Planning next year's summer cruise?

If you have already explored Alaska on one of the larger lines, check out a smaller ship experience with American Cruise Lines' Grand Puget Sound experience on the American Constellation. The 11-day adventure will take you through the Sound, close to shore, for sights you might not have seen on the larger ships to the north.

ACL's ships are designed to accommodate the traveler who might not be interested in the casinos, rock walls or video arcades that are present on the larger ships. A smaller craft offers a slower pace where you won't get lost in the crowd and provides an opportunity to make lifelong friends along the way.

Single cabins are available on all ships so solo passengers can enjoy the safety and security of the more intimate environment. Along with large staterooms, private balconies, local and low-key entertainment, you'll enjoy educational excursions with an emphasis on American heritage.

Staffed with a crew from all over the country, each ship is built in the U.S. with a reduced environmental footprint, but with large staterooms, lounges and deck areas. A daily cocktail hour, before dinner, offers a fully equipped bar with anything from an old-school Old Fashioned to a freshly crafted Moscow Mule, along with amazing hors-d'oeuvres.

The Pre-Cruise Package includes a night in a downtown Seattle 4-star hotel, as well as a pre-cruise city tour the next morning, including transportation and luggage delivery to the ship. Seattle is also included on the last day of the itinerary with opportunities to shuttle to the city center, home of the infamous Space Needle, or the wildly popular Pike Place Market.

Bremerton or Olympia-Depending on weather and/or dock preparations, this cruise might stop at Olympia or nearby Bremerton. Either site offers the option of a tour of the state's capital city. Bremerton is home to the Puget Sound Navy Museum and the USS Turner Joy. Decommissioned in 1982, the Forrest Sherman Destroyer is a museum itself and available for tours.

Tacoma-Home to the Museum of Glass, this city is the birthplace of Dale Chihuly, with many of the artist's installations located throughout town. The museum's impressive cone-shaped architecture and glass filled outdoor fountain is a must-see and within walking distance of the ship's dock.

Cross over a highway on the Bridge of Glass to see a breathtaking display of Chihuly's works, just don't forget to look up as the ceiling is packed with colorful glass creations.

The Foss Waterway Seaport, located on the dock, is a boat lovers dream with dozens of examples of the maritime history of the region. Historic artifacts and boats are part of the rich seafaring past along with the partnership of the rail industry linking the Northwest with the rest of the country. One might also opt for a tour through America's Car Museum with over 300 vintage autos on display.

Cruising Through the San Juan Islands-On the way to Friday Harbor, the chances are good that orcas and humpback whales might make an appearance. They are known to swim under the ship, popping up on either side to the delight of passengers, and close enough to experience a whiff of their, not-so-pleasant, aroma.

Passing by the privately-owned Spieden Island, one might spot sea lions on the banks-but don't be surprised if other species you might not expect pop up. At one time, owners of the island filled it with exotic species like Corsican big horn sheep, or deer from Europe and Asia. Rumors fly about that John Wayne once owned the island and Sasquatch is a permanent resident.

Friday Harbor, Anacortes and Port Angeles-These charming seaports include excursions such as whale-watching boats, joining the local Town Crier on a walking tour or, if your sea legs are ready for a hike, more than 50 miles of trails throughout the islands.

With Olympic National Park in the background, Port Angeles Harbor invites an excursion that will take you to Hurricane Ridge with an elevation of over 5,000 feet, where breathtaking views of the park come with an opportunity for a short hike.

Victoria, BC-Walking off the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, you're transported into the hustle and bustle of a big city. Across from the Inner Harbor, you'll find the Parliament Buildings sitting on 12.5 acres of beautifully landscaped property. Free tours are available on weekdays.

Adjacent to this spot lies the massively elegant Empress Hotel, a Fairmont property, offering afternoon Tea at the Empress, served daily and "fit for a queen." Fanning out from the harbor, streets are filled with shops, offices and restaurants.

An excursion to Butchart Gardens gives you the opportunity to explore 55 acres of gardens boasting 900 varieties of plants. It takes 50 gardeners to keep up with the beauty of these colorful grounds. A former limestone quarry is now home to the Sunken Gardens in addition to the Rose, Japanese, Italian and Mediterranean Gardens.

Port Townsend & Poulsbo-Day nine of the Grand Puget Sound cruise puts us in Port Townsend, home to Victorian architecture, maritime history and shopping galore.

Climb the stairs to the upper level of town and allow yourself to stroll through the neighborhoods full of beautiful homes and churches overlooking the harbor. The tiny Scandinavian-influenced town of Poulsbo includes the hand-baked delectables of Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, family owned since the early 1900's.

Earlier this month, ACL launched the American Song, the first modern riverboat in the U.S. Currently cruising out of New Orleans, this ship might appeal to a more multi-generational group of cruisers. Young and old alike can experience parts of American history that become more real than can be taught in the classroom.

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