American Cruise Lines' 2021 Alaska season got underway in June, and their small ship cruises will continue to explore throughout Southeast Alaska all summer long. On June 12th, 2021, American Constellation was the first cruise ship to dock in Haines in 622 days (since September 29, 2019). To celebrate the town’s 1st docking in almost 2 years, American’s guests were warmly welcomed on shore by Mayor Douglass Olerud, the Chilkat Dancers, and many members of the Haines community.  

“We are thrilled to be back in Haines and appreciate the wonderful reception we received from the community. We have worked diligently throughout Southeast Alaska to coordinate with each port to ensure the safe resumption of domestic cruising,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We look forward to 12 dockings in Haines this year and many more in the coming years, as the popularity of experiencing Alaska’s majesty aboard small, new U.S. ships continues to grow.”  

Once the welcome festivities concluded, American’s guests immediately began several guided small-group tours of Haines. Shore excursions included kayaking on Chilkoot Lake and rafting in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, historical walking tours of Haines, an exploration of the Haines Sheldon Museum, as well as visits to local shops, restaurants, and other cultural sites. 

American Cruise Lines has been exploring Alaska since 2010 aboard small U.S. built ships that follow 100% domestic itineraries ranging from 8 to 15 days in length. This year, the Line also added a brand new 11-Day Alaskan Explorer cruise to their offerings in Alaska. Each summer, June through September, America’s small ships operate between Seattle and Juneau, roundtrip from Juneau, and between Ketchikan and Juneau. American’s new 11-Day Alaskan Explorer cruise sails the Inside Passage, Clarence Strait, Tracy Arm, and Glacier Bay and includes visits to Mendenhall Glacier, LeConte Glacier, and Chilkoot Lake.  

American’s cruises will continue to discover Southeast Alaska’s unique cultures, scenic glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife throughout the summer. Specializing in personalized experiences, American’s uniquely curated cruises explore the Inside Passage, Frederick Sound, Glacier Bay, and Tracy Arm and visit Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Petersburg, Ketchikan, Haines, and Wrangell, among other picturesque sites throughout the Southeast region.  All cruises include a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night in Juneau. The newest Alaskan Explorer itinerary offers a complimentary hotel stay at the iconic Cape Fox Lodge for departures from Ketchikan. 
 

In every Alaskan port of call, American has well-established relationships with local vendors, experts, and guides as well as cultural institutions, national parks, and wildlife conservationists. The Line provides entertainment, specialized enrichment packages, and personalized service both on board and on shore. Guided shore excursions are offered at every port in Alaska and include private fishing charters, Tlingit cultural experiences, wildlife kayaking excursions, glacier flight-seeing adventures, active hikes, and casual walking tours.   

2021 cruises are aboard American Constellation, one of the Line’s newest, fully stabilized 175-passenger coastal ships. It offers smooth small ship cruising, the most spacious staterooms in the industry, of which nearly 100% feature a private balcony for amazing up-close views of Alaska’s breathtaking natural beauty.