Creamy New England Clam Chowder

Name: Creamy New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 4 ounces 3–4 slices thick-cut bacon (cut into 1/4-inch pieces); 1 large yellow onion (diced); 2 stalks celery (diced); 2 8-ounce bottles clam juice; 1 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); 2 russet potatoes (about 1 pound, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes); 1 pound about 2 cups frozen chopped clam meat (thawed overnight in the refrigerator); 1 cup heavy cream; Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Oyster crackers (for serving)