Viking Adds New Mississippi River Cruise Routes

Viking Cruises is expanding its Mississippi River cruise lineup — and the new itineraries look pretty exciting for American history and culture lovers.

Viking Adds Two New Mississippi River Cruise Itineraries

Viking Cruises has launched two brand-new sailing routes on the Mississippi River. These routes join four existing itineraries, giving travelers even more ways to explore America’s most iconic waterway.

All sailings take place aboard the Viking Mississippi, which holds up to 386 guests. The ship is purpose-built for river cruising in the American heartland.

The New Itineraries at a Glance

Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass (15 Days)

This longer voyage runs between New Orleans and Louisville, Kentucky. It covers 15 days and hits some truly legendary American destinations along the way.

Stops include Memphis and Greenville, both deeply tied to the history of the blues. Travelers can also explore Civil War history in Vicksburg and walk the famous Urban Bourbon Trail in Kentucky.

Prices for this itinerary start at around £10,190 per person. That price covers flights, transfers, meals, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and one excursion at nearly every port.

Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer (8 Days)

This shorter cruise travels between Memphis and Louisville. It’s a great pick for travelers who want a taste of the river without a two-week commitment.

One of the biggest highlights? A visit to Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley. Fans of blues legend B.B. King will also appreciate a stop in Memphis, where his legacy lives on.

Fares start at around £5,095 per person and include the same perks as the longer voyage — flights, transfers, food, Wi-Fi, tips, and excursions.

Other Mississippi River Options from Viking

Viking also offers four other Mississippi itineraries for those looking to explore different parts of the river.

• Mississippi Delta Explorer (8 days): Sail the Lower Mississippi and take in the stunning grand homes that line its banks, traveling between New Orleans and Memphis.
• Heartland of America (8 days): Follow in the footsteps of Mark Twain along the Upper Mississippi, from St. Louis to St. Paul. Prices start at around £5,000 per person.

Why Viking Is Betting Big on the Mississippi

Viking’s chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, summed up the appeal of these routes well. “Wherever they are in the world, our guests are interested in the history, culture and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit,” he said.

“The towns and cities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers are fantastic destinations that many have yet to discover,” Hagen added.

It’s hard to argue with that. The Mississippi River corridor is packed with American history, music, food, and culture. Yet many travelers overlook it in favor of overseas destinations.

Is a Mississippi River Cruise Right for You?

If you love American history, live music, and Southern food, this type of cruise could be a perfect fit. You get the comfort of a river ship with the richness of destinations most people have never explored by water.

The all-inclusive pricing also makes budgeting easier. Knowing that meals, Wi-Fi, and most excursions are covered upfront takes a lot of the guesswork out of planning.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned river traveler, Viking’s Mississippi lineup offers something genuinely worth considering.