Viking's new Mississippi River vessel,Viking Mississippi, has “floated out” at a Louisiana shipyard, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Now, the 386-guest river vessel moves into the final phase of construction and interior outfitting.
Debuting in June 2022, the five-deck Viking Mississippi will operate voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans, LA, and St. Paul, MN.
“It is a proud moment that this new ship has met an American waterway for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking's chairman. “Our guests have long wanted to sail the Mississippi River with Viking, and we very much look forward to welcoming them on board this summer. We are grateful to our American partner, Edison Chouest Offshore, who has helped bring to life our vision of exploring the Mississippi in the ‘Viking way.’”
Traditional "Float Out"
The traditional float out took place at Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard in Houma, LA. In keeping with maritime tradition, the ship’s ceremonial godmother, Dionne Chouest, general counsel of Edison Chouest Offshore, assisted with the float out.
Viking’s arrival to the Mississippi will represent a major commitment to tourism and economic development in many communities along the river. The line's new voyages are expected to bring more than 7,500 guests to the region in 2022 and 17,600+ during the first full sailing season in 2023.
Scheduled ports of call span 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).
Viking Mississippi
Hosting guests in 193 outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s river and ocean ships. Purpose-built to sail the Mississippi, the vessel will offer elegant Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces already familiar to Viking's guests but re-imagined for Mississippi River voyages.
Guests can choose from seven stateroom categories ranging from 268 square feet to 1,024 square feet. Categories include: Veranda, French Balcony, Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Veranda, Penthouse Jr. Suite, Terrace Suite and Explorer Suite. All staterooms will offer 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. In addition, Viking Mississippi will have some of the largest suites and wraparound private verandas on the river. Every suite hastwo rooms and a full-size veranda off the living room area.
Guests in 400-square-foot Penthouse Jr. Suites and 425-square-foot Terrace Suites will receive early stateroom access; an 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. Those guests in the top-of-the-line Explorer Suites (657 square feet to 1,024 square feet) will also have a wrap-around veranda and complimentary "Silver Spirits Beverage Package."
Public Spaces
Familiar to Viking’s ocean guests as one of the most popular onboard public spaces, a sun-filled, two-story Explorers’ Lounge will have floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the Bow, an outdoor seating area at the front of the ship. On the top deck, the indoor-outdoor River Cafe will serve up American classics and "Mamsen’s" Norwegian specialties in a casual al fresco setting.
Popular with Viking loyalists across the globe is the river line's Aquavit Terrace. Viking Mississippi's top-deck Aquavit Terrace will provide a casual dining space for an American barbecue experience. Located on Deck 1, the Restaurant is the ship's main dining venue. It will serve menus that change daily and feature regional cuisine and classics prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Similar to Viking’s ocean ships, the new river vessel also will have a glass-backed pool experience aft, allowing guests to take a dip while surrounded by their destination. Another highlight is the 360-Degree Promenade Deck. But the heart of Viking Mississippi will be the Living Room on Deck 1, with elegant Scandinavian design and comfortable seating areas for socializing, relaxing and entertainment. In addition, the ship's Library will be curated by London bookshop, Heywood Hill, as on all Viking vessels.
Operationally Speaking
Viking Mississippi is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system comprised of eight CAT C32 EPA Tier 4 diesel engines, each powering a 940 eKw water cooled generator. Each engine/generator unit is individually mounted on a specially designed double-raft isolation system that produces a quiet and smooth ride.
Propulsion power is provided by Voith 6 blade propulsion thrusters driven by permanent magnet electric motors. Pump-jet bow thrusters are powered by permanent magnet motors. Plus, an advanced exhaust scrubbing system significantly reduces sound and emissions.
For more information, visit www.viking.com.
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