Viking to debut large, modern Mississippi vessel in August 2022Viking to debut large, modern Mississippi vessel in August 2022

Full length of the Mississippi

Viking Mississippi will sail voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, between New Orleans and St. Paul. Currently scheduled ports span seven states: Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans and St. Francisville), Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg), Tennessee (Memphis), Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis), Iowa (Burlington, Dubuque and Davenport), Wisconsin (La Crosse and Red Wing) and Minnesota (St. Paul).

'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,' Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen said Monday.

'Our guests are curious travelers, and they continue to tell us that the Mississippi is the river they most want to sail with us,' he continued. 'The Mississippi River is closer to home for many of our guests, and no other waterway has played such an important role in America’s history, commerce and culture.'

Five-deck Viking Mississippi

With 193 all-outside staterooms, Viking Mississippi is inspired by the company's existing river and ocean vessels and will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to brand loyalists but reimagined for Mississippi voyages.

And, Hagen said, 'No paddlewheels — real or fake.' 

The seven spacious stateroom categories range from 268 square feet to 1,024 square feet. All feature a private veranda or French balcony, king-size bed with luxury linens, large flat-screen interactive TV, mini-bar, large glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and 24-hour room service.

Big views and alfresco dining

The five-deck vessel sports expansive windows, a 360-degree promenade deck, two-story Explorers' Lounge facing forward and The Bow, an outdoor seating area for big river views. An Aquavit Terrace on the top deck, ideal for American-style barbecues, and a River Cafe will provide ample alfresco dining opportunities. A glass-backed pool will be situated aft.

Viking Mississippi's environmental features include solar panels, LED lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light and an energy-efficient hybrid propulsion system.

Itineraries, enrichment and 'Privileged Access'

Itineraries include 'America’s Heartland,' eight days, St. Louis to St. Paul; 'Heart of the Delta,' eight days, New Orleans-Memphis; 'Southern Celebration,' eight days, New Orleans-Vicksburg-New Orleans; and 'America's Great River,' 15 days, New Orleans-St. Paul.

Hagen assured Viking will continue to provide 'the thinking person’s cruise' with destination performances showcasing regional music; guest lecturers on art, architecture, history, culture and the natural world; and 'Privileged Access' Local Life and Working World experiences, opening doors to places otherwise difficult to visit. Travelers can take a guided kayaking trip in the Louisiana bayou, visit a working farm near the Quad Cities or immerse themselves in Cajun culture during a Privileged Access excursion to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University.

Inclusive pricing

Cruise fares include one shore excursion in each port of call, alternative dining, all port charges and government taxes, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service and Wi-Fi.

Inaugural sailings for the 2022-2023 season are now available for booking by past guests and will open to the general public on April 15.