Viking Announces Additional Sailings For New Mississippi River Cruises
LOS ANGELES, July 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced that new 2023 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 Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul. Viking's first river cruises in the U.S. had been highly anticipated when they were officially announced in April 2020, and several sailings have already sold out. This strong demand has led Viking to open additional 2023 sailing dates sooner than originally expected. Also, the company today released several new renderings of Viking Mississippi, which can be accessed in the Viking Media Center.
"We are very pleased at the initial response and support we have received from guests and community partners along the Mississippi River," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "Like me, many travelers are planning ahead for when we will once again be exploring the world in comfort - to exotic destinations as well as those closer to home. We look forward to welcoming guests as we bring modern river cruising to the Mississippi River in 2022."
Viking's arrival to the Mississippi will represent a major commitment to tourism and economic development in many communities along the river, with the new cruises expected to bring more than 5,800 guests to the region in 2022 and 17,600+ during the first full sailing season in 2023. Currently scheduled ports of call on Viking's new Mississippi River cruises comprise 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).
2022-2023 Viking Mississippi Voyages
-- America's Great River (15 days; New Orleans to St. Paul)--Experience
nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River on this incredible
journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost reaches of the U.S.
Relax and enjoy the variety of scenery, foliage and wildlife on this
leisurely voyage. Enjoy Southern charm and beautifully 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 now available in June, September and
October 2023. Pricing starts at $10,999 per person, with discounted
airfare from $199 per person.
-- America's Heartland (8 days; St. Louis to St. Paul)--From pristine farms
nestled in rolling terrain to steep bluff rising from tributaries dotted
with wooded islands, the Upper Mississippi offers a rich tapestry of
beauty upon every turn of the river. This journey introduces you to the
unforgettable experience of 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 in August and September 2022; additional
sailing dates now available in July, August and September 2023. Pricing
starts at $4,599 per person, with discounted airfare from $199 per
person.
-- Heart of the Delta (8 days; New Orleans to Memphis)--This journey on the
Lower Mississippi is infused with American history, culture and
heritage. 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
in October and November 2022; additional sailing dates now available in
May and June 2023. Inaugural pricing starts at $4,199 per person, with
discounted airfare from $199 per person.
-- Southern Celebration (8 days; New Orleans-Vicksburg-New Orleans)--On
this exploration of the Lower Mississippi, visit the historic homes of
Louisiana and Mississippi; learn about Civil War history, touring sites
like Vicksburg National Military Park; and discover the excitement and
unique flavors of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Multiple sailing dates in
November and December 2022; additional sailing dates now available in
January 2023. Inaugural pricing starts at $3,699 per person, with
discounted airfare from $199 per person.
Viking Mississippi
Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking's award-winning river and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Purpose-built for the Mississippi and currently under construction in Louisiana, the five-deck ship's cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities will make it the most modern cruise ship in the region. Highlights of the new ship include:
-- All Outside Staterooms: Guests can choose from an unparalleled seven
spacious stateroom categories that range from 268 sq. ft to 1,024 sq.
ft: Veranda, French Balcony, Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Veranda,
Penthouse Jr. Suite, Terrace Suite and Explorer Suite. All staterooms
feature a private veranda or French balcony, king-size bed with luxury
linens, large flat-screen interactive TV, mini-bar, large glass-enclosed
shower, heated bathroom floor and 24-hour room service.
-- Viking Suites: Viking Mississippi will have some of the largest true
suites on the river, with every suite featuring two rooms and a
full-size veranda off the spacious sitting room. Guests in Penthouse Jr.
Suites (400 sq. ft.) and Terrace Suites (425 sq. ft.) receive early
stateroom access; expanded double-sink bathroom; mini-bar with alcoholic
beverages, soft drinks, water and snacks replenished daily; welcome
champagne; and laundry, pressing and shoe shine services. Guests in the
expansive Explorer Suites (657 sq. ft. to 1,024 sq. ft) also receive a
wraparound veranda and complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package.
-- Explorers' Lounge & The Bow: Familiar to Viking's ocean guests as one of
the most popular onboard public spaces, Viking Mississippi will also
feature an Explorers' Lounge near the bow of the ship. The sun-filled,
two-story Explorers' Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows that open to
The Bow, a unique outdoor seating area at the front of the ship where
guests can relax and enjoy ever-changing riverside views.
-- River Café: From American classics to Mamsen's® Norwegian specialties,
this indoor/outdoor dining venue on the top deck will offer alternative
restaurant dining in a casual al fresco setting.
-- Aquavit Terrace: A public space beloved by many of Viking's ocean and
river guests, Viking Mississippi will also feature a revolutionary
Aquavit Terrace on the top deck, providing a casual dining space ideal
for an American barbecue experience. Combined with the River Café, the
Aquavit Terrace will provide the most al fresco dining options on the
Mississippi.
-- Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool: Similar to Viking's ocean ships,
Viking Mississippi will have a glass-backed pool experience at the aft,
allowing guests to take a dip while fully surrounded by their
destination.
-- The Living Room: Clean Scandinavian design paired with American
influences, the Living Room on Deck 1 is designed for socializing,
relaxing and entertainment. Nearby, the quiet corner of The Library, is
a perfect place to discover a new book.
-- The Restaurant: This main dining venue on Deck 1 will serve
daily-changing menus featuring delicious regional cuisine and always
available classics prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
-- Full 360-Degree Promenade Deck: Guests can stroll the entire ship
outside on Deck 1, stretching their legs while viewing scenic landscape
and regional wildlife.
-- Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Connecting guests to their
destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating
"the thinking person's cruise." A focus on cultural enrichment on board
Viking Mississippi means that guests will enjoy Destination Performances
that represent the most iconic music of the region--as well as Guest
Lecturers that shed light on the region's art, architecture, history,
culture, natural world and more. And only The Viking Way® of
exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Privileged
Access®, Local Life and Working World experiences, opening doors to
places otherwise difficult to visit. On Viking's Mississippi River
itineraries, guests may choose to take a guided kayaking trip in the
Louisiana bayou; visit a working farm in Quad Cities; or immerse
themselves in Cajun culture during a Privileged Access excursion to the
Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University.
-- Sustainable Features: Solar panels, LED lighting, floor-to-ceiling
windows that maximize natural light and an energy-efficient hybrid
propulsion system will make Viking Mississippi the most environmentally
friendly passenger ship on the Mississippi River.
-- Viking Inclusive Value: Every Mississippi River cruise fare includes
everything guests need, with no surprises or hidden fees. Cruise fares
include one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all
onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also
enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer
and wine with lunch and dinner service, lectures, alternative dining at
no extra charge, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service and
free Wi-Fi.
Today's announcement is the most recent milestone as Viking continues to expand its destination-focused travel offerings. The company's seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus, will join the fleet in early 2021; an eighth ship will arrive in 2022 as planned. Also 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.
About Viking
Viking was founded in 1997 with the purchase of four ships in Russia and now offers scenic cruising on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for discerning travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests "the thinking person's cruise" in contrast to mainstream cruises. In its first four years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 "World's Best" Awards. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as "Best Overall" Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers' Choice Awards, "Best River Cruise Line" and "Best River Itineraries," with the entire Viking Longships® fleet being named "Best New River Ships" in the website's Editors' Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.
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