MISSISSIPPI MAGIC

MISSISSIPPI

As Viking announces its expansion into the American interior, we take a look at some of the highlights that line the iconic Mississippi waterway

Clockwise, from

above: Viking Mississippi has been purpose built for this magical river; great egrets on a misty morning; relax and soak up the views in the Explorers’ Lounge From the headwaters in Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River stretches for 2,350 miles and winds through America’s heartland.

Th e river was formed when the last ice age ended, about 10,000 years ago. Water from the melting ice sheet gathered in a vast network of north-to-south channels that carved out the Mississippi Valley. HISTORY

Native Americans have lived along the Mississippi’s banks for thousands of years. First to use the river for commerce, the earliest Native Americans established a network of trade routes; later, large population centres, including a metropolis across from present-day St. Louis called Cahokia, were formed. And it was the Algonquianspeaking people who named the river: Misi-ziibi, roughly translated as the “Great River” or “Father of waters”.

American history is bound with the Mississippi. When the Revolutionary War ended, the river became the new nation’s western border. Th at changed in 1803, when the Louisiana Purchase ceded control of the river – and the lands west of it – to the United States. New communities formed, supported by paddle-wheel steamboats that facilitated commerce and transportation. Control of this valuable resource was critical for both sides during the Civil War.

LOGISTICS

Controlling the waterways that make up the Mississippi has challenged government leaders and the Army Corps of Engineers for more than 100 years. A system of 29 locks and dams in the Upper Mississippi help facilitate barge traffi c and regulate water levels. And on the more heavily traffi cked Lower Mississippi, the river is restrained by levees and dikes to help control seasonal fl ooding.

Today the Mississippi remains one of the world’s hardest-working waterways, generating more than $400 billion in annual revenue, supporting 1.3 million jobs and powering local economies. Low barges transport cotton, grain and other agricultural products from the heartland. And revitalised riverfronts along the Mississippi

Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking

No other waterway has played such an important role in the country’s history, commerce and culture, which makes it the perfect setting for a collection of exciting new Viking itineraries which will be launching in 2022.

Growing up in Norway, Torstein Hagen – the young boy who would one day become Viking Chairman – was inspired by Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn’s adventures along the Mississippi River. And as a result, the area continued to interest him later in life.

“When I was older and moved to America during my undergraduate studies, I became fascinated with the Upper Mississippi and the Midwest, a region so many Norwegian immigrants chose as their new home,” says Mr. Hagen. So it is fi tting that Viking guests will now be able to explore the region.

“These itineraries will off er a diff erent kind of cross‑country journey for the curious explorer – one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture,” adds Mr. Hagen.

From 2022, guests will be able to explore the Lower Mississippi by joining the 8‑day Heart of the Delta trip, from New Orleans to Memphis, or the 8‑day Southern Celebration roundtrip from New Orleans. The Upper Mississippi will be served by the America’s Heartland itinerary, an 8‑day journey from St. Louis to St. Paul.

And for travellers keen to explore the length of the waterway in its entirety, the epic 15‑day America’s Great River covers the Mississippi from Minnesota to Louisiana.

In addition to this, a new ship, Viking Mississippi, inspired by the award‑winning Viking Longships and ocean vessels, will be built in the United States. Purpose‑built for the Mississippi, it will feature sleek Scandinavian design, spacious staterooms, al fresco dining areas and extensive viewing areas, and will cater for 386 guests as they explore this endlessly‑intriguing waterway.

provide new opportunities for tourism and commercial activities.

This mighty river, with its unique history, heritage and culture, offers the ideal backdrop for a modern era of American exploration and discovery. Viking’s state-of-the-art new vessel, Viking Mississippi, has been designed specifically for this waterway and is the perfect home-from-home.

BIODIVERSITY

As one of the world’s major river systems in size, biological activity and habitat diversity, it is called the “Mighty Mississippi” for good reason. Bisecting America’s heartland, it serves as a natural border for 10 states and is home to 360 species of fish, 326 species of birds, 145 species of amphibians and 50 species of mammals.

With an abundance of migratory and year-round wildlife, ornithologists will love the range of birds to spot. The upper portion of the river is home to beavers and pelicans and the delta area features many endangered species such as the Louisiana black bear, the green sea turtle and piping plover, a small sand-coloured coastal bird. And secluded swamps are the perfect place to spot alligators.

CULTURAL LEGACY

The river’s cultural legacy has inspired artists and writers such as Maya Angelou, Tennessee Williams and Mark Twain, whose depictions of the Mississippi are a constant companion to his iconic hero, Huckleberry Finn.

In his memoir about life as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River before the American Civil War, Twain observed, ‘it is not a commonplace river, but on the contrary is in all ways remarkable’. The concept of the river as a symbol of freedom and liberty has continued and is a theme running through many novels and historical non-fiction books today.

Unique culinary traditions are also bountiful, from barbecue in St. Louis and Memphis, to Cajun and Creole in New Orleans. There are food options to delight every palate, and the welcoming fare is at the core of Mississippi culture and heritage. The community nature of the cuisine is evident in the number of heirloom recipes and family-run restaurants.

And the river’s impact on American music styles – including Delta blues, jazz, gospel, country, folk and rock and roll – can be felt deep in the soul of the music which continues to evolve and delight.

Left to right:

An aerial view of Memphis; colourful trolleys are a fun way to get around in New Orleans

2024 DATES ADDED

Cruise Red Wing St. Paul

WISCONSIN

MINNESOTA La Crosse

IOWA Dubuque Quad Cities (Davenport) Burlington Hannibal St. Louis MISSOURI MISSISSIPPI RIVER

LOUISIANA TENNESSEE

Memphis MISSISSIPPI

Vicksburg

Natchez

Baton Rouge

New Orleans

VIEW ITINERARY

MISSISSIPPI RIVER Memphis

MISSISSIPPI

Nashville TENNESSEE

Cruise Overnight in Port LOUISIANA

Vicksburg Natchez

Baton Rouge New Orleans

VIEW ITINERARY

GETTING THERE: The 15‑day America's Great River itinerary sails from New Orleans to St. Paul, or in reverse. From $16,295pp in Veranda stateroom GETTING THERE: The 8‑day Mississippi Holiday Season itinerary sails from Memphis to New Orleans, or in reverse. From $5,995pp in French Balcony stateroom