Viking has opened bookings for new 2027 itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Sailing on board the Viking Mississippi, guests can choose the new 15-day Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, with ports of call along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. A shorter option—the 8-day Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer itinerary—offers a journey between Memphis and Louisville.
“Wherever they are in the world, our guests are interested in the history, culture and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit,” Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking, said in a statement. “The towns and cities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers are close to home for quite a few of our guests—and are fantastic destinations that many have yet to discover.”
The new itineraries expand the company’s destination-focused offerings on the Mississippi River and include:
- New for 2027: Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass (15 days; New Orleans – Louisville) — Travelers will explore the heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the country’s beloved culinary and musical traditions. Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South’s past. Travelers will also have the opportunity to step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, they can sample smoky barbecue in Tennessee and discover Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship, from the powerful Louisville Slugger to smooth bourbon.
- New for 2027: Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer (8 days; Memphis – Louisville) — This itinerary sails on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, winding past wetlands, quaint towns, and storied cities. Classic American musical genres—the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and bluegrass—arose along these waterways. Travelers will discover the legacies of icons such as B. B. King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. In Kentucky, Louisville’s baseball museum celebrates America’s favorite pastime, while its bourbon distilleries honor generations of craftsmanship.
- Mississippi River Odyssey (22 days; New Orleans – St. Paul) — This itinerary sets sail along the Mississippi, giving travelers the opportunity to admire historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs while delving into America’s Civil War history. The region’s famed Southern cuisine, Memphis’s renowned barbecue, and artisan beers will all be on offer. Birthplace of American music—blues, jazz, and soul—the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its shores.
- Mississippi Delta Explorer (8 days; New Orleans – Memphis) — On this itinerary, guests will discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi, and explore towns along the riverbanks that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history. They will also learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay their respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, will be available to savor as guests celebrate musical legends in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.
- Heartland of America (8 days; St. Louis – St. Paul) — This itinerary journeys along the Upper Mississippi as travelers hear stories of intrepid pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They walk in the footsteps of writer Mark Twain and learn about Norwegian migration to the Midwest. Travelers also enjoy scenic views as the ship navigates the river’s intricate 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.
- New Orleans & Southern Charms (8 days; New Orleans roundtrip) — The Lower Mississippi is rich with history and hospitality. Guests will have the opportunity to explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites. They will also experience the French-flavored port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, sway to the rhythms of Dixieland jazz, gospel, and blues, and savor gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine as well as traditional Southern fare.
The Viking Mississippi
Hosting 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms, the Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s river and ocean ships and features Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. The ship’s design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make the Viking Mississippi the first modern ship in the region.
Booking Details
From now through February 28, 2026, The Viking Savings Event offers North American travelers up to 35 percent off all-inclusive voyages, up to free international airfare and a $25 deposit for all itineraries—plus additional savings for returning guests—on select 2026–2028 river, ocean and expedition itineraries.
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