A guide to taking a Viking river cruise along the Mississippi from St. Louis

Viking River Cruises has taken travelers across the globe, but now Americans can explore their own backyard with one of the cruise line’s new Mississippi routes. Here’s what to know before you go.

Image courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Image courtesy of Viking River Cruises

THE SHIP

The Viking Mississippi launched in September 2022. The ship can host up to 386 guests and offers such amenities as free wifi, self-service laundries and laundry service, and various tiers of stateroom suites with two full-size rooms with a large veranda.

Guests can take a dip in the infinity plunge pool on the sun terrace or relax in the Explorer’s Lounge & Bar, with its two-story floor-to-ceiling window that opens up to the bow—an outdoor seating venue to take in the sights. 

For food, there are a variety of options. The River Café serves up everything from American classics to Mamsen’s Norwegian specialities on the top deck, where the Aquavit Terrace also provides an alfresco dining option. To cap off the day, guests can enjoy an evening stroll on the 360-degree promenade deck.

Image courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Image courtesy of Viking River Cruises

THE ROUTES

There are currently four cruises along the Mississippi River available, with each traveling to different cities and states:

• Heart of the Delta: This eight-day cruise travels from New Orleans to Memphis.
• New Orleans & Southern Charms: This eight-day cruise travels between Mississippi and Louisania, starting and ending in New Orleans.
• America’s Heartland: This eight-day cruise begins in St. Louis and travels north to St. Paul, Minnesota.
• America’s Great River: This more expansive 15-day cruise travels the entire stretch of the Mississippi, beginning in St. Paul and ending in New Orleans.

For St. Louisans interested in boarding from their own hometown, here’s what to expect aboard the America’s Heartland cruise:

• Day 1: After checking in at 50 S. Leonor K Sullivan Boulevard, guests can see some of our city’s architectural treasures downtown: the Gateway Arch, the Cathedral Basilica, and City Hall, to name just a few sites.
• Day 2: Travelers will stop in Hannibal, the childhood home of Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain). Visitors can explore the town and see the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum along with seven museum properties, including the Museum Gallery, which holds 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings.
• Day 3: Guests will stop in Burlington, Iowa, known for its quaint, small-town atmosphere. Visitors will take a guided tour around town, including stops at the Des Moines County Heritage Center, the Capitol Theater, and more. There will also be an opportunity to visit historic Nauvoo.
• Day 4: Stop in the Quad Cities, Iowa, the “Breadbasket” of the United States. Visitors will begin their day with a visit to the John Deere Pavilion and Deere family homes. Afterward, guests can choose between an optional tour of local farms or stroll through the city itself, visiting the Figge Art Museum or the Quad City Botanical Center.
• Day 5: Travelers will explore Dubuque, Iowa, a town that provides a glimpse at what life was like during the Steamboat Era. Dubbed the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” the Mathias Ham House is a grand, Victorian-style house built before the Civil War. And visitors can stroll along Galena’s Main Street, lined with shops, pubs, and restaurants.
• Day 6: After a hearty breakfast, guests can explore Crosse, Wisconsin, a city known for its scenic views and historical landmarks.Travelers can enjoy the colorful downtown area or take an optional trip to Decorah, Iowa, a Norwegian immigrant town that’s home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum—and Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
• Day 7: As the trip comes to an end, guests can enjoy nature in Red Wing, Minnesota, where they will learn more about the American bald eagle at the National Eagle Center. Finally, the cruise ends at St. Paul, Minnesota, where travelers can disembark after breakfast and proceed to their return flights home or stay for an extended vacation in the city. (Guests have the option of arranging direct transfers from the airport to the ship.)

Visit vikingrivercruises.com for details about dates, pricing, and more.