Viking River Cruises, already the giant of Europe’s rivers and with operations on other continents as well, plans to start offering Mississippi River cruises starting in 2022 with a new ship now being built in Louisiana.
The ship will sail itineraries between New Orleans and Saint Louis and between Saint Louis and Saint Paul, Minnesota as well as a 15-day itinerary covering the river end-to-end.
The new ship, which is taller than Viking’s European ships because it has no low bridges to pass under, will take 386 passengers, nearly twice the number on its European ‘longships.’ Design of the vessel is based on those ships and will have many of the familiar lounges and public spaces. However, the company promises, no paddle wheels.
