by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 4:25 PM ET, Mon September 28, 2026
American Cruise Lines has christened its newest ship, American Ranger, on the Hudson River, marking the company’s third new ship launch of 2026.
The christening ceremony took place September 24 at Historic Catskill Point in Catskill, New York, during the ship’s inaugural nine-day Hudson River Fall Foliage cruise. Inaugural guests, company executives and crew members gathered on the ship’s top deck for a cookout and the traditional ceremonial bottle smash.
Susan Renner, American Cruise Lines’ longtime treasurer and board chair, served as the ship’s godmother and performed the christening. Renner also serves as godmother to American Ranger’s sister ship, American Maverick, which was christened earlier this year in Newport, Rhode Island.
“We are so pleased to christen American Ranger with our guests and crew, surrounded by the Hudson River Valley’s magnificent fall scenery,” says Charles B. Robertson, president and chief executive officer of American Cruise Lines. “Today, American Ranger assumes the mantle as the newest cruise ship in the country, but won’t hold the title for long, as she will be quickly followed by three more new ships launching in 2027.”
American Ranger is the fourth ship in the line’s Patriot Class. The four-deck ship accommodates 130 guests in 65 staterooms, all of which have private balconies. The ship also offers single staterooms and suites, as well as several lounges and other amenities, including a top-deck lounge with a walking track, a chart room, main restaurant, casual café, fitness center and laundry room.
The ship’s christening came midway through its inaugural Hudson River sailing, which began with an included hotel stay in New York City on September 18. American Ranger departed the city September 19 and is scheduled to conclude the cruise in Albany, New York, on September 26.
American Cruise Lines currently offers two Hudson River itineraries: its Summer Classic and Fall Foliage cruises. The company says they are the only overnight river cruises currently operating on the Hudson River.
For 2026, the itineraries sail between New York City and Albany, with stops in Catskill, West Point, Sleepy Hollow and Kingston/Hyde Park. The cruises also include guided excursions to historic sites and other attractions throughout the region. Most of the line’s 2026 Hudson River cruises are sold out, with the final sailing of the season departing October 25.
The company is expanding its Hudson River offerings in 2027. Next year’s cruises will operate roundtrip from Albany and include a stop in New York City, where guests will have the opportunity to see the city skyline and Statue of Liberty from the river.
American Cruise Lines will also add three ships to its fleet in 2027. Two will be additional Patriot Class vessels, American Mariner and American Navigator. The company also plans to launch American Anthem, another modern American Riverboat.
The Hudson River cruises highlight the region’s historic sites and seasonal scenery, particularly during the fall foliage season. Depending on the itinerary, guests can visit attractions including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Olana, Lyndhurst and Whitecliff Vineyard. Fall itineraries also include apple-tasting experiences and visits to Sleepy Hollow during the town’s Halloween season.
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