Viking Launches Mississippi River Cruises

Viking Cruises is entering the US river cruise market in 2022 with its largest river cruise ship to date, the line announced on Monday afternoon.

The 386-passenger Viking Mississippi will debut in August 2022, sailing the Mississippi River between New Orleans, Louisiana and St. Paul, Minnesota, calling on 15 ports across 7 US states.

“At a time where many of us are at home, looking for inspiration to travel in the future, I am pleased to introduce a new, modern way to explore this great river. We invented the concept of modern river cruising when we got our start 23 years ago… Since then, many people have come to appreciate the unique exploration that comes with river cruising – but currently there are very few options to do so on American rivers,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.

Viking Mississippi Features and Amenities

The ship, offering accommodations in 193 outside cabins, is currently under construction in a Louisiana shipyard. Purpose-built for the Mississippi River and designed in Viking Cruises’ classic clean Scandinavian design, the ship offers a number of venues and features from Viking’s ocean and European river ships, but adapted for the Mississippi.

The River Ship Will Feature

Explorers’ Lounge & The Bow: The bright, two-story Explorers’ Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views opens up onto The Bow, an outdoor seating area and gathering spot at the front of the ship.

Aquavit Terrace: A casual, al fresco dining experience on the top deck, serving American barbecue

Sun Terrace and Infinity Plunge Pool: A glass-backed pool on the aft of the ship offers an immersive experience
The Living Room: The social center of the ship, the Living Room offers opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

360-Degree Promenade Deck: Cruisers can completely circle the ship on the deck 1 promenade

Staterooms and Suites on Viking Mississippi

The 193 outside staterooms will be available in seven categories, starting at 268 square feet. All staterooms will offer a private French balcony or veranda, king-size bed, luxury linens, flat-screen interactive TV, a minibar, heated bathroom floor, and more.

Suites on Viking Mississippi range in size from 400 to 1,024 square feet, will all be two rooms and offer a full veranda and additional amenities including an expanded double sink bathroom, early stateroom access and more.

Viking Mississippi Goes Green

Sustainability is a primary focus on Viking Mississippi, and the ship features solar panels, LED lighting, large windows that maximize natural light and an energy-efficient hybrid propulsion system.

Viking Mississippi Itineraries

During her Inaugural 2022-2023 season, Viking Mississippi will be sailing 4 different itineraries, spanning both the upper and lower Mississippi River:

• America’s Heartland: 8 days – Between St. Louis and St. Paul
• Heart of the Delta: 8 days – Between New Orleans and Memphis
• Southern Celebration: 8 days – New Orleans Roundtrip
• America’s Great River: 15 days – Between New Orleans and St. Paul

Viking Mississippi Pricing and Reservations

Cruise fares for Mississippi River cruises have not been released, but Viking has said cruises will be an inclusive experience. The voyages include a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner service, lectures, alternative dining at no extra charge, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service, and Wi-Fi.

Bookings for the Viking Mississippi are open now for past Viking Cruises guests; reservations for the general public will open April 15, 2020.