petersburg, the ship travels through the Wrangell Narrows – a deep and narrow waterway which resembles a fjord with steep and verdant shorelines gliding alongside the ship. Delight in a tasty snack and beverage as you nestle in to admire the scenic landscapes.
Bask in stunning views of glaciers, strings of cascading waterfalls, and wildlife ranging from marine mammals to a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds. Enjoy activities with your ship staff, listen to an enlightening presentation from the guest speaker, and sample the chef’s regional creations.
Excursions & Entertainment
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A Day of Cruising
A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
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Day 17 - Wrangell, AK
Wrangell’s cozy little bay offers a broad view of the attractive town and along the long valley descending from the backdrop of coastal mountains. To the north of town, the Stikine River empties into the ocean in braided rivulets across a wide delta. Salmon runs attract wildlife and observation areas enable you to safely watch eagles, seals, black bears, and brown bears feasting on the spawning fish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a jet boat ride up the river, an important route during the Gold Rush. On your exploration of the town, savor the flavors of fresh salmon and halibut, participate in native Tlingit culture, or stop and pick from the wild bushes of blueberries and huckleberries.
Excursions & Entertainment
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Wrangell Experience - Complimentary Excursion
Wrangell Experience - Complimentary Excursion
Discover the highlights of this truly Alaskan town and see its colorful history and native culture come to life while visiting the Petroglyph State Historic Site and the Wrangell Museum with its 5,000+ historic photos, native artifacts, Tlingit Petroglyphs, and fishing, mining and logging displays.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Stikine River Jet Boat Adventure
Stikine River Jet Boat Adventure
The Stikine River – the fastest navigable, free-flowing river in North America – is truly a photographer’s dream. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and massive glaciers while searching for a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, brown and black bear, and the bald eagle.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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The Wild Bears of Anan
The Wild Bears of Anan
At the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Alaskan wildlife, even wild bears, up close. Travel by a covered, heated boat on a beautiful journey to Anan in the protected waters between Wrangell Island and the Mainland. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by US Forest Service personnel, who will provide a brief orientation.
Next, an expert guide will lead you to Anan Creek’s observation deck, providing commentary about the local flora and fauna along the way. From the observation deck, you can view black and brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals in their natural habitat as they feed on spawning pacific salmon, just a few feet away. With the earliest pink salmon run of the season, this creek draws Alaska’s predators to fish within close parameters of each other, a rare occurrence in the wild. A photo blind is located directly on Anan Creek below the observation deck where guests can take up-close photos of the bears and eagles catching fish.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Activity Level: High | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Experience Nature, a Botanical Rainforest Walk
Experience Nature, a Botanical Rainforest Walk
Experience the beauty of nature on this botanical rainforest walk. This easy, well maintained nature trail is an incredible way to see, touch, and learn about all the botanical wonders that the Tongass National Forest holds. The walk takes you through several different terrains including meadows, a forest, and the beautiful, yet mysterious muskeg. Your expert guide will identify and explain all the plants and wildlife that are native to this area, describing plants that are beneficial to us and which ones to stay away from. Discover how wildlife thrives in this lush forest, home to many species of endangered and rare flora and fauna.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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Day 18 - Tracy Arm, AK
This day of cruising offers an array of scenic highlights as our small ship meanders the narrow channel of the Tracy Arm Fjord. Throughout the 25-mile journey, the waterway averages only about a mile wide, framed by steep vertical cliffs stretching more than 3,000 feet high. Pockets of valleys reveal views of larger, snow-capped peaks featuring mountainsides adorned with ancient forest and swaths of sparkling glaciers.
Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the cliffs and tumble into the water. The miraculous journey is further heightened as the ship arrives at the faces of the stunning twin Sawyer Glaciers that once combined to carve out this incredible waterway. Seals lounge with their young on small ice floes. During glacier viewing, the crew prepares a delicious hot-chocolate bar with an array of toppings and liqueurs.
The area is almost unchanged since naturalist John Muir visited in 1879 and described this special place as "shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls and fringes of trees, bushes, and patches of flowers."
Excursions & Entertainment
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One-of-a-Kind Hot Chocolate Bar
One-of-a-Kind Hot Chocolate Bar
Indulge yourself at our one-of-a-kind Hot Chocolate Bar on the sun deck as our onboard naturalist provides expert commentary on the beautiful scenery of Tracy Arm. There is a sense of excitement as you anticipate the next waterfall, mountain goat, or bear, on your way to the crystal blue glacier.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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Day 19 - Juneau, AK
After an exciting adventure exploring the best of Alaska, end your journey where it began, in Juneau. Enjoy breakfast on board before departing the ship.
You may decide to stay longer in this enchanting destination, brimming with incredible wildlife viewing, shopping, eateries, and breweries. of Alaska’s capital.
Excursions & Entertainment
Ships
Ships Deck Plans, Staterooms
American Constellation
Deck Plan 1
Stateroom Categories
Select below for stateroom details
- Owner's Suite Private Balcony
- Veranda Suite Private Balcony
- AAM Private Balcony
- AAC Private Balcony
- AAL Private Balcony
- AA
- Single Private Balcony
- Single
Upcoming Cruises
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