19 Feb 2026
London, 18 February 2026 – Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced that new itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers for 2027 are now open for booking. 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,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “The towns and cities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers 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) – Explore the rich heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the country's most beloved culinary and musical traditions. Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South's past. Step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, 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) – Sail on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as they wind past scenic wetlands, quaint towns and storied cities. Classic American musical genres—the blues, rock 'n' roll and bluegrass—arose along these waterways. Discover the legacies of icons such as B. B. King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. In Kentucky, Louisville's baseball museum preserves the spirit of America's favourite pastime while its bourbon distilleries honour generations of craftsmanship.
- Mississippi River Odyssey (22 days; New Orleans – St. Paul) – Revel in the charm of “America's Great River” as you set sail along the Mississippi. Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America's Civil War history. Delight in the region's famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis's renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music—blues, jazz and soul—the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores.
- Mississippi Delta Explorer (8 days; New Orleans – Memphis) – Discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South's early history. Learn about Natchez's French and Acadian heritage and pay your respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savour delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis's famous barbecue, as you celebrate musical legends in the birthplace of rock 'n' roll.
- Heartland of America (8 days; St. Louis – St. Paul) – Journey along the Upper Mississippi while you hear stories of intrepid pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Walk in the footsteps of famed writer Mark Twain and learn about the Norwegian migration to the Midwest. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through 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 charm, history and hospitality. Explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites. Sample the bustling French-flavoured port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues. Savour gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as traditional Southern fare. Join us, and see why local Cajuns say,“Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll).
The Viking Mississippi
Hosting 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms, the state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking's award-winning river and ocean ships and features elegant Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. The ship's cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make the Viking Mississippi the first truly modern ship in the region.
Booking Details
To make a booking or for more information call 0800 458 69 00 or go to www.viking.com
ENDS
Viking media contacts:
Viking UK Press Office: ukpressoffice@viking.com
Bryony Gammon: bryony.gammon@viking.com
Carys Bedford: carys.bedford@viking.com
Emma Lepley: emma.lepley@viking.com
Telephone: +44 208 780 7945
About Viking
Viking (NYSE: VIK) offers culturally enriching, destination-focused river and ocean cruises for travellers curious about the world, its rich culture and varied history.
Viking takes its guests on curated, elegant voyages to some of the most iconic rivers in Europe, Africa, North America and Asia, allowing a unique window on inspiring destinations and rewarding experiences. Viking revolutionised river cruising with the introduction of its state-of-the-art Viking Longships which, since their introduction in 2012, now make up 80 percent of its river fleet. Viking's custom-built vessel, the Viking Mississippi, debuted in 2022 offering voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, between New Orleans and St. Paul.
In 2015 Viking debuted its maiden season of ocean cruising and in 2025 Viking launched its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta, making it the largest small ship travel company.
Viking has expanded its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages. Viking Expeditions began sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, and North America's Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, launched in September 2022.
Join Viking online at:
https://www.facebook.com/VikingCruisesUK/
