American Liberty is named in Newport state park festivities

The 100-passenger ship was dockside at Fort Adams State Park, where all of ACL's small ships moor in Newport.

American Liberty was visiting the historic seaside town on its inaugural cruise, a 'New England Islands' roundtrip from Providence, Rhode Island.

Passengers were on hand for the festivities, along with community members, officials from Sail Newport and Fort Adams State Park and a small group of ACL executives and crew.

'Fantastic partners'

'We are honored to be able to host this event in Fort Adams State Park with our fantastic partners from the community and Sail Newport,' ACL President Charles B. Robertson said. 'We are especially honored to have Vice Commodore Clare Harington of the New York Yacht Club serve as godmother of American Liberty. We look forward to further developing our longtime partnerships in Newport and many other historic coastal towns along the Eastern Seaboard.'

Naming ceremony guests, including American Liberty inaugura cruise passengers, look on as Clare Harington, vice commodore of the New York Yacht Club, smashes the champagne

Further speakers included Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport, and Lauren Carson, Rhode Island state representative, who commended ACL for its commitment to new, more environmentally friendly small ships.

New England lobster bake

Musical trio The Victory Belles entertained guests with patriotic music as everyone gathered on the ship’s top deck for the official blessing and ceremonial bottle smash. The christening was followed by a traditional New England lobster bake at Fort Adams State Park where guests were treated to a discussion and live demonstration of the region’s ancient Native American cooking process.

American Liberty will continue operating 'New England Islands' cruises into September, then sail a mix of the East Coast itineraries from 'Hudson River Fall Foliage' cruises, roundtrip from New York City, to 'Historic South & Golden Isles cruises' between Charleston, South Carolina and Amelia Island, Florida November through spring 2025.