Come 2022, Viking will begin sailing the legendary Mississippi River, offering both its most loyal guests and those new to river cruising a new lens from which to view America’s most historic ports. The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, between New Orleans and St. Paul.
Currently scheduled ports of call on Viking’s new Mississippi River Cruises comprise seven U.S. 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).
Starting today, March 30, inaugural sailings of Viking Mississippi’s 2022-2023 season are available to Viking past guests only. Bookings will open to the general public on April 15, 2020.
“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—first on the rivers of Russia and then in Europe. 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, in a press release. “Our guests are curious travelers, and they continue to tell us that the Mississippi is the river they most want to sail with us. 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.”
Onboard Delights
The 386-guest, 193-“all outside” stateroom Viking Mississippi will feature seven stateroom categories that range from 268 sq. ft. to 1,024 sq. ft.: Veranda, French Balcony, Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Veranda, Penthouse Jr. Suite, Terrace Suite and Explorer Suite. All staterooms feature a private verandah 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. Each suite, meanwhile, will feature two rooms and a full-size verandah off the sitting room.
Guests in the 400-sq.-ft. Penthouse Jr. Suites and 425-sq.-ft. Terrace Suites receive early stateroom access; expanded double-sink bathroom; mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water and snacks replenished daily; welcome champagne; and laundry, pressing and shoe shine services. Guests in the Explorer Suites, ranging from 657 sq. ft. to 1,024 sq. ft., also receive a wraparound verandah and complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package.
Common areas include the 2-story Explorers’ Lounge floor-to-ceiling windows that open to The Bow, a unique outdoor seating area at the front of the ship where guests can relax and enjoy riverside views. Also on board, they’ll find River Cafe on the top deck; the Aquavit Terrace; the Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool; The Living Room on Deck 1; and The Restaurant, the ship’s main dining venue.
Exploring the Mississippi
Inaugural voyages for 2022-2023 include the 8-day America’s Heartland, from St. Louis to St. Paul on the Upper Mississippi; the 8-day Heart of Delta from New Orleans to Memphis on the Lower Mississippi; the 8-day Southern Celebration, roundtrip New Orleans on the Lower Mississippi; and the 15-day America’s Great River, covering nearly the entire length of the river from New Orleans to St. Paul. These are the itineraries that will get your clients up-close to Lewis & Clark; Mark Twain; John Deere; the American Civil Rights movement; jazz, blues and gospel; and the Civil War history, among other iconic U.S. moments and figures.
For more information, visit vikingcruises.com. For the 4-1-1 on Viking Expeditions, click here.
