Table Of Content
Along the way, tap your feet to the rhythm of American folk, soul and jazz music—and taste a delicious array of regional cuisine. As with the rest of Viking’s fleet, Viking Mississippi offers plenty of inclusions, such as beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; complimentary specialty dining; at least one complimentary shore excursion per day; complimentary lectures, Wi-Fi access and free room service. Constructed at Edison Chouest Offshore in Louisiana, the ship combines familiar features from the line's existing river and ocean fleet These include a two-story Explorers' Lounge observation area, similar to its ocean ships, and the popular Aquavit Terrace for lounging and dining. Cabins and public areas feature a nautical color palette of rich blues, warm earth tones and soothing natural woods. All 193 cabins are river-facing with either French or full step-out balconies. Cabins are spread across seven different categories and range in size from 268 square feet to 1,024 square feet.
Viking Mississippi ship departs from downtown St. Paul on inaugural cruise
Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make it the first truly modern cruise ship in the region. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities will make it the first truly modern cruise ship in the region. Explorer Suite cruise prices are also inclusive of "Silver Spirits Beverage Package" (Viking Cruises' alcohol-inclusive unlimited drink package). Viking Mississippi staterooms (193 total) are on 4 decks (out of 5 total), all with balconies and grouped in 13 cabin grades. All staterooms (except 8x handicap cabins with French Balconies) are with Outside Balconies (step-out verandas).
Pre: New Orleans Discovery
In keeping with maritime tradition, the ship’s ceremonial godmother, Dionne Chouest, General Counsel of Edison Chouest Offshore, assisted with the float out. With the launch of the new Viking Mississippi, we decided to take a roundtrip New Orleans cruise, leaving January 7, 2023. Our overall result was a very relaxing week cruise on the mighty, muddy Mississippi and some acquired knowledge of the region.
Explorer Suite (ES)
Viking Mississippi riverboat's boarding/embarkation time is fixed (at 11 AM) but cabin access times (room entry) differ by stateroom grade. Savor the city’s celebrated Cajun and Creole music and cuisine as well as its distinct arts. If you don't know much about Huey Long, it is a good idea to read up on him before visiting this city. In 2015 was officially announced Viking's plan to enter USA's river cruising market by chartering newbuild ships for year-round operations on Mississippi River. However, the process was slowed due to issues regarding the so-called "Jones Act" (Merchant Marine Act from 1920).
Viking River Cruises has taken travelers across the globe, but now Americans can explore their own backyard with one of the cruise line's new Mississippi routes. In 2022, the cruise line began offering service through the Midwest, including from St. Louis to St. Paul, Minnesota. The traditional float out took place at Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard in Houma, Louisiana.
American Queen Voyages ceases operations - The Vicksburg Post - The Vicksburg Post
American Queen Voyages ceases operations - The Vicksburg Post.
Posted: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
French Balcony Staterooms measure 301 square feet and Penthouse Veranda Staterooms are 336 square feet, the latter with perks including a mini-bar replenished with complimentary alcoholic beverages, pressing and shoeshine service and a welcome bottle of Champagne. The vessel measures 450 feet in length and is 75 feet wide with a total of five decks. Viking is calling it the largest and most modern cruise ship operating in the region. History and culture unfold as you traverse the Mississippi on this enriching voyage. Enjoy relaxing scenic sailing and unparalleled bird-watching as the landscape changes between the bluffs of the North and the bayous of the South.
Additional details
Sail along the Mississippi River, an important region with diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Immerse yourself in the blues with Viking’s Privileged Access Mississippi Delta experience. Explore the oldest city on the Mississippi, Natchez, with over 200 historic Southern estates.
NEW! The Big Easy to the Gateway City
Attend a Privileged Access Mississippi Delta blues experience in Greenville and be inspired by the stories of famed musicians and iconic civil rights heroes. Savor delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue. And stir your soul with the rhythms of Dixieland jazz, Delta blues and gospel.
Cruises
The boat Viking Mississippi operates on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, with departures from homeports NOLA-New Orleans, Memphis TN, St Louis MO, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul MN. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Discover Memphis, the birthplace of Memphis blues and a center of civil rights history. Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships, Viking Mississippi will feature elegant Scandinavian design as well as public spaces that are familiar to Viking guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages.
All staterooms feature a private veranda or French balcony, king-size bed, large flat-screen TV, mini-bar, large glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and 24-hour room service. As for what to see and do, Viking has announced several eight-day itineraries that focus on northern or southern portions of the river. Trips between St. Louis and St. Paul include tours and guest lectures on board that discuss Mark Twain and westward expansion; sailings from Memphis to New Orleans have a focus on French and Acadian cultures as well as the civil rights movement and jazz. Each cabin deck has a launderette (laundry room with self-service laundromats). Of the riverboat's three Lifts (glass-door elevators), two are in the Atrium (midship) and one is located forward-portside. Immerse yourself in history and heritage on this journey bookended by New Orleans and Memphis.
The tour we chose was the "Jazz Experience." A member of the band conducted the tour which visited a bar first (great margarita!) for a concert by his band, Sunday brunch at the Court of Two Sisters, and a visit to the Jazz Museum. We chose the included tour of Rosedown Plantation, which has an interesting history. However, the time allotted for the tour only afforded enough time to visit the house, not he extensive grounds. Viking needs to add minutes to this tour, especially since there is no rush to get back to the ship. We understand that Viking made a huge investment in this ship, which was purpose-built for the Mississippi. After many delays, the ship finally launched in the fall of 2022, only to encounter problems with the water levels of the river which forced some cancellations.
PV-Penthouse Veranda and all suites additionally receive once-daily replenished minibar (complimentary alcoholic drinks, sodas, bottled water, snacks). PV cabins get complimentary pressing and shoeshine services, while all suites also get complimentary laundry service and Welcome Gift (bottle of champagne upon boarding). All Suites are with two TVs (1x in the living room, 1x in the bedroom) and large bathrooms (with double-sink vanities). Three primary dining venues are offered aboard Viking Mississippi, intended to collectively offer the most al fresco seating of any river vessel in the region.
French Balcony staterooms are ADA cabins (wheelchair-accessible), with larger bathrooms and convenient midship location (near the Atrium's lifts). French Balcony cabins are with floor-ceiling windows, slide-opening to a railing. Suites start with Penthouse Junior Suites, which offer 400 square feet of living space and the amenities of a Penthouse Veranda Stateroom. Terrace Suites have an expansive veranda that stretches the entire width of the suite. These 425-square-foot suites offer separate living and sleeping areas and the additional perks of the other suites.
The River Cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, along with a menu comprising American classics and regionally inspired favorites. It also has Norwegian menu selections culled from Mamsen's, the popular eatery on Viking's oceangoing ships that serves up dishes from the recipe book of Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen's mother, Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen. The adjacent Aquavit Terrace has been reimagined for the Mississippi, providing a classic American barbecue experience in a casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The Deluxe cabins offer additional perks such as in-suite coffee machine and early access on embarkation day.
The boat is traditionally large-sized but with a 90% glass-enclosed superstructure. All staterooms and public venues are with floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ship's cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make it the first truly modern cruise ship in the region.
History is huge draw for Mississippi River cruise goers, but whose history? - Mississippi Today
History is huge draw for Mississippi River cruise goers, but whose history?.
Posted: Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and our signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River. The River Café serves up everything from American classics to Mamsen’s Norwegian specialities on the top deck, where the Aquavit Terrace also provides an alfresco dining option. To cap off the day, guests can enjoy an evening stroll on the 360-degree promenade deck. Guests can take a dip in the infinity plunge pool on the sun terrace or relax in the Explorer’s Lounge & Bar, with its two-story floor-to-ceiling window that opens up to the bow—an outdoor seating venue to take in the sights. Before we boarded the ship, we toured the WWII Museum; you really need 3 days to do that place justice, but it is excellent!
