Viking announced today that new 2024 sailings of its Mississippi River cruises are now on sale. The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and St. Paul. Viking notes that select sailings have already sold out through the 2023 season. This strong demand has led Viking to open 2024 sailing dates sooner than originally expected.
Currently scheduled ports of call on Viking’s new Mississippi River cruises cover 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).
The 2022-24 Viking Mississippi voyages
include:- America’s Great River (15 days; New Orleans to St. Paul)—Relax and take in the variety of scenery, foliage and wildlife on this leisurely voyage. Enjoy Southern charm and preserved homes in Natchez; retrace the steps of Civil Rights leaders in Memphis; ascend the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; and visit “The Norwegian Valley” in La Crosse. Multiple sailing dates are now available in June, July, September and October 2023 and 2024.
- America’s Heartland (eight days; St. Louis to St. Paul)—This journey introduces travelers to the locks and dams that control the flow of the heartland rivers. Hear stories of settlers migrating west; learn about Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain, John Deere and the Amish and Norwegian migrations; experience the regional music like polka and Norwegian folk; and taste regional cuisine showcasing local beer, produce and Wisconsin cheese. Multiple sailing dates are now available August to September 2023 and 2024.
- Heart of the Delta (eight days; New Orleans to Memphis)—Tour the area where the migrating French and Acadians settled; immerse yourself in the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement; discover the music of the South—jazz, blues and gospel; and experience the life and food culture of the south, from Cajun and Creole to the famed “dry” Memphis BBQ. Multiple sailing dates are available in November 2022; additional sailing dates are now available in January to June and October to December 2023 and 2024.
- New Orleans & Southern Charm (eight days; New Orleans to New Orleans)—On this exploration of the Lower Mississippi, walk the historic estates and learn about Civil War history at notable sites. The roundtrip journey from New Orleans will allow guests to sample Cajun and Creole cuisine while taking in the sights and sounds of the French-influenced ports, including Baton Rouge, Darrow and more in Louisiana and Mississippi. Multiple sailing dates are available in November to December 2022; additional sailing dates are now available in January and December 2023 and 2024.
- Mississippi Holiday Season (eight days; Memphis to New Orleans)—In December 2022, guests will discover the Lower Mississippi during a special holiday voyage. The eight-day journey will include exclusive “Privileged Access” to Graceland, decorated for the season; Cajun cuisine and shopping excursions; a visit to marvel the light displays and decorated historic homes in Natchez and Baton Rouge. Onboard festivities will include special celebratory regional dining and treats for the holidays. Multiple sailing dates are available in December 2022.
Beyond the Mississippi, the company recently took delivery of its seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus, which will officially be named on May 17, 2021 in the United Kingdom by its ceremonial godmother, Anne Diamond. In 2022, Viking will introduce its new expedition cruises, with the first 378-guest, purpose-built expedition ship, Viking Octantis, launching in January 2022 for voyages to Antarctica and then North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic.
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