What is the modern cruiser role?

What is the role of a cruiser in the modern day: is it just an up-gunned, more independent destroyer?

No; modern cruiser work includes high-end escort capability, but also long-range presence and diplomacy, roles that Constellation frigates could absorb from overworked Arleigh Burke destroyers.

The modern cruiser role is more than an up-gunned destroyer. Top-end escorts can be understood as first-rate warships, while political naming often pushes cruising functions onto frigates and destroyers. Arleigh Burke destroyers have absorbed air defence, combat, escort, and presence work as other US force layers disappeared. Constellation-class frigates could restore a sustainable division of labour by taking routine presence and diplomacy while the Burkes concentrate on high-end warfighting.