American Cruise Lines Christens New Hudson River Ship

There’s a new cruise ship sailing on New York’s Hudson River! American Cruise Lines christened its brand-new vessel American Ranger during a ceremony on September 24 when the ship was docked in Catskill, New York.

Inaugural cruise guests, company executives, and crew members celebrated on the top deck with a cookout and the ceremonial bottle smash. Susan Renner, the line’s longtime Treasurer and Board Chair, served as the ship’s godmother. She’s also 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,” 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.”

American Cruise Lines continues to grow its fleet quickly, as two more sister ships to American Ranger will debut next year: American Mariner and American Navigator. Another modern American Riverboat, American Anthem, is also scheduled to launch in 2027.

American Ranger features five decks and accommodates 130 guests in all-balcony staterooms, including some for solo travelers and some larger suites. Spaces include a lower-deck indoor lounge for live music and enrichment; a main restaurant; a casual café; a chart room with binoculars, books, and games; a top-deck lounge with a walking track; a fitness center; and a laundry room.

Last week’s christening took place during the vessel’s inaugural nine-day Hudson River Fall Foliage itinerary, which began with an included hotel stay in New York City on September 18. The ship departed NYC on September 19, and the cruise concluded in Troy, NY just outside of Albany on September 26.

American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River cruises are the only overnight river cruises on the market that explore this famous waterway. The line’s 2026 Hudson River cruises are operating between NYC and Troy, with stops at Catskill, West Point, Sleepy Hollow, and Kingston/Hyde Park. The cruise fare includes guided excursions at every stop.

In 2027, the line’s Hudson River cruises will operate roundtrip from Albany and include a stop and excursions in New York City. Hudson River Summer Classic voyages begin in June, and the Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises begin again in September.

Passengers have the opportunity to visit many points of interest along the way, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, FDR’s Presidential Library, the gilded age mansions of Olana and Lyndhurst, and Whitecliff Vineyard. Fall cruise guests can 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.