Viking River Cruises has made it stateside. Viking Mississippi is the brand’s first offering on America’s Great River. We have assembled a list of five reasons you should be as excited as we are for this fantastic new ship.
The Design
Viking Mississippi is a contemporary take on the classic river boat. While it maintains the shape of the traditional paddle-wheelers, you will immediately notice that there are no big wheels turning while you’re rolling on this river ship. Purists may say that’s a bad thing but we think that the absence of the loud “chug, chug, chug, chug…” sound that a steam paddle makes is a welcome trade. Viking Mississippi makes use of an intelligent propulsion system that makes for a smoother ride.
The sleek Scandinavian design elements that Viking is famous for are incorporated well into this ship along with some great new features. The main deck features a wrap-around promenade that guarantees guests 360-degree views while underway. Outward-facing views were a design focus while developing this ship. As such, everywhere on this ship, you will find full-length windows and comfy seating areas for guests to fully enjoy panoramic views.
Viking Mississippi features the Sun Terrace with an infinity edge plunge pool, The Bow lounging area, Two-story windows in the Explorer’s Lounge, and elevators. This is truly the most modern ship on the Mississippi.
The Suites and Staterooms
There are 193 suites and staterooms to house 386 guests onboard. Viking Mississippi has nearly two-to-one guest-to-crew ratios for exemplary service and attention to guests’ needs. All of the accommodations have verandas or French Balconies for expansive exterior views. The smallest stateroom onboard is almost 300 square feet, making Viking Mississippi’s staterooms some of the roomiest accommodations you can find on any of the world’s rivers.
Dining
Viking brings back favorites like Mamsens, the Restaurant, and al fresco dining at the Aquavit Terrace. But- with a twist. Mamsen’s is now Mamsen’s River Cafe featuring American classics as well as traditional Scandinavian comfort food. The Aquavit Terrace has an American BBQ experience incorporated into it. The Explore’s Lounge is grander than ever, expanding two decks and boasting massive floor-to-ceiling views of the Mississippi. For a brand that prides itself on uniformity, this ship is the most unique in its entire river fleet.
The Itineraries
Viking Mississippi has brought with it a myriad of new options for Viking’s guests. Their arrival in the United States has opened up an entirely new market to their cruisers. Viking Mississippi visits seven states, from the oak-lined streets of the deep south to the rolling farmland of the heartland, and on to the great cities of the mid-west, you will be able to choose from itineraries from eight nights to fifteen nights allowing you to tour by region or see it all at once.
Guests have the opportunity to tour the American Civil War battlefields and monuments of Vicksburg, Mississippi, take a visit to Mark Twain’s hometown in Hannibal, Missouri, visit the birthplace of the Blues in Memphis, and so much more all with the experienced guides and experts Viking is known for.
New Orleans
If you have never been, it’s time to go. If you have been to New Orleans, Viking has given you the perfect opportunity to go back. The birthplace of American Jazz, the home of some of the world’s best cuisine, the festive French Quarter, and the haunting oak-lined streets of the Garden District, New Orleans, Louisiana is one of America’s greatest cities. The food and drink in this city are exquisite and unique. Eat brunch at The Court of Two Sisters, have a bowl of Jambalaya at Evangeline, raise a toast at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, or have beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
Music fills the air around every corner, and the culture and history of America’s melting pot is on display everywhere you look. If the Statue of Liberty were in New Orleans she would trade the torch for a Sazerac and be dancing on her pedestal. Anything that brings more cruises in and out of the United State’s most historic port is a good thing in our book.
Expect to read more about this great ship and the excellent destinations she visits, but if you are ready to go now or want more information on Viking Mississippi contact our experts. Luxury Cruise Connections teams are destination and ship specialists that know these cities and ships intimately. No agency is better equipped to extend the Luxury travel experience from the moment you begin planning your cruise to the moment you return.
