Home » America Travel News » American Cruise Lines Christens American Patriot in Newport as Nation Prepares for the Historic Celebration of Its Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary Thursday, July 10, 2025With 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.Advertisement 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 L …
