With a great mix of patriotism, innovation, and seafaring heritage, American Cruise Lines christened its new ship, American Patriot, in Newport, Rhode Island—a celebration that honored Independence Day just as much as it previewed America’s two-hundred-and-fiftieth birthday celebration in 2026. As the lead vessel in a new class of vessels, American Patriot marks a significant stride towards American-built small ship cruising by American Cruise Lines. Christening American Patriot is a symbolic first of a series of extended cruises intended to highlight the nation’s historic waterways, seashore towns, and culture landmarks—with all of American Cruise Lines’ contribution towards celebrating the United States’ semiquincentennial anniversary.

American Patriot is one of four ships in the company’s all-new Patriot Class—a fleet of 130-passenger ships specifically designed for cruising American rivers and coastal regions. Built in America, they provide contemporary comfort while honoring America’s history and natural wonder. The Patriot Class fleet will continue to expand, with three other ships—American Pioneer, American Maverick, and American Ranger—under production, starting late 2025, and running through 2026.

The christening ceremony took place in Newport Harbor, where guests, local officials, cruise line executives, and members of the community gathered on the ship’s top deck to witness the formal blessing. The ceremonial bottle smash was performed by the vessel’s Godmother, Susan Daly of Sail Newport, with key remarks delivered by American Cruise Lines President & CEO Charles B. Robertson. Co-founder Carol Robertson was also present, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

Guests following christening walked to nearby Fort Adams State Park for a classic New England lobsterbake—a nod to New England’s seafaring past and culinary traditions. It was a celebratory christening of the ship in true New England style, underscoring American Cruise Lines’ close identification with regional traditions.

With American Patriot, American Cruise Lines inaugurates a new era in American-centric cruising, and the Patriot Class will redefines travel domestically on American shores. Designed exclusively for all-U.S.-ports voyages, American Patriot affords adventurers the chance to visit signature rivers, harbors, and coasts while observing America’s rich variety of landscapes and history.

Approaching the 250th anniversary of American independence, American Cruise Lines wants to take center stage by delivering patriotic and immersive experiences on a fleet that’s quintessential American in every sense—whether by design and construction, by destination, or by spirit.

“We are pleased to return to Newport this summer, christening yet another American Cruise Lines vessel, and celebrating the 4th of July with our guests,” said Charles B. Robertson, American Cruise Lines’ President & CEO. “We are especially pleased to have American Patriot’s godmother, Susan Daly, President of Sail Newport, and so many of our Eagle Society members, who cruise again and again with us, enthusiastically supporting our mission of bringing people the ultimate cruise explorations for discovering and re-discovering America.”

The American Patriot, American Cruise Lines’ latest addition to its expanding fleet, redefines stylish cruising on American waters. With space for only 130 guests, this intimate ship delivers high-end cruising complete with high-style features throughout its four intelligently conceived decks. All staterooms and suites feature personal balconies, which offer unobstructed river and coastline vistas of America. Onboard, there’s a chic chart room, spacious lounges, including one on the top deck that features a walking track, in addition to a main dining room, informal café, and contemporary fitness center.

Although compact in size, American Patriot packs a big punch when it comes to luxury—not unlike exemplary amenities found throughout the company’s 25 American-built ships. These are specially designed ships that are able to provide world-class comfort and service on a smaller scale, which has also become a hallmark of American Cruise Lines.

As the lead ship of the all-new Patriot Class, American Patriot is the first of a series of cutting-edge ships designed exclusively for immersive US-based cruising. Its sister vessel, American Pioneer, will debut later this year in Florida, carrying on the brand’smomentum as it grows its fleet with purpose and precision.

This swift growth aligns perfectly with a defining milestone in American history—the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. To honor this significant occasion, American Cruise Lines is launching an extraordinary series of Extended Cruises, with each voyage stretching beyond 50 days. These immersive adventures will span the breadth of the country, guiding guests from Alaska’s icy fjords to the warm, sandy shores of the Florida Keys. Along the way, travelers will experience a rich tapestry of landscapes and stories that celebrate the nation’s diverse natural wonders and historic legacy.

American Pioneer and American Patriot will both be flagship ships in these unique history itineraries, carrying travelers on in-depth, meaningful experiences through the most iconic river and coastal pathways of the country. More than cruises, they are poignant testimonies to the American spirit, moving people closer to the essence of the country’s history.

American Cruise Lines christened its new ship, American Patriot, in Newport in a patriotic-themed celebration and symbolic launch of America’s voyage towards its two-hundred-and-fiftieth birthday in 2026. With an emphasis on comfort, culture, and coast-to-coast exploration, American Cruise Lines will lead the next era of American cruising—with American Patriot’s maiden launch.