BREMERTON — Bremerton became an unexpected port of call last weekend for a Puget Sound cruise ship.

The six-deck, 175-passenger American Constellation tied up to the Bremerton Marina breakwater Saturday for an overnight stay, spontaneously adding the city to its "Grand Puget Sound" tour. American Cruise Lines spokeswoman Alexa Paolella said the ship will return to Bremerton in early October and Sinclair Inlet could become a regular port of call for the tour in 2019.

"We're reviewing plans for next year," Paolella said. "We enjoyed a very warm reception there. It's working out great."

MORE NEWS:'Blue Water Navy' supporters target new VA secretary

American Constellation's arrival came as a welcome surprise to Port of Bremerton staff, who found out Friday the ship would be making an unscheduled visit. The Olympian newspaper reported American Constellation was scheduled to dock at the Port of Olympia on Saturday but canceled due to "operational matters." The reason for the itinerary change could not be confirmed Tuesday, though American Cruise Lines' website notes routes can be altered due to conditions and dock availability.

Port of Bremerton director of marina facilities James Weaver said the 264-foot vessel tied up along the south end of the Bremerton Marina breakwater Saturday afternoon and shoved off early Sunday afternoon. The marina has hosted Argosy sightseeing ships but never a cruise ship as large as American Constellation.

"We were happy to accommodate them," Weaver said. "They expressed that they really enjoyed the opportunity to explore Bremerton."

Bremerton Chamber of Commerce President Gena Wales said her organization didn't have advance notice of the cruise ship's arrival but she did notice more bustle downtown Saturday evening. Wales was intrigued by the possibility of Bremerton becoming a regular destination for American Cruise Lines, noting the abundance of museums and restaurants within an easy walk of the marina.

"I think it's exciting," Wales said.

MORE NEWS:Bremerton respite program gives homeless patients a place to recover

Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines offers inland and river cruises aboard small, luxury cruise ships. Another vessel in the company's fleet, American Spirit, has visited Poulsbo regularly since 2013.

The 10-night Grand Puget Sound tour, which departs from Seattle, includes stops in Tacoma, Olympia, the San Juan Islands, the north Olympic Peninsula and Victoria, British Columbia. Onshore excursions are arranged at each destination.

Fare for an all-inclusive Puget Sound cruise aboard American Constellation starts at about $6,000, according to the company's website.

MORE NEWS:Program that has succeeded getting Bremerton students to college comes to North Mason