American Cruise Lines celebrated Independence Day 2025 – and started its countdown to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 – with the launch of its newest class of ships. Sticking with the theme, the small and river ship cruise line christened the American Patriot in Newport, Rhode Island, on July 4th.
American Patriot is the first of the new Patriot Class fleet of 130-guest ships designed for discovering or re-discovering the country by cruising. Three sister ships in the new class are scheduled to launch later in 2025 and 2026.
The just-launched American Patriot features 4 decks, private balcony staterooms and suites, a chart room, spacious lounges (including a top deck lounge with a walking track), plus a main restaurant, casual café, and fitness center.
Like all 25 small ships in American Cruise Line’s total fleet, the new Patriot Class ships punch above their weight in offering world-class amenities usually found on larger ships.
American Patriot is just the latest in a long line of innovative small ships developed and introduced by the cruise line. American is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A., with river cruise itineraries sailing through 35 states, plus coastal cruises. It’s the only 100% American-flagged fleet of river and small ships afloat.
Celebrating America’s 250th by Water
Specializing in American rivers and waterways gives American Cruise Lines a unique opportunity to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with its guests throughout the year.
In addition to numerous new ships launching in 2025 and 2026, American has also introduced a collection of Extended Cruises celebrating the anniversary of American independence: 50-Day+ U.S. itineraries highlighting the grandeur and history of the U.S.A.—small ship adventures that explore America’s great rivers and waterways from the glaciers in Alaska to the beaches in the Florida Keys.
American Patriot and its first sister ship, American Pioneer, will sail several of the cruise line’s new Extended Cruises throughout 2026, among other itineraries dedicated to exploring the U.S.A.
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Image courtesy of American Cruise Lines.
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