Viking Floats Out First Mississippi Ship

Viking Mississippi was floated out at its Houma, Louisiana shipyard, marking a major construction milestone for the highly-anticipated river boat. When it debuts this summer, it will bring Viking Cruises’ trademark style of cruising to the Lower and Upper Mississippi River.

“It is a proud moment that this new ship has met an American waterway for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. “Our guests have long wanted to sail the Mississippi River with Viking, and we very much look forward to welcoming them on board this summer. We are grateful to our American partner, Edison Chouest Offshore, who has helped bring to life our vision of exploring the Mississippi in the ‘Viking way.’”

The 386-passenger Viking Mississippi will sail Lower and Upper Mississippi River itineraries between New Orleans and St. Paul. Ports of call will include a mix of: Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans and St. Francisville (Louisiana); Natchez and Vicksburg (Mississippi); Memphis; Hannibal, St. Louis (Missouri); Burlington, Dubuque and Davenport (Iowa); La Crosse (Wisconsin); and Red Wing, St. Paul (Minnesota).

Purpose-built for the Mississippi River, the boat will feature 193 staterooms across seven categories, all with either a private veranda or French balcony.  Suites will range in size from 400- to 1,024-square feet and offer two rooms and a full-size balcony. Past Viking cruisers will recognize several of the public spaces onboard including the Explorers’ Lounge, Aquavit Terrace, Living Room and The Restaurant.

Other highlights are the Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool and a full 360-degree Promenade Deck. Onboard activities will include daily destination performances (New Orleans Jazz, Delta Blues, Wisconsin Polka, etc) and educational guest lectures.

Examples of shore excursion options include kayaking in the Louisiana bayou, a visit to a working farm in Quad Cities, and a stop at the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University. As on all Viking cruises, fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, alternative dining at no extra-charge, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi.