It’s day two of our 10-night Grand Puget Sound voyage on American Constellation, and Pam and I are nonetheless adjusting to the three-hour time change. No must set an alarm — we’re unsleeping by 5 am. Breakfast is buffet-style within the Sky Lounge, an inviting enclave aft on deck 4 with numerous cozy seating each in and out.

We’re docked in Bremerton, Washington, and this morning we’re signed as much as do a strolling tour of close by Poulsbo, about half-hour away by bus. Becoming a member of us is Mikalla, tour director, and Rick, the resort supervisor.

The day begins like many on this a part of the world: Cloudy and damp. However we’re layered up and prepared for the weather. The street winds via majestic evergreens, whose tops are touched by early morning fog, and shortly we’re parked at our vacation spot, Poulso — also called Little Norway.

This charming city of some 12,000 was based within the late 1800s by a Norwegian immigrant, who quickly was joined by fellow Scandinavians. The historic downtown retailers mirror the town’s heritage, and tour guides are available to present us the highlights, which embody the Maritime Museum and a Heritage Museum.

However clearly the very best a part of our two-plus-hour tour was Sluys’ Bakery, the place individuals have been lined up on the sidwalk ready to position orders. Recognized worldwide for its bread, it additionally has probably the most amaing donuts we’ve ever tasted. In actual fact, Rick and Mikalla boarded the bus again loaded down with procuring luggage, a few of which we realized contained dozens of donuts they have been taking again to the crew.

As a particular deal with, Rick went up the aisle of the bus handing out donut holes. Solely our second day, and we love the best way American Cruise Strains is spoiling us!

In actual fact, we’ve observed how partaking all of the employees is on board, particularly the senior officers. Not solely is the resort supervisor serving us donuts, but additionally refilling water within the restaurant. The identical is true for Wayne, the restaurant supervisor, and Jerry, the cruise director, who’re keen to talk and get to know the friends. And at dinner final evening, the chief chef visited each desk to see how everybody loved their meal.

As we reboard from our tour, Jerry invitations us to have some Viking Glogg — the Scandanvian equal of wassel, or mulled wine. Should you want warming up, this might be simply the ticket.

Now it’s lunchtime, and we have already got a favourite server — Simone. Pam orders the clam linguine whereas I am going with the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. For dessert, we get a shock. After raving concerning the donut holes, we’re offered with an entire Sluys donut, warmed and able to eat. After I inform you these donuts are large, imagine it.

Whereas we’re with reference to meals, ACL does a wise factor. Company are requested to fill out a menu choice type, noting their preferences for dinner and if they need a half or full portion. You aren’t certain by your selections — you possibly can change your thoughts — however they defined how this offers the kitchen a information that in the end helps scale back waste.

Maintain on a minute — breaking information — the solar has made an look! Pam and I find our sun shades and head for the solar deck topside, the place we seize the second because the ship prepares to depart Bremerton and head for our subsequent port of name, Tacoma.

This afternoon there’s extra pleasure on faucet apart from the solar’s welcome look: The Kentucky Derby is occurring on the opposite facet of the nation. Company are invited to return to the Cascade Lounge on deck three, the place you possibly can sip a Mint Julip whilst you decide which horse goes to win. Prizes will probably be awarded for proper picks, and we are able to cheer on our horses whereas the race is proven on a giant display screen TV.

Pam and I each shut our eyes and make a wild guess. The consequence? Her horse got here in third, and mine positioned second. Subsequent time we might must wager for actual. By the best way, Pam seemed fab carrying the fascinator she packed “simply in case.”

The employees advised us the captain deserved particular point out as a result of with a view to get TV sign for the race, he needed to flip the ship in a circle. Bravo, Capt. Hobcroft!

Outdoors our balcony appears to be like like a shifting postcard as we slowly make our approach round Puget Sound. The images don’t do it justice, however that received’t cease me from attempting.

Tomorrow: Our journey continues in Tacoma, Washington.

Cowl photograph: Grand Puget Sound, credit score American Cruise Strains

PHOTOS (Images by Gerry Barker)

• Sluys’ Bakery in Poulsbo, Washington
• Take a look at the dimensions of those Sluys’ donuts
• Pam enjoys the sunshine on the Bremerton dock
• And so they’re off on the horse race watching occasion
• Pam appears to be like trendy in her fascinator

See all cruises and particularly this one: American Cruise Lines (cruisecompete.com)

10 Night – Grand Puget Sound .. American Cruise Lines, American Constellation (cruisecompete.com)