American Cruise Lines Christens American Ranger on the Hudson River

American Cruise Lines christened its new vessel American Ranger on September 24 at Historic Catskill Point, in Catskill, New York. It is the fourth ship in the company's Patriot class and the third new vessel it has launched in 2026.

The celebration took place on the ship's top deck, featuring a cookout and the traditional champagne bottle christening, bringing together passengers from the inaugural cruise, executives, and crew members. Susan Renner, longtime treasurer and chair of the board of directors of American Cruise Lines, served as godmother of the American Ranger, a role she also held for the American Maverick, the sister ship christened earlier in 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island. The company's President and CEO, Charles B. Robertson, noted that the American Ranger currently holds the title of the newest cruise ship in the country, though it will soon be followed by three more ships set to launch in 2027.

The christening took place as part of the ship's nine-day inaugural itinerary, called Hudson River Fall Foliage, which began with an included hotel stay in New York City on September 18. Boarding took place on September 19, and the cruise concluded in Albany on September 26. The American Ranger has four decks and capacity for 130 passengers in staterooms with private balconies, including single staterooms and suites, as well as a top-deck lounge with a walking track, a card room, main dining room, casual café, fitness center, and laundry facilities.

For 2027, American Cruise Lines plans to add two more sister ships to the American Ranger, the American Mariner and the American Navigator, along with another vessel in its modern riverboat line, the American Anthem. That same year, Hudson River cruises will operate round-trip from Albany and will include a port call with shore excursions in New York City, featuring views of the city skyline and sailing past the Statue of Liberty. The 2027 Hudson River Summer Classic itineraries will begin in June, while the Fall Foliage program will return in September.

During the 2026 season, Hudson River cruises operate between New York City and Albany, with port calls in Catskill, West Point, Sleepy Hollow, and Kingston/Hyde Park, and include guided excursions throughout the region. The company states that it operates the only overnight Hudson River cruises, and most 2026 departures are sold out, with the final sailing scheduled for October 25. Highlights of the itineraries include the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the FDR Presidential Library, the historic estates of Olana and Lyndhurst, Whitecliff Vineyard, and, in the fall, apple tastings and Halloween activities in Sleepy Hollow.