Inaugural Voyages: Mississippi

“Viking is known for

“Viking is known for quickly becoming a major force in the niches of cruising that it enters.” – Gene Sloan, The Points Guy 4 VIKING.COM

Dear Traveler, Mark Twain once said the Mississippi has “a new story to tell every day,” and I could not agree more. Growing up in Norway, I was inspired by Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn’s adventures along the Mississippi River. When I was older and moved to America during my undergraduate studies, I became fascinated with the Upper Mississippi and the Midwest, a region so many Norwegian immigrants chose as their new home. It is with this admiration that I announce the launch of Viking on the Mississippi River, our first river voyages in the United States. Starting in 2022, you will be able to sail the length of the Mississippi on the river’s only truly modern ship. From its headwaters in Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River stretches for more than 2,000 miles and winds through America’s heartland. A full sailing is a different kind of cross-country journey for the curious explorer — one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture. Experience St. Louis’s pioneer spirit and Natchez’s small-town charm. Learn about the Civil War and the civil rights movement. Sit back and enjoy Delta blues and New Orleans jazz. Taste Memphis barbecue, Gulf seafood, Cajun and Creole cuisine, and the Midwest’s farm-to-table fare. No other waterway has played such an important role in this country’s history, commerce and culture. Viking’s arrival will bring modern river cruising to the Mississippi and the opportunity to visit outstanding destinations. Our new ship, Viking Mississippi, is inspired by our award-winning Viking Longships and ocean vessels and will be built in the United States. The ship will be purpose-built for the Mississippi and feature the clean Scandinavian design for which we are known. You will explore in comfort, with spacious all outside staterooms, expansive viewing areas and al fresco dining. Viking Inclusive Value means that a shore excursion is included in every port—and only The Viking Way of exploration will bring you Privileged Access, Local Life and Working World experiences along the way. I invite you to join us in 2022 as we usher in a new era of exploration on the Mississippi River. Torstein Hagen Chairman