Discover the history, natural beauty, and distinctive regional cultures of America's great river, the mighty Mississippi, on this 15-day cruise aboard Viking Mississippi. Set sail from St. Paul, Minnesota, and venture south toward New Orleans, Louisiana. Along the way, visit small towns and bustling port cities alike to experience authentic America. Explore the vibrant arts scene of St. Louis, Missouri; delve into the history of distinctly American musical styles like blues and rock'n'roll in Memphis, Tennessee; learn about the dark history of the Civil War at Vicksburg, Mississippi; experience the culture, architecture, and cuisine of New Orleans, with its unique blend of African, Caribbean, French, and English influences. This unforgettable journey highlights the diverse, historic heart of America.

Highlights

Explore the vibrant arts scene of St. Louis, Missouri
Enjoy musical styles such as blues and rock'n'roll in Memphis, TN
Learn about the Civil War history of Vicksburg, Mississippi
Experience the uniquely diverse culture and cuisine of New Orleans
Visit the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois

Activities

Places Visited

Mississippi River
North America
United States
Baton Rouge
Bettendorf
Louisiana
Memphis
Minnesota
Mississippi
New Orleans
St. Louis
Vicksburg
Alabama
Burlington
Davenport
Dubuque
Gulf of Mexico
Hannibal
Iowa
La Crosse

Activity Level: Relaxed

Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: St. Paul, Minnesota | Embark

Ship
1 Dinner

Arrive in St. Paul, then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. The “Twin Cities” boast distinctive neighborhoods; diverse ethnic, traditional and contemporary eateries; and an acclaimed arts scene—all served up with friendly Midwestern manners.

*Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.

Day 2: Red Wing, Minnesota

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Enjoy the scenic landscape of this portion of the Mississippi as we sail to Red Wing, known for its American-made Red Wing Shoes, which produced footwear for soldiers in both world wars. The city was named after a celebrated Sioux chief whose red-dyed swan wing indicated his rank. The first settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, many from New England. They grew more wheat than any county in the nation. German, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants followed. Today, enjoy a city tour coupled with a visit to the National Eagle Center in nearby Wabasha, where you will learn all about eagle biology, ecology and natural history from one of the center’s resident eagle ambassadors. Optional opportunities include a scenic cruise across Lake Pepin and the “Mighty Mississippi.

Day 3: La Crosse, Wisconsin

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

After breakfast on board, explore La Crosse and its numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places, with a panoramic tour of the city. Its important architectural landmarks, along with the array of engaging statues lining the riverfront, make La Crosse feel like a vast open air museum. Or, consider an optional journey to Decorah, Iowa. Nestled among beautiful rolling hills unscathed by the leveling march of the glaciers, Decorah is a blend of small-town charm and urban convenience, and at its heart is Vesterheim, the national Norwegian American museum and heritage center, the largest museum in the United States dedicated to one single immigrant group. While in town, enjoy the friendliest shopping experience you have ever had in Decorah’s many boutiques and have a delicious lunch in one of the several local restaurants. Decorah is also home to the “second-best brewery in the world”—Toppling Goliath. Sign on for a brewery tour and have an amazing craft-brewed pint with your lunch. Other recreational options abound: a tour of the world-renowned Seed Savers Exchange, or on-your-own trout fishing or cycling adventures on the city’s justly famous biking trails. Tonight, dine on board as you continue sailing.

Day 4: Dubuque, Iowa

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Arrive in Dubuque, where you will capture the flavor of life along the Mississippi during the great Steamboat Era. As you tour the city known as the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” see the Mathias Ham House, which was built by one of Dubuque’s earliest entrepreneurs and exemplifies the opulent Victorian lifestyle of a booming river town before the Civil War. At Cable Car Square, a whimsical area with period-style lampposts in the historic downtown neighborhood, shops in old brownstones offer everything from jewelry to quilting supplies. Down at the river, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is filled with five large tank displays, plus interactive exhibits and artifacts that tell the stories of the people who discovered, lived upon and celebrated the waterways of the United States. Or you may choose to shop on Galena’s Main Street, lined with more than 100 interesting antique shops, pubs, wine bars and restaurants housed in historic redbrick and stone buildings that date to the mid-1800s. This Americana haven was recognized as one of America’s greatest Main Streets by Travel + Leisure.

Day 5: Quad Cities

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Begin your day with a visit to the John Deere Pavilion—created as a celebration of the past, present and future of agribusiness—and the Deere family homes. Then, perhaps take an optional tour of a local family-owned and -operated farm to learn about modern-day farming techniques. You may choose to visit the Quad City Botanical Center to discover the delicious history of chocolate or stroll through the Figge Art Museum.

Day 6: Burlington, Iowa

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Continue along the Mississippi this morning. Arrive in Burlington for a guided tour revealing small-town America in its historic downtown. Discover the Des Moines County Heritage Center, Garrett-Phelps House Museum, First Congregational Church, Capitol Theater and many more sites. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mississippi from Mosquito Park and take a stroll along Snake Alley, “the crookedest street in the world.” You will have the opportunity to embark on an optional excursion to Nauvoo and Fort Madison. Step back in time at Old Fort Madison and discover military life as it was lived on the rugged frontier of the Louisiana Territory. The fort is an amazingly accurate reconstruction of the first military fort on the Upper Mississippi. Enter the fascinating world of Historic Nauvoo, home of the Illinois Nauvoo Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since 1839. The restored homes, mercantile establishments and community buildings maintain the charm of what was once a beautiful, industrious city. Today, Nauvoo provides an opportunity to experience the people and times of the past. Back on board, unwind with an afternoon cookout.

Day 7: Hannibal, Missouri

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

This community is best known as the childhood home of author Mark Twain and the setting of his Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Enjoy the stories and sites of Twain’s days in Hannibal as you hear about Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Becky Thatcher and Injun Joe. You may even see firsthand the fence of whitewashing fame. You will also visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, with its extensive collection of Twain memorabilia. This walking portion of the tour includes seven museum properties—all located within a two-block area—including the Museum Gallery, where vivid depictions of the author’s stories are displayed in 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings. Twain’s colorful characters are brought to life during a trip through the Mark Twain Cave.

Day 8: St. Louis, Missouri

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Explore St. Louis today with an included panoramic tour of the city. The “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis is home to a diverse array of celebrated architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; and the 19th-century Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch, the world’s tallest, and the Museum at the Gateway Arch round out the Gateway Arch National Park, formerly the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. You may also choose to visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, whose grounds include three National Historic Landmarks, and perhaps see the Budweiser Clydesdale stables.

Day 9: Scenic Cruising | Lower Mississippi

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Cruising the serpentine route of the Lower Mississippi, you will witness an astonishing array of picturesque landscapes. Sail past deep-green forests, lush vegetation and a patchwork of fertile farmlands—all hugging the shores and hosting a huge variety of birdlife perched in riverside trees, ready to pluck their next meal from the flowing waters. Around you, bluffs rise over the river’s edge. Silos pierce bucolic landscapes. Sandbars and low islands guide the waters as they have for millennia. Passing numerous tributaries and meandering channels, you may appreciate this massive waterway as an epic river system rather than as a singular river. Immerse yourself in the region’s history and culture by reading a book from the Library, participating in a cooking demonstration or attending a lecture. After dinner, enjoy live music in the Explorers’ Lounge and mingle with fellow guests.

Day 10: Memphis, Tennessee

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

The “Queen City of the South” is the birthplace of Memphis blues, popular in vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. Future president Andrew Jackson cofounded the city in 1819. With its strong trade in agricultural goods and other natural resources, it grew into one of the South’s largest commercial centers. Experience the music, cuisine and character of Beale Street. A straight path stretching nearly two miles from East Street to the Mississippi, Beale Street is renowned as the intersection of American blues, country, gospel and rock ’n’ roll music. This is where Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Memphis Minnie, B. B. King, Rufus Thomas and many other legends helped create a uniquely American and universally beloved musical genre. Explore Beale Street’s music venues, browse its record shops, see its historic monuments or satisfy your cravings for Tennessee’s best barbecue. Today, you will explore the city at leisure and take an included tour to Graceland, where Elvis Presley, “the King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” spent his final days. On an optional tour to the National Civil Rights Museum, learn about civil rights history and see the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination.

Day 11: Scenic Cruising | Lower Mississippi

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Enjoy another full day of scenic cruising along “America’s Great River.” Immerse yourself in the region’s history and culture by reading a book from the Library, participating in a cooking demonstration or attending a lecture. After dinner, enjoy live music in the Explorers’ Lounge and mingle with fellow guests.

Day 12: Vicksburg, Mississippi

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Arriving in Vicksburg, you immediately feel the Southern tradition that flows through the city’s veins. It is rich in history—especially Civil War history. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called it “the key to the South.” And it indeed proved to be the site of the conflict’s most pivotal battle, the Battle of Vicksburg, after which the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park, which preserves the battlefield and commemorates the greater Vicksburg Campaign that preceded the battle.

Day 13: Natchez, Mississippi

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Natchez is the perfect location in which to enjoy small-town America. The town is distinguished by more than 500 historic buildings, including over 200 perfectly preserved homes that still grace its broad avenues. Throughout the day, you can explore shops in the historic district and other sites at your leisure. You may choose to visit one of many pre–Civil War mansions here, some of the most beautifully preserved in this area of the South. The city itself is home to more than 1,000 structures that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After dinner, learn about the life of local artisans and enjoy classical music.

Day 14: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Arrive in Baton Rouge, set on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, and take a panoramic city tour of the area. Hear tales of the hardworking, fun-loving Cajun people and their contributions to Louisiana’s history and culture. Your Viking Guest Services staff can help you plan the rest of your day with several optional excursions: a Cajun heritage tour; an exploration of the Atchafalaya Basin by boat or canoe; or a visit to the USS Kidd, the most historically accurate restoration of a World War II vessel in the United States. Tonight, enjoy music in the Explorers’ Lounge.

Day 15: New Orleans | Disembark

1 Breakfast

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight, or extend your journey with additional nights in New Orleans.

* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.

Ship/Hotel

Viking Mississippi

Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and our signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River.

Dates & Prices

Per person starting at

$12,999 2-3 travelers

Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.

Select a Date

Veranda Stateroom (V)

Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand . Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers

Select a Date

French Balcony Stateroom (FB)

Stateroom Size: 301 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.

Select a Date

Deluxe Veranda (DV4)

Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.

Select a Date

Deluxe Veranda (DV3)

Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.

Select a Date

Deluxe Veranda (DV2)

Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.

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Deluxe Veranda (DV1)

Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.

Select a Date

Penthouse Veranda (PV2)

Size including private veranda: 336 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows.42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.

Select a Date

Penthouse Veranda (PV1)

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Penthouse Junior Suite (PS2)

Size including private veranda: 400 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Two 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries.

Select a Date

Penthouse Junior Suite (PS1)

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Terrace Suite (TS)

Size including private veranda: 425 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Two 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror Premium Freyja® toiletries.

Select a Date

Explorer Suite (ES2)

Size including private veranda: 657–1,024 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Large private bathroom. Premium Freyja®. Well-appointed living room & dining area.

Select a Date

Explorer Suite (ES1)

Notes

Stretching for 2,350 miles down the United States, from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, our new cruises on the "Mighty Mississippi" offer a different type of cross-country journey for the curious explorer—one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture.

Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and our signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River.

Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by our award-winning Viking Longships® 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, the ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities will make it the first truly modern cruise ship in the region.

Viking Mississippi Features

193 comfortable all outside staterooms (128 Veranda & Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, 8 French Balcony Staterooms, 24 Penthouse Veranda Staterooms, 16 Penthouse Junior Suites, 7 Terrace Suites, 10 Explorer Suites)
All suites feature two full-size rooms with large veranda
Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool
Aquavit Terrace, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area for al fresco dining or an American barbecue experience
Stroll the full 360-degree promenade deck for views of scenic landscapes and regional wildlife
River Café, a new way to dine featuring American classics and Mamsen's Norwegian specialties

The Explorers' Lounge and Bar with two-story panoramic views of the Mississippi
The Bow, a quiet sitting area at the front of the ship
Elevators throughout the ship
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Self-service launderettes and laundry service
Intelligent energy-efficient propulsion systems produce less vibrations for a smoother ride
42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

A Mississippi River cruise offers the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland on the world’s #1 river cruise line. Explore picturesque towns and boom cities; take in views of pastoral farms and towering bluffs; and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture with an included excursion in every port. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:

Festive French Quarter and Creole cuisine in New Orleans
Cajun heritage in Baton Rouge
Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military Park
Memphis BBQ, Graceland and appreciation of the Delta Blues
Steamboat sailings with diverse wildlife sightings
Mark Twain's boyhood home and America’s literary history
Up close look at America’s national symbol, the bald eagle
Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the pioneering spirit of the Midwest
Norwegian cultural experience at Vesterheim
Intricate locks and dams of the Upper Mississippi

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by Viking Cruises

Included

14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
12 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
Port Taxes & Fees
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Excluded

Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Excess baggage charges
Drinks, beverages and meals not included in the package
Optional shore excursions/tours/concerts

Map

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.

Gale Cantor

America’s Great River

Full Itinerary

Day 1: St. Paul, Minnesota | Embark

Day 2: Red Wing, Minnesota

Day 3: La Crosse, Wisconsin

Day 4: Dubuque, Iowa

Day 5: Quad Cities

Day 6: Burlington, Iowa

Day 7: Hannibal, Missouri

Day 8: St. Louis, Missouri

Day 9: Scenic Cruising | Lower Mississippi

Day 10: Memphis, Tennessee

Day 11: Scenic Cruising | Lower Mississippi

Day 12: Vicksburg, Mississippi

Day 13: Natchez, Mississippi

Day 14: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Day 15: New Orleans | Disembark

Ship/Hotel

Viking Mississippi