Responding to strong demand for 2023 Mississippi River sailings, Viking has opened its books for departure dates in 2024.
Viking’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August next year and will sail on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul.
Viking’s first river cruises on the Mississippi were officially announced 12 months ago, and several sailings have already sold out through the 2023 sailing season. That demand has led Viking to open 2024 sailing dates sooner than originally expected.
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“We are pleased with the continued response and support we have received from loyal guests and valued partners ahead of our new Mississippi River sailings,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As we begin to restart ocean operations, we also look forward to a new chapter in 2022 when we begin sailing our first US river voyages.”
Viking’s Mississippi cruises are expected to bring more than 5,800 guests to the region in 2022 and 17,600+ during the first full sailing season in 2023. Currently scheduled ports of call 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 Minnesota (Red Wing, St. Paul).
2022-2024 Viking Mississippi Voyages
America’s Great River (15 days; New Orleans to St. Paul or v.v.) – Sailing nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost reaches of the US. Multiple sailing dates are now available in July 2023 and June, July, September and October 2024. Pricing starts at $16,295 per person.
America’s Heartland (8 days; St. Louis to St. Paul or v.v.) – From pristine farms nestled in rolling terrain to steep bluff rising from tributaries dotted with wooded islands, the Upper Mississippi offers a rich tapestry of beauty upon every turn of the river. This journey includes the locks and dams that control the flow of the heartland rivers. Multiple sailing dates now available August – September 2023 and 2024. Pricing starts at $6,295 per person.
Heart of the Delta (8 days; New Orleans to Memphis or v.v.) – A journey on the Lower Mississippi, infused with American history, culture and heritage. Multiple sailing dates are now available in January – June and October – November 2023 and January – June 2024. Pricing starts at $5,495 per person.
New Orleans & Southern Charm (8 days; New Orleans to New Orleans) – This exploration of the Lower Mississippi includes walking the historic estates and learning about Civil War history at notable sites. Multiple sailing dates available in November – December 2022; additional sailing dates are now available in January 2023 and 2024. Pricing starts at $5,495 per person.
Viking Mississippi will accommodate 386 guests. The vessel is inspired by Viking’s river and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests, but that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages.