USA RIVER CRUISES: Viking River Newbuild Viking Mississippi completed her maiden voyage
c: Viking Cruises
The new river cruise ship Viking Mississippi sailed from St. Paul, Minnesota for an 8-day cruise to St. Louis, Missouri.
The commissioning had been delayed several times. There was opposition to Viking, based in Basel, Switzerland, which operates an American-flagged riverboat.
Opponents have repeatedly cited the proposed operation as a violation of the Jones Act. US-based partner Edison Chouest Offshore built the Viking Mississipi in-house (a second ship is under construction).
The riverboat is owned by an American leasing company that has chartered the ship to Viking for eight years. The US Maritime Administration has repeatedly ruled that the charter agreement complies with US regulations.
The two riverboats are 137m long, 23m wide and accommodate 386 passengers in 193 cabins inspired by Viking Longships® and oceangoing vessels.
Passenger amenities include a two-story lounge near the bow of the ship surrounded by glass and an outdoor seating area. In addition to a main lounge and dining room, there will be alternative dining options including casual indoor and outdoor spaces. There's also a sundeck with infinity plunge pools and a 360-degree promenade deck
Viking has released Viking Mississippi itineraries through 2024 and is reporting strong interest.
Some trips are already showing as sold out on the website.
The company has yet to announce plans for additional Mississippi River cruise ships and whether it still plans to eventually build six ships for the river.
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