Viking Responds To High Demand: Additional Sailings For Mississippi River Cruises
Viking responded to high demand for its Mississippi River cruises sailings. As of Tuesday, those cruises are on sale and are expected to be sold quickly. Since the original announcement in April 2020, several sailings are already sold out through the 2023 sailing season. The high demand has prompted Viking to open the 2024 season sooner than anticipated.
“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 this spring, we also look forward to a new chapter in 2022 when we begin sailing our first U.S. river voyages.”
Viking will debut its first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, which will first set sail in August 2022. The route will be on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and Saint Paul. Ports that are currently on the schedule include seven states and include Louisiana (Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Darrow and St. Francisville); Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg); Tennessee (Memphis); Missouri (St. Louis, Hannibal), Iowa (Davenport, Burlington and Dubuque); Wisconsin (La Crosse); and Minnesota (Red Wing, St, Paul).
Viking coming to the Mississippi is a major boost to local tourism and will help the economy of several river communities. The new cruises are estimated to bring more than 5,800 guests to the area next year. That number is expected to be more than 17,600 in 2023.
2022-2024 Viking Mississippi Voyages
America’s Great River (15 days from New Orleans to St. Paul) – This journey provides travelers the opportunity to experience nearly the entire Mississippi River. Sail from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost United States. Relax and take in the array of sceneries, wildlife and foliage. In Natchez, be treated to traditional Southern charm and preserved architecture. Follow the footsteps of the great Civil Rights leaders in Memphis. See the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and The Norwegian Valley in La Crosse. Several sailing dates for June, July, September and October 2023 and 2024 are now available. The cost begins at $10,999 per person with discounted airfare.
America’s Heartland (8 days from St. Louis to St. Paul) – The Upper Mississippi provides travelers the chance to see pristine farms set in rolling landscapes to steep bluff sprinkled with wooded islands. The cruise provides guests the opportunity to relish in the striking beauty along the river. Experience the memorable journey of locks and dams along the heartland rivers. Learn the sagas of settlers moving west, hear the tales of Lewis & Clark, John Deere, Mark Twain, Norwegian and Amish migrations, polka and folk music. Experience the unique local beer, produce and Wisconsin cheese. Multiple dates for this voyage are currently available from August to September 2023 and 2024. Prices begin at $4,399 per person with discounted airfare.
Heart of the Delta (8 days New Orleans to Memphis) – This journey is along the Lower Mississippi and is chock full of history, heritage and culture. The French and Acadians settled here, take in the lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement, hear jazz, blues and gospel music, experience Cajun, Creole and the infamous “dry” Memphis BBQ. Several sailing dates are available in November 2022. There are now additional sailings from January to June and October to December 2023 and 2024. The cost starts at $4,399 per person with discounted airfare.
New Orleans & Southern Charm (8 days New Orleans roundtrip) – Explore the Lower Mississippi by strolling historical estates and learn Civil War history at significant landmarks. This roundtrip journey lets guests taste Creole and Cajun cuisine while experiencing the French-incluenced ports, including Baton Rouge, Darrow and others in Louisiana and Mississippi. Sailing dates are currently available for November to December 2022. Viking provided additional sailings for January and December 2023 and 2024. The cost begins at $3,999 per person with discounted airfare.
Mississippi Holiday Season (8 days from Memphis to New Orleans) – Discover the Lower Mississippi during this special holiday voyage in December 2022. It includes exclusive Privileged Access to Graceland all decked out for the holiday season. Taste Cajun cuisine and shopping excursions. Be awestruck by the decorated historic homes and light displays in Baton Rouge and Natchez. For onboard festivities, expect a special celebratory regional dining and holiday treats. Several sailing dates are available in December 2022. The cost starts off at $3,999 per person with discounted airfare.
The announcement is the newest milestone as Viking continues to expand its travel offerings.
Are you a regular traveler on Viking’s cruise journeys? Have you sailed along the Upper or Lower Mississippi River? The sailings are booked up quickly, so take advantage of the additional sailing dates that were just announced and let us know about your experience.
Photos credit: Viking
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