American Cruise Lines officially christened its newest ship, American Ranger, on the Hudson River last week, marking another milestone in the company’s rapid fleet expansion.
The ceremony was held September 24 at Historic Catskill Point in Catskill, New York, where inaugural cruise guests joined company executives and crew members for a celebration on the ship’s top deck. The festivities included a cookout and the traditional ceremonial bottle smash.
Susan Renner, American Cruise Lines’ longtime Treasurer and Board Chair, served as godmother of American Ranger and performed the christening honors. Renner also serves as godmother of the ship’s sister vessel, American Maverick, which was christened earlier this year in Newport, Rhode Island.
American Ranger is the third new ship launched by American Cruise Lines this year and the fourth vessel in the company’s growing Patriot Class.
“We are so pleased to christen American Ranger with our guests and crew, surrounded by the Hudson River Valley’s magnificent fall scenery,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO 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.”
Next year, American Cruise Lines will introduce two more sister ships to American Ranger, American Mariner and American Navigator, as well as another modern American Riverboat™, American Anthem.
American Ranger features 4 decks and accommodates 130 guests in all private balcony staterooms, including Singles and Suites. The ship also offers many spacious lounges including a top deck lounge with a walking track, as well as a chart room, a main restaurant, casual café, fitness center, and a laundry room among other amenities unusual for small cruise ships of this size.
Last week’s christening took place during American Ranger’s inaugural 9-Day Hudson River Fall Foliage itinerary which began with an included hotel stay in NYC on September 18th. The small ship embarked from the City on September 19th, and the cruise concluded in Albany, NY on the 26th.
American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River cruises (both the Fall Foliage and the Summer Classic itineraries) are the only overnight river cruises on the market exploring this famous waterway.
The company’s 2026 Hudson River cruises are operating between New York City and Albany, NY, with stops at Catskill; West Point; Sleepy Hollow; and Kingston/Hyde Park, NY; and include guided excursions throughout the region. The 2026 cruises are largely sold out and the last cruise for 2026 begins on October 25th.
In 2027, American’s Hudson River cruises will operate roundtrip from Albany, NY, and will also feature a stop and excursions in New York City, including the breathtaking opportunity to enjoy views of the Big Apple’s famous skyline while cruising right past the Statue of Liberty. 2027 Hudson River Summer Classic cruises begin operating in June, and the Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises begin again next September.
Every fall, the Hudson River Valley is adorned by the Northeast’s most stunning seasonal foliage. Treetops are awash in a kaleidoscope of colorful leaves as far as the eye can see. The River Valley is also home to many grand historic sites from West Point and the Vanderbilt Mansion to Hyde Park. American’s cruise guests have the opportunity to visit many renowned points of interest including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, FDR’s Presidential Library, the gilded age mansions of Olana and Lyndhurst, and Whitecliff Vineyard. Fall cruise guests will also enjoy apple tasting experiences and explorations in Sleepy Hollow during the town’s acclaimed Halloween celebrations, featuring spooky events from mid-September to early November.
