ACL-American Cruise Lines has christened its newest vessel, American Ranger, during a ceremony on the Hudson River in New York. The event took place on September 24th at Historic Catskill Point in Catskill and marked the company’s third new ship launch of 2026 and the fourth vessel in its Patriot Class series.
The christening was attended by inaugural cruise passengers, company executives and crew members, with the ceremony held on the ship’s top deck. Susan Renner, American Cruise Lines’ longtime Treasurer and Board Chair, served as godmother and carried out the ceremonial bottle-breaking. Renner also serves as godmother to sister ship American Maverick, which was christened earlier in 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island.
American Cruise Lines President and CEO Charles B. Robertson said the company had chosen the Hudson River Valley for the ceremony while American Ranger was operating its inaugural itinerary. He noted that the vessel would soon be joined by additional newbuilds, with three more ships scheduled for launch in 2027.
American Cruise Lines plans to introduce two further Patriot Class sister ships, American Mariner and American Navigator, in 2027, along with another vessel in its modern American Riverboat series, American Anthem.
American Ranger has four decks and accommodates 130 passengers in staterooms equipped with private balconies, including single cabins and suites. The vessel is fitted with several passenger lounges, a top-deck lounge with a walking track, a chart room, main restaurant, casual café, fitness centre and laundry facilities.
The christening took place during the ship’s inaugural 9-day Hudson River Fall Foliage itinerary. The programme began with an included hotel stay in New York City on September 18th, followed by embarkation in the city on September 19th and the cruise’s conclusion in Albany on September 26th.
American Cruise Lines operates overnight Hudson River itineraries on both its Fall Foliage and Summer Classic programmes. The company describes these as the only overnight river cruises currently operating on the Hudson River.
During the 2026 season, the itineraries operate between New York City and Albany, with calls at Catskill, West Point, Sleepy Hollow and Kingston/Hyde Park. The cruises also include guided excursions to regional historical and cultural attractions. Most of the 2026 departures are sold out, with the final sailing scheduled to begin on October 25th.
For 2027, American Cruise Lines will operate its Hudson River cruises roundtrip from Albany, while incorporating a stop in New York City and excursions in the metropolitan area. The programme will also include cruising past the Statue of Liberty, providing views of the New York skyline from the river.
The 2027 Hudson River Summer Classic itineraries are scheduled to begin in June, while the Fall Foliage programme will return in September. The cruises will continue to combine the river’s seasonal scenery with visits to historic sites and attractions in the Hudson River Valley, including West Point, Vanderbilt Mansion and Hyde Park.
Excursions available on the itineraries include the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, the historic estates of Olana and Lyndhurst and Whitecliff Vineyard. Autumn departures will also include apple-tasting activities and visits to Sleepy Hollow during the town’s seasonal Halloween programme.