Offering Hudson River and Florida Gulf Coast & Keys itineraries, the 130-passenger American Ranger is the line’s fourth Patriot Class ship, with sister vessels on the way in 2027

With the debut of the American Ranger, American Cruise Lines just launched its third new ship this year.

The christening and naming ceremony took place September 24 when the American Ranger was docked at Catskill Point, New York, during the inaugural 9-day Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise. Susan Renner, American’s longtime treasurer and board chair, served as the godmother and christened the ship. She also served as the godmother to the American Maverick, a sister ship of the American Ranger, which was christened earlier in 2026.

“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.”

The American Ranger’s inaugural cruise, which started in New Yok City, concluded on September 26, when she docked in Albany, New York.

The American Ranger

The American Ranger is the line’s fourth Patriot Class ship. Like her sister ships, she accommodates 130 guests in 56 private balcony staterooms, including singles and suites.

Offering an intimate and luxurious cruising experience, the four-deck American Ranger focuses on elegance, comfort and coastal exploration. Here are some details:

  • The Cascade Lounge, one of several lounges, provides nightly entertainment.
  • The Chart Room, located at the bow of the ship, is where guests can follow the ship’s route, along with taking in beautiful vistas.
  • A new feature on the American Ranger is the top deck’s reimagined Sky Lounge, which provides stunning panoramas.
  • Also located on the top deck is the 360° Sky Walk track, along with a casual cafe.
  • The Fitness Center offers a variety of exercise equipment.
  • The main restaurant features American specialties with locally sourced ingredients and can accommodate all guests at one time.
  • Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
  • The laundry room is another amenity.

Where the American Ranger is Sailing

The American Ranger’s Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruises operate between New York City and Albany, and include stops at Catskill, West Point, Sleepy Hollow and Kingston/Hyde Park, New York. They include guided excursions. The season’s last Hudson River cruise departed October 25, 2026. The American Ranger will be offering Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises throughout the holiday season and into the New Year.

The 2027 Hudson River Summer Classic Cruises begin operating in June 2027, and Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruises will begin again in September 2027. The line’s Hudson River cruises are the only overnight river cruises in the market that explore this famous waterway. They operate roundtrip from Albany and feature excursions in New York City, where guests enjoy breathtaking views of the Big Apple’s famous skyline while cruising past the Statue of Liberty.

In 2027 American Cruise Lines will introduce two more sister ships to the American Ranger – the American Mariner and American Navigator. The 180-passenger American Anthem also will make her debut.

More About American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines, with a fleet of 30 small ships, is the largest river cruise line in the U.S. Their ships sail on the Mississippi River, Columbia and Snake Rivers, and the Great Lakes. They also sail in protected waterways all over the country, including Alaska’s Inside Passage. The company continues to expand, offering over 50 U.S. itineraries along the East, West and Gulf coasts, and on U.S. rivers, lakes and inland waterways. All the ships are built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland.

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By Cindy Bertram

Photos courtesy of American Cruise Lines