American Cruise Lines celebrated the christening of the American Patriot in Newport, Rhode Island, commemorating the national holiday and marking the countdown to the United States' 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated on July 4, 2026. The American Patriot is the first ship in the company's new Patriot Class: a fleet of 130-passenger ships designed exclusively for cruising the United States. Sister ships American Pioneer, American Maverick, and American Ranger will be launched later in 2025 and 2026.
The christening festivities were attended by cruise ship passengers, community members, Sail Newport officials, and a small group of American Cruise Lines executives and crew members. Among those present were Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of the company; Susan Daly, president of Sail Newport and godmother of the American Patriot; and Carol Robertson, co-founder of the company. Guests gathered on the ship's upper deck for the official blessing and the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony, followed by a New England-style lobster bake at Fort Adams State Park.
The American Patriot accommodates 130 passengers and features four decks, cabins and suites with private balconies, a chart room, spacious lounges (including one on the upper deck with a walking track), a main restaurant, a casual café, and a fitness center. The new Patriot, along with the company's other 25 smaller vessels, offer amenities rarely seen on ships of their size.
The rapid fleet expansion aligns with the celebration of the United States' bicentennial. In addition to launching new ships in 2025 and 2026, American Cruise Lines has introduced Extended Cruises: 50-day or longer itineraries within the U.S. that explore the nation's rivers and waterways, from Alaska to the Florida Keys. The American Patriot and the American Pioneer will sail several of these new itineraries throughout 2026, along with other routes focused on American destinations.
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