Viking’s first ship to sail on a US river has been was floated out at a shipyard in Louisiana.
The 386-passenger Viking Mississippi is due to sail from June between New Orleans and St Paul following completion of the ship build.
The company expects to carry 7,500 passengers this year and more than 17,600 in its first full sailing season in 2023 it what it has touted as a major commitment to tourism and economic development in many communities along the Mississippi river.
The itineraries comprise seven US states: Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans and St. Francisville); Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg); Tennessee (Memphis); Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis); Iowa (Burlington, Dubuque and Davenport); Wisconsin (La Crosse); and Minnesota (Red Wing, St Paul).
Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “It is a proud moment that this new ship has met an American waterway for the first time.
“Our guests have long wanted to sail the Mississippi River with Viking, and we very much look forward to welcoming them on board this summer.”