Viking River Cruises has announced the latest addition to their fleet. Viking Mississippi will make her debut in 2022, sailing down the Mississippi River and will host the cruise line’s first-ever itineraries in the USA.

Read on to discover more of the new ship and her exciting inaugural sailing.

STATEROOMS

Viking Mississippi will make her debut in August 2022 along the Mississippi River. She is currently under construction by Edison Chouest Offshore, in the south-eastern state of Louisiana and will facilitate for 386 passengers. Her 193 all-outside staterooms feature either a French balcony or a step-out balcony to allow her guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking views.

You’ll have seven different accommodation types to choose from, ranging from a Veranda Stateroom to an Explorer Suite. All rooms have a king-sized bed, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and heated floor.

VENUES AND ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT

All of Viking’s vessels showcase a Scandinavian interior and Viking Mississippi will carry on this tradition, with a few tweaks to suit the American market. This five-deck ship will be one of the largest ships to sail along the Mississippi, with many opportunities to eat al-fresco.

Much like Viking’s popular pre-dinner drink spot, the Explorers Lounge, Viking Mississippi will showcase The Bow, a forward-facing lounge where guests can sit outside with a drink in-hand and enjoy beautiful sea views. The Aquavit Terrace on the top deck will also provide spectacular views, as well as delicious barbequed food.

As well as debuting a new ship in a new location, a new restaurant will feature on board Viking Mississippi – The River Café. Here you can sit indoors or outdoors and indulge in American classics and popular dishes from Mamsen, the cruise line’s Norwegian-inspired café found on their ocean-going vessels.

While on board the ship, guests will be exposed to destination-focused performances to represent the soulful music produced from each region visited. Guest lecturers will also join you to hold talks, during which you’ll learn all about the area's art, history and natural wonders.

ITINERARIES AND EXCURSIONS

Viking Mississippi will sail along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River, travelling to and from New Orleans and St. Paul. During your journey, you’ll stop at seven different US states: Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

She has four 2022 itineraries, including three eight-day cruises and one 15-day journey from New Orleans to St. Paul. The eight-day itineraries travel from St. Louis to St. Paul, New Orleans to Memphis and New Orleans to Vicksburg, before returning to New Orleans.

Some examples of excursions on these itineraries include visiting the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum, trips to a working farm in the Quad Cities of Iowa and guided kayak tours in the Louisiana bayou.

WHAT THE CRUISE LINE HAD TO SAY

On 30th March 2020, Torstein Hagen, Viking River Cruises’ Chairman said: "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.”

“Our guests are curious travellers, 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," he continued.