American Cruise Lines

Juneau

Seattle

U.S.A.

Alaska

North America River

Pacific Coastal

Excellent

Terrible

Average

Very Good

Poor

American Constellation

American Spirit

American Constitution

American Heritage (formerly Queen of the Mississippi)

Simply the very best!

Boston

Cruising the Inside Passage is a trip everyone should take. I'm so happy we did! The weather was stupendous (even the misty days which have their own style of beauty), the scenery incomparable and as ever, the service impeccable. We were sailing under the trusty and affable Captain Bryan, who makes every voyage a pleasure. Sailing down the Wrangell Narrows was exciting and we saw sea life and whales!

Food was delicious and presented beautifully. We looked forward to every meal with pleasure. All in all, it was a marvelous experience.  All staff was ready to fulfill our every need and each encounter was met with a smile and friendly greeting. We felt very welcome. I would have been happy to live on the American Constellation forever! The ship was impeccably spotless everywhere and staff were visible each day cleaning, polishing and making us comfortable. We became friends with other passengers and hope to see them again on another  ACL cruise!

Cabin was clean and comfortable. Staff was attentive but not as professional as European or Asian staff. Mostly young people that get switched around on their ships all the time. 

I was told by cruise line staff that specialty coffees were available which was not the case.  Hotel manager said they used to have a machine but was taken away during COVID and never brought back. Buffet food was subpar and hot food lukewarm most of the time.    Sandwiches  same couple of sliced breads and no trimmings. NO salads offered. Very limited offerings  Desserts were mostly cake slices and no fruits, parfaits etc.  Dinning room food good for the most part but not extraordinary.  Staff in too much of a hurry to clear tables which made me feel rushed. 

Only one elevator was working and the other was out of order during the day when taking trash out.  Overall, enjoyed cruise because of beautiful scenery. Paid excursions nice. Complimentary excursions very basic. 

For the price point of this cruise, I could have taken a couple of high end cruises. More passengers but more amenities and better food offerings. 

In my opinion, ACL has its following of mostly older people with various types of disabilities that enjoy cruising with limited activity. Staff was very attentive and kind to them. I’m 74 and was in the younger age range. 

PS. Lots of people sick with heavy coughs on this cruise.  I’m still sick as well.

Beautiful Scenery and spacious cabin

Our adult grandson (41) and wife had never been on a cruise. We had been to Alaska a number of times with Regent and found an itinerary from Juneau to Juneau on a smaller ship and thought that would be something they would enjoy with being able to get up close and personal with nature.

We have to say that our experience on ACL was positive.  The ship is well cared for, food and service excellent.  The Captain and crew were the happiest crew that we have ever encountered and we have been on 100 cruises!  Robert Yonskie was the lecturer and entertainer on board.  Robert has a great sense of humor and an excellent voice an repertoire so that you never get bored.

The dress on this cruise was very casual and the passengers all pleasant and enjoyable to be around.

With that said, the pre cruise experience left a lot to be desired.  Shore excursions opened 60 days prior to departure.  On the first day within an hour all of the excursions were shown as "Sold Out" except two for the next to  last day so we booked private tours in Haines, Petersburg, Skagway, and Sitka.  Once on board though, for some of the excursions, there was availability.

What the real bummer was the pre cruise hotel in Juneau - The Baranof.  To open the door to the room, you had to push and shove the door to get it to open.  The water in the bathroom sink just trickled out.  Now this didn't happen only in our room, but also in the room of our grandson.  The hotel rooms need some serious updating.

Perhaps what also added to our enjoyment of this cruise is the fact that out of 170 passengers there were only 95 on this cruise.

First time on ACL positive and negative

After cruising with American Cruise Line in 2021 on the Snake & Columbia Rivers we could not wait to book another trip. We will not sail with them again. This cruise was a series of disappointments. To be fair, the weather was certainly not their fault but it did obscure the views of snow capped mountains we anticipated on all but one day. The Baranoff Hotel - where ACL put us up the night before the cruise - had a check in time of 4 o'clock. We were early - 3:00 - and hoped we might be able to check in. We were told to wait. By 4 o'clock the lobby and bar were full of cruisers who all had to wait in a long line. The room was fine, the breakfast - not so much. The cabin was very comfortable with lots of storage space. The common areas were comfortable and clean. We found the servers and stewards to be pleasant young people who worked hard to please. The Cruise Director however did not. He has an inflated sense of self importance and was often facetious and off putting. The Hotel Manager failed to follow through on 3 promises. The bottle of wine paid for by our travel agent was not delivered. I only found out about it when I received the post-cruise statement. The food was below par: the servings were small and the food was often dry. The servers had to apologize frequently for items that had run out. The Hotel Manager attempted to restock the high-end cruise in the markets of small rural Alaska communities. It seems like poor planning. The cocktail hour offerings were not what they were either. Last year there were scallops, this year there were pigs-in-the-blanket and egg rolls. The Park Ranger who was to narrate our day in Glacier Bay was sick and apparently did not have a substitute - another disappointment. On our last full day of cruising into Tracy Arm - what the captain referred to as the highlight of the cruise - we had to turn around and await a Coast Guard chopper to evaluate one of the crew members who suffered an allergic reaction. We never got there. But we were glad to get home

What a disappointment

We recently travelled to Juneau and sailed onboard the ACL Constellation with about 150 other passengers. We have been on many previous Alaska cruises, all on much larger ships, and thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of small-ship cruising. With the open seating at smaller round tables in the dining room, we soon got to know the majority of our onboard companions and had lively and fun conversations no matter who we sat with at meals or during the evening reception.  

We were warmly welcomed onboard and it was a pleasure to go straight to our room and were amazed at how large it was, especially compared to the usual small staterooms on the big cruise lines. There was plenty of room to stow our belongings and the suitcases disappeared under the bed. (Cruise hint - if your suitcase is a bit large, just open it up and slide it under!). Our vacation began immediately as we sat down for lunch - always a good midday meal, with soups, salads and a choice of entrees. It often works well to share entrees, if one can’t decide, or half-portions can be requested. There is an impressive list of wines available to complement your lunch, plus you know you’re on holidays when you pour over the dessert menu - for lunch! After introductions to crew and an excellent explanation of upcoming excursions, there was a nice amount of time to relax and wander around the ship. There are always comfortable places to sit inside, and lots of protected or sunny seating choices on either of the upper decks.

There is a reception every day in the main lounge at 5:30, with different appetizers available (the seafood ones are the best!) and a well-stocked open bar. People come on a cruise like this because they want to have a good time, and thus we found it easy to chat with others and exchange travel stories. When the weather is dry, it’s pleasant to take your drink outside, especially when the evenings are so long and bright at this time of year in Alaska.

Lunch and dinner choices are selected in the morning, but you can always speak with the wait staff to make changes or split orders. Again, the wines were always a complement to the menu choices.

There was varied evening entertainment (with an open bar again! A treat, but one has to ‘pace’ oneself!). This was hosted by Christopher, our entertaining and talented cruise director, whose background on Broadway and TV was a huge plus for the rest of us! We particularly enjoyed local entertainment, when someone would be brought onboard at a destination stop. There was also an Indigenous young woman who came aboard to speak about her native heritage and culture. She was charming and informative and brought beautiful examples of traditional clothing, crafts, woodwork etc.

The onboard speaker/naturalist was ‘Mike’, who was the best we’ve ever encountered on our many Alaskan trips. He managed to be so informative, while sounding casual and warm. He was easy to speak with when we encountered him around the ship and there seemed to be nothing he didn’t know about history, wildlife, ocean creatures etc. He was a huge addition to the cruise.

There was also a husband/wife team of onboard artists who managed to make each presentation entertaining, educational and easily accessible to all skill levels. We learned a lot and felt encouraged about our work, and also made some Alaska-themed crafts to take home. We also got to try acrylic painting, which was a nice change from watercolor and most of us were able to produce a landscape painting (from our photographs) in just 2 sessions.

There were so many excursions to choose from and the crew was helpful in getting everyone, including those with mobility issues, safety onshore to participate. With the size of the ship, it was usually so easy to just walk off, and not wait for a few thousand people to go back and forth on tenders. We particularly enjoyed a kayak trip to Chilkoot Lake, hear Haines, where we were guided past surrounding snow-capped mountains and waterfalls on a wide smooth lake. The paddling was easy and pleasant, even for those who had not kayaked before.

The captain was always aware that people come to see any wildlife that is in view of the ship. We were always informed if there were whales or seals nearby, or bears or eagles spotted. Mike, the naturalist, often came on the p.a. system to add great details about what we were seeing. The highlight days for us were those spent in Glacier Bay or at other glaciers at the top of Tracy Arm at end of our trip. Many of the big ships cannot get into Glacier Bay, but our small size enabled us to enjoy the quiet and beauty and sunsets of our overnight stay.

The ten days went by too fast, but I think we will have to return to this unique area - it’s different every day, and even in the rain we were grateful to have the opportunity to observe this kind of scenery and wildlife at close range.

TEN DAYS OF GORGEOUS SCENERY AND CHARMING PEOPLE

This was an incredible experience. The ship had only 150 passengers, so it felt more like an excursion. Everything was well planned and unique. We were able to go whale watching right on our own ship. The captain was able to double back when wildlife was spotted. We saw many Whales, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Bear. Many side trips were included. My favorite was the trip to Potlatch Totem Park in Ketchikan. It was amazing. Our fabulous guide told the stories of Native beliefs and the stories on the polls. Until you have experienced small ship cruising you can't fully appreciate the ease in boarding and dining. No crowds, no lines. To start the cruise, we had a precruise hotel and bus tour of Juneau. When we arrived, lunch was served...yummm 

A typical day included your choice of sit down or early riser breakfast, usually a nature talk with the resident expert David, perhaps an art class and then an, often included, excursion. A Happy hour with music and open bar, port talk, games and entertainment. Dinner was fabulous.. always open seating and fine wines included. 

When our 11 days came to a sad end the cruiseline accommodated our early departure with a shuttle to the airport. What a wonderful trip.

The only way to really see Alaska

My husband and I recently took ACL’s Alaska Inside Passage Cruise on their American Constellation (September 1-15, 2021).  ACL made it the trip of a lifetime for us as we'd never been to Alaska before, and it was indeed very special overall.

There were so many special moments that it’s hard to list them.  Naturally, our room was everything we’d come to expect from ACL…roomy with plenty of storage, bright and cheerful, and most importantly – a spacious bathroom with a roomy shower!

Dining was consistent throughout the voyage – always tasty and just the right portions.   As to the excursions…well, Alaska in itself is awesome.  The bald eagle sighting raft trip and jetboat adventure were just that…great adventures!  However, the highlight of all the excursions for us was the LeConte Glacier Flightseeing Experience.  We don’t know how they did it, but ACL had arranged for PERFECT weather for this excursion…and also for our sightseeing tour of the Mendenhall Glacier.  What great hosts!

As to our time on the water, ACL had great on-board activities.  Arts and crafts classes with a wide variety of projects, a great historian (Katie Phillips), regional step-on entertainment, and incredible shows at night with the on-board duo of Kenny Holliday and Frank Chase.  We’ve seen plenty of entertainers in the past; however, Kenny and Frank were truly exceptional.  So very talented…and so very humorous!  We didn’t miss a show.

Finally, it all comes down to the people. The dining room staff did everything they could to accommodate all requests.  Naturally, the officers had set the pace.  Special kudos go to Enrique (Rick), the general manager, who did everything possible to ensure an enjoyable trip.

Of special note is how all of the staff worked with the mobility-challenged.  Deckhands in particular should be commended for their care and patience in ensuring everyone was able to leave/return to the ship safely and with a minimum of discomfort.  They are to be commended.

Obviously, we will be sailing soon on another ACL cruise!

A Bucket List Trip

First time to Alaska, ship and staff were great. Excursions were great also I did quite a few. Now the downer side. We have cruised with American cruise lines before on a Mississippi river cruise from New Orleans to St Louis. The food was of high end and fabulous. Large bacon wrapped scallops, crab stuffed lobster tail cajun crawfish etc. The Alaskan trip no crab the whole trip no snow crab Dungeness or king. Come on really? We live in Oregon and can get all the time. One day I had a BLT with no tomato Wowzer you ran out of tomatoes really. The wait staff was good but they had to put up with many complaints about the food. This particular chef needs a do over. She said that it was hard to get some items I call BS. I had king crab legs twice in Juneau. I suspect trying to save on the budget shame shame. ACL is not a low cost cruise lines I expect better. We are trying ACL one more time October 2022 and if the food has no improvement we will be done with ACL. We like the small boat cruising but if food is subpar no thanks. We also had many frozen items tater tots etc. The entertainment was also lacking. A piano player that was always drunk and guitar player that was so subpar. I will be returning to Alaska next august 2022 For a fishing lodge trip that is all inclusive. They have King crab legs and Dungeness both with smoked prime rib etc. WE do not mind paying up along as the food and service are great.

Alaska getaway 

The Absolute Worst Cruise That I Have Ever Taken

Eager to travel after the restrictions of the past year and a half, we chose this small ship Alaskan cruise.  We had visited Alaska four times before, always on large cruise ships.

We had taken one other ACL trip - Lewis & Clark, the Columbia and Snake Rivers. There were some "issues" on that trip - ACL seems to suffer communication deficiencies, but we were willing to try them again.

I realize that Alaska is a unique destination, and so am willing to modify my expectations.  However, as was the case on our previous trip with them,  ACL is merely adequate.  

Obtaining provisions in Alaska is understandably more difficult than in some other locations.  Running short of eggs and orange juice, having no chocolate or caramel sauce, (those deficiencies were remedied) and serving little seafood was disappointing.  I expected to be offered a lot of seafood - which was not the case.  Beets seemed to be the vegetable of choice.

A few of the servers were pretty good, one was terrible - I suspect she had never been to a restaurant based on how long it took to get water and coffee at breakfast.

Having sailed on ACL before, I was aware of the possibility of getting a hamburger as an alternate lunch choice, something no one on board ever mentioned.

Apparently some staff came down with Covid during our sailing, as hinted at by some of the servers.  They "disappeared."  

No mention of illness was shared by the directors.

Lack of communication seems to be common with ACL.  

The scenery in Alaska is breathtaking.  Katie Philips, the on-board naturalist, was wonderful.  In Skagway she even led a very nice Nature Walk, which only four guests attended. We had the amazingly good fortune to see more whales than in our 4 previous trips combined - but that is Nature, totally beyond a cruise line's control.

The quality of the walking tours in Petersburg and Haines varied, dependent on the guide.  Ours ranged from very  good to "is it over yet?"

Entertainment was fine, the pianist very talented, though sometimes too loud. The speakers/entertainers from Alaska were good.  I, myself, did not have too much interest in the daytime activities (golf putting, tiddlywinks, bingo) - though the Hot Chocolate Bar was delicious!

A large number of passengers had early morning (before six a.m.) flights our of Juneau upon debarkation.  We were initially told that ACL could arrange cabs to the airport at our expense.  Upon further inquiry, we were told that if there were at least 16 passengers, a shuttle could be obtained. Late in the week we were advised that there would, in fact, be a shuttle.  As it turned out it was a full-sized bus - and it was full! Three a.m. departure - not fun, but necessary; no breakfast that last, very early morning (I could have used a donut or cold cereal).

I realize the pandemic has caused staffing issues in all areas, ACL did not seem to have found a solution.  

Overall, communication could be improved - something I suspect comes from (or does not come from) corporate - not just a problem with the individual vessel.

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