7 Nights Puget Sound & San Juan Islands Cruise | Seattle roundtrip

Type of Vessel

Uniquely designed to navigate the inland waterways of the Pacific Northwest, the brand new American Constellation brings guests to beautiful ports the larger ships can't access. In the intimate atmosphere onboard, guests will find the largest staterooms in the industry, spacious lounges, as well as observation decks and private balconies that offer spectacular views of the passing landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Seattle, Washington: Abounding with natural and man-made wonders, Seattle is Washington's largest city. Located on the Puget Sound, this vibrant city is surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests. Seattle is also home to a large tech industry with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area. Arrive a day early to explore this incredible destination. Stop at the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market, before exploring the iconic Space Needle, a 1962 World's Fair legacy. Departing from the famous Fisherman's Terminal, begin your cruise from this lively city to the majestic waters of Puget Sound.

Day 2 | Anacortes, Washington: Anacortes is a picturesque waterfront town located on Fidalgo Island in Northwest Washington. This vibrant coastal community is home to one of the world's largest whale watching fleets, as well as Deception Pass, one of the most photographed places in the Northwest. More than 50 miles of trails run through Anacortes and Fidalgo Island, where you can enjoy views of Mount Erie, four fresh-water lakes, old growth forest, and a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles. Explore the downtown, just a few steps from the dock, and peruse its sophisticated boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.
Get an unobstructed view of Deception Pass aboard the Island Whaler, an aluminum catamaran, while exploring the sights and sounds of this historic region. Hear the tales of characters who once navigated these waters and visit local attractions including the Old Prison Rock Quarry and Deception Island.
Located between Seattle and Vancouver, on beautiful Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is known as the gateway to San Juan. It is a thriving seaside town that reflects its fascinating boom and bust history as well as the area's entrepreneurial spirit. Your local guide will provide an orientation of the town while you admire the colorful murals depicting Anacortes' history.
Travel to nearby La Conner and learn more about this charming town as you explore the downtown area and visit the local Skagit County Historical Museum. Upon your return to Anacortes, stop at the SeaBear Smokehouse for an exclusive tasting and exploration. Since its founding in 1957, SeaBear Smokehouse has been smoking salmon in the centuries-old traditions of the Pacific Northwest. During your visit, sample a variety of smoked salmon, including San Juan Sliders and Smoked Salmon Chowder.

Day 3 | Cruising the San Juan Islands : Your cruise is as much about the journey as it is about each destination. Today is a day to revel in the scenery, as you make way through the San Juan Islands. Witness the whales, eagles, and seals that adorn the backdrop of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. As you cruise, listen to your onboard expert describe the native wildlife or simply sit back and enjoy the sun on the top deck.

Day 4 | Friday Harbor, Washington: Friday Harbor is a charming town with a rich history and an abundance of character. Small enough to walk from one end to the other, this secluded coastal fishing village is adorned with historic storefronts, picturesque turn-of-the-century houses, and Coast Salish native carvings. Explore Friday Harbor's diverse topography, from pebbly beaches to magnificent mountains and lush valleys. Stroll through the historic district and witness the local population of whales from the Port of Friday Harbor. At the Whale Museum, learn about Spirit, the orca whale American Cruise Lines adopted during the first season on the Puget Sound.
Depart Friday Harbor for an exciting whale watching cruise. The San Juan Islands archipelago is considered the one of best places to view orca whales. Salmon, which are their prime source of food, travel up and down the west coast of the San Juan Islands and outlying areas, resulting in spectacular viewing of whales in their natural habitat.
Take a guided kayak trip in the serene Griffin Bay. Paddle by small islands and hidden coves with the possibility of seeing a harbor seal haul out, bald eagles, river otters, and a variety of local and migratory seabirds. The majestic Mount Baker and the Olympic and Cascade ranges creates a picturesque backdrop for your sea kayaking experience in the San Juan Islands. Paddle in the comfort and safety of stable tandem fiberglass kayaks, with therma-rest seat cushions and lightweight carbon-fiber paddles.
Join a docent at the Whale Museum for a guided journey. In the Gallery of Whales, learn about the natural history of marine mammals, with a special focus on the orcas of J, K and L pods living in the waters of the San Juan Islands. Discover a mesmerizing collection of exhibits, artwork, models, and artifacts, including actual whale skeletons and a family tree of the resident orcas. You can also listen to the "songs" of various species of whales in the Whale Phone Booth and watch an informative video on Pacific Northwest orcas.
Visit the beautiful and unique San Juan Island. Explore Roche Harbor, a resort that was the site of an active lime kiln industry for several decades. View the original hotel, company store, and kilns, as well as the beautiful garden. Enjoy a visit to an alpaca farm, followed by a stop at Lime Kiln State Park where you can walk down to a working lighthouse and take in the scenic views across Haro Strait to Vancouver Island and Victoria.

Day 5 | Victoria, British Columbia / Port Angeles, Washington: The only Canadian town on the cruise, Victoria is a wonderful place to spend a day on a guided exploration through the magnificent Butchart Gardens and lively waterfront. Start from the berth in Port Angeles, continuing to Hurricane Ridge with vast views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the mountainous wilderness of Olympic National Forest.
Take a scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. You will be greeted in Victoria by a friendly local guide who will take you on a brief journey of the city on your way to the Butchart Gardens. As you enter the park under the flower-adorned archway, stone paths line gentle streams decorated with colorful arrays of flowers. Before heading back to the ship, enjoy a picnic luncheon in the midst of the garden.
The natural beauty of the Olympic National Park will be on full display as a local park ranger takes you on a journey of the grounds. Traveling in small groups, learn about the park's unique variety of flora and fauna and visit Hurricane Ridge, one of its most popular destinations. On the ridge, where natural wildflowers cover mountain meadows, witness the best vista views of the park.
One of the unique aspects of the nearly one million acres of Olympic National Park is the diversity of environments. Witness the beautiful turquoise waters of this glacier-formed lake. Stop at Lake Crescent Lodge for time to explore and enjoy a complimentary beverage while viewing the breathtaking landscape. On this walking trip, discover the unique, downtown of Port Angeles. The eccentric outdoor art, magnificent shopping, and stunning floral landscaping make this a true treasure of the Pacific Northwest.

Day 6 | Port Townsend, Washington: Bordered by Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Townsend is a historic Victorian seaport with a rich maritime heritage, artistic spirit, and a touch of urban chic. Explore its ornate Victorian era homes, small museums, and unique art galleries as you view the spectacular snow-capped Olympic Mountains.
Your guide will greet you on board to take you to the National Historic Landmark site of Fort Worden State Park. Here you will discover the history of the "Triangle of Fire," a trio of forts built to protect Puget Sound at the turn of the last century. Fort Worden occupies the northwestern side of the triangle and sits atop a scenic bluff on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Highlights include Point Wilson Lighthouse, built to help friendly warships navigate home, and the Parade Grounds, where military drills and training were once held. Before returning to the ship, your guide will take you to the ramparts atop the fort where massive gun emplacements look out onto fantastic views of the Puget Sound.
The local guide dressed in Victorian-era attire will greet you at the ship for a one-of-a-kind welcome to Port Townsend. This lively guide will take you through the historic downtown area telling tales about the many colorful characters that helped build the city. Learn about the city's interesting architecture, the waterfront district's unique past, and how this tiny town came to be called the "New York of the West."
Enjoy a tasting at Finnriver and view the beautiful fields and orchards, while relaxing at the pavilion or on the tasting porch. Featured will be pours of Finnriver farm-crafted hard cider and fruit wines, complemented with local award-winning cheese, crackers, and local jelly. As you sip, enjoy stories about each bottle and learn about the farm mission and history.
Take a short one-block walk to Pippa's Real Tea and enjoy a lavish, traditional English High Tea in a former bordello on Port Townsend's historic waterfront. Twice voted Best Tea Shop in Seattle, Pippa's Real Tea is famous for its "proper" scones and real clotted cream which Pippa makes herself. With a cozy fireplace and a stunning courtyard garden, Pippa's is welcoming in any season. In addition to the traditional tea sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, and a selection of pastries, each guest will receive a complimentary pouch of special custom blended tea.

Day 7 | Poulsbo, Washington: Poulsbo is a great place to visit for its history, scenery, and lively downtown. Originally a logging camp settled by Norwegians who likened the landscape to the fjords of their homeland, Poulsbo retains a Scandinavian influence. A distinct Native American influence is present in nearby Suquamish, located on the Port Madison Indian Reservation, where a museum is dedicated to the history and culture of this native tribe.
The night before arriving in Poulsbo, an onboard historian will share with you the history of local Suquamish tribe. The following day, visit the new Suquamish Museum, which brings together a variety of artifacts and photographs from Suquamish people, many of which have never been exhibited before. A highlight of the museum is a uniquely designed cedar timeline depicting the tribe's history from the beginning of the last Ice Age to current times.
As you tender into the small town of Poulsbo, a friendly guide from the Poulsbo Historical Society will be there to greet you at the dock. Once a popular destination for Norwegian and Finnish immigrants, the town's Scandinavian influence is evident the minute you step ashore. Your guide will take you through the historic downtown area. Afterward, enjoy a sampling of authentic Norwegian pastries.

Day 8 | Seattle, Washington: Welcome back to Seattle. Relax on the sun deck as the famous skyline of the city draws near. Once you arrive, make the most of you time in Seattle with an excursion or transportation arrangements back home.

Guest Services

The all-American crew from American Cruise Lines simply provides you with the best possible cruise experience by offering an unsurpassed level of attention. Whether onboard or ashore, each member of the crew will work with you to help accommodate your specific interests, tastes, and needs. Attentive and personalized service is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines.

Food and Dining

Meals are served in the spacious dining salon, which accommodates all passengers at one seating. The day's menu is announced well in advance, and consists of fresh meats and seafood, as well as in-season fruits and vegetables. Special menus are available to passengers on restricted diets. Most special dietary needs can be accommodated, though advance notice. All meals are prepared to order. Coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks are available 24 hours a day.

Onboard Activities/Events

Let American Cruise Lines guide you through the origins and rich traditions of music on America's legendary rivers and waterways. These shores are home to many celebrated styles of music including Country, Jazz, Blues, and Rock n' Roll. Onboard and ashore, enjoy music inspired by each unique region and learn its impact on the development of American music. Also enjoy daily entertainments from historians, naturalists, and local experts that join every cruise. Daily lectures ranging from history to culture to cuisines.
The onboard naturalists and historians bring meaning and relevance to each destination. Learn about the unique marine life and the incredible ecosystem of Washington's temperate rainforest, as well as the native art and culture of the region. As you cruise, listen to the onboard expert describe the native wildlife including whales, eagles, and seals from the sun deck.

Shore Excursions

Explore the hidden gems of the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. Savor the delicious cuisine, visit the most sought-after destinations, view the amazing wildlife and immerse yourself in all the area has to offer. Shore Excursions include Skagit County Museum and SeaBear Salmon Tasting, San Juan Kayaking Experience, Whale Watching Journey, Butchart Gardens and Deception Pass Jet Boat Excursion.

Staterooms or Cabins

Owner's Suites | At up to 450 square feet, the American Constitution Owner's Suites are both spacious and elegantly appointed. Located on a private deck, each secluded suite offers distinguished travelers amazing views from the private walk-out balcony. The well-furnished suites come fully equipped and offer a sitting area, writer's desk, sliding glass door, and full-size bathroom.
Veranda Suites | With a generous up to 450 square feet of relaxing space, each includes a private walk-out balcony to enjoy the panoramic views. Considered one of the finest staterooms on any cruise ship, guests will enjoy full-size bathrooms and large living area with sliding glass door.
AAM Staterooms | Located on the fourth deck at 368 square feet of space, designed to offer the privacy you desire while cruising. These spacious staterooms are elegantly furnished and feature floor to ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to a private walk-out balcony where the grandness of the Pacific Northwest scenery can be enjoyed.
AAC Staterooms | Featuring the most modern amenities, these spacious staterooms offer the perfect retreat for travelers. With over 350 square feet, each offers all of the comforts of a fine hotel and is configured to maximize the interior living space. These stateroom also feature full sliding glass doors and a private walk-out balcony which provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
AAL Staterooms | Offering all the comforts of home and amazing panoramic views. At 350 square feet, each stateroom includes an interior entrance, expansive private walk-out balcony, and a large sitting area. These staterooms are the perfect sanctuary to relax in after a day of exploration.
AA Staterooms | Centrally located while offering amazing views and easy access to the lounge areas. You will enjoy the expansive views out of your own large opening picture window. Each stateroom comes equipped with a large closet and hotel-size bathrooms.
Single (Private Balcony) Staterooms | Solo travelers will find relaxing comfort in these staterooms complete with a walk-out private balcony. Enjoy one of the largest Single staterooms in the industry at 238 square feet, featuring a comfortable twin bed, large sliding glass door, and spacious full-size bathrooms.
Single Staterooms | Find modern amenities and relaxing comfort in 226 square feet Single staterooms. With a large picture window, twin beds and sizable bathrooms, these Single staterooms are perfect for solo travelers.