The same luxury cruise line that dominates European rivers is now in the U.S. Learn how Viking has moved to cruise the Mississippi and Great Lakes. Get inspired for a future trip and cruise the U.S. in style.
After conquering the European river cruise industry and leading the way for more than 20 years, Viking Cruises is headed for North America in 2022 with a ship built specifically for the task.
The Viking Mississippi will debut in 2022 when Viking starts cruising along the Mississippi River for the first time. The Viking Mississippi will sail between New Orleans and St. Paul with five different itineraries, offering tours in every port along the Mighty Mississippi. Also in 2022, Viking will be offering Viking Expeditions, which will explore the Great Lakes and Canada, with four itineraries available, including departures from New York and Toronto.
Currently, Viking is offering five Mississippi River cruises for you to choose from, comprising seven U.S. states. Viking’s longest Mississippi itinerary, America’s Great River, from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, spanning the length of the river, including 11 guided tours over 15 days. Enjoy scenic sailing and unparalleled birdwatching as the landscape changes from the bluffs of the north to the bayous of the south, history and culture unfolding along the way. Learn about the American civil rights movement and the Civil War. Along the way, tap your feet to the music as you experience the rhythms of American folk, soul and jazz – and taste the array of regional cuisine.
Viking offers three eight-day cruises: Heart of the Delta, New Orleans & Southern Charms and America’s Heartland. Sail from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Memphis, Tennessee (or reverse) on the Heart of the Delta itinerary, immersing yourself in history, heritage, music and food. Soak up the cultures that infuse the Lower Mississippi and be inspired by the stories of famed musicians and civil rights heroes. Savor delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’ famous barbecue. And stir your soul with the rhythms of Dixieland jazz, Delta blues and gospel. This itinerary also is available as a Mississippi Holiday cruise in December 2022. Savor the flavors of the Old South on New Orleans & Southern Charms, another eight-day itinerary, roundtrip from New Orleans. Explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites. Sample the bustling French-flavored port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, as well as stops in Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues and savor gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine.
The final Mississippi River itinerary, America’s Heartland, takes you along the Upper Mississippi, from St. Louis, Missouri, to St. Paul, Minnesota, (or reverse). On this journey, you will enjoy six guided tours, allowing for experiences like hearing stories of pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition; walking in the footsteps of Mark Twain; and learning about the Norwegian migration. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through the river’s lock system and experience the region’s many cultural treasures – from ragtime, polka and Norwegian folk music to Wisconsin cheese, craft beer and hearty stews.
On the Great Lakes, Viking will be offering four journeys, three eight-day itineraries and one 13-day cruise, between April and October. On the Great Lakes Explorer, travel from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, in an eight-day expedition. Sailing on the Viking Octantis, you will visit Michigan’s Mackinac Island among other ports as you cruise along three of the five Great Lakes. The majority of this journey will be spent exploring Little Current, Killarney and Parry Sound in Georgian Bay, a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve. On the eight-day Undiscovered Great Lakes itinerary, which runs from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee (or reverse), you will get a chance to visit Duluth, Minnesota, and browse the Great Lakes Aquarium, known for its freshwater exhibits. The cruise also stops in Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, a 22-island archipelago, and Houghton, Michigan, an area with a rich copper mining history.
Cruise along four of the Great Lakes on the eight-day Niagara & the Great Lakes itinerary, running from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or
reverse. The journey stops in Traverse City, Michigan; Mackinac Island, Michigan; and Alpena, Michigan, where you don’t want to miss the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Two other highlights of this cruise are stops in Detroit, Michigan, and the majestic Niagara Falls, including the largest of the falls, Horseshoe Falls.
Offered at the season’s bookends, the 13-day Canadian Discovery itinerary from New York, New York, to Toronto (or reverse), sails along the Atlantic coast and calls on the ports of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Prince Edward Island
(Charlottetown), Canada, and Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, among others.
Besides the tours offered during your cruises, Viking has optional tours available either before or after your cruise for the city you are embarking or
disembarking. Book now for the best deals and get the date you want as some cruises are already sold out.
Contact a AAA Ohio Travel agent to plan your future cruise.
Call 888-222-6446 or go to AAA.com to learn more.