On this 8-day Mississippi Delta Explorer from New Orleans to Memphis aboard the Viking Mississippi, visit Darrow, the starting point for the grand historic homes of the Lower Mississippi, and explore towns along the river that highlight the history and culture of the American South. Discover Natchez, known for its French and Acadian heritage, and visit the Vicksburg battlefield, a key site in Civil War history. Along the way, sample authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, taste Memphis’s renowned barbecue, and explore the rich musical traditions of the region, including the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. This adventure offers a closer look at the unique heritage, food, and music that define the Southern United States, blending history with cultural discovery.
Highlights
Visit the gateway to the grand historic homes of the Lower Mississippi
Explore its French and Acadian heritage and well-preserved historic sites
Tour the Civil War battlefield and learn about its pivotal role in history
Taste authentic Cajun and Creole dishes and Memphis’s famous barbecue
Discover the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and the South’s rich musical legacy
Experience the unique history, architecture, and traditions of the American South
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in New Orleans, board your ship*, and get comfortable in your stateroom. Explore New Orleans, the birthplace of American jazz, where the festive energy of balcony-lined Bourbon Street fills the air. In the heart of the French Quarter, feel the soulful rhythms that define the city, especially during Mardi Gras. Founded in 1718 by French colonists, New Orleans once served as the territorial capital before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Visit the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest in the country, named for King Louis IX of France. Enjoy the city’s vibrant culture, shaped by French, African, and other influences, and enjoy its flavorful Creole cuisine.
*Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
**Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.
Explore the Lower Mississippi region, where historic mansions dot the landscape. In Darrow, the gateway to these grand homes, you’ll find meticulously preserved estates that honor the memory of early Southern American history. Picture steamboats once delivering goods to these stately front doors, surrounded by moss-draped oak trees and sprawling farm fields. Many of these homes are now designated National Historic Landmarks, celebrated for their architecture, landscaping, and the efforts of those who maintained them over the years.
Excursion:
Houmas House & Gardens
Explore a stunning historic mansion -- one of the finest in the South-- and its spectacular gardens.
Day 3: St. Francisville, Louisiana | Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Boasting more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Francisville is set along one of the most historic bluffs of the Mississippi. The town is said to be “two miles long and two yards wide” because it was originally built on a narrow ridge overlooking the river. Founded in 1809, it is the oldest town in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes. Remarkably, many of St. Francisville’s structures are not its own; rather, they were moved upriver from Bayou Sara in the 1920s after the small settlement was destroyed by years of flooding.
Baton Rouge paints a historic picture on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. Its early success was due to its flood-free location upon the first natural bluff north of The Delta. French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville, named the city after a red-hued pole that marked the area’s tribal hunting grounds. Its cultural diversity—from its Cajun and Creole music and cuisine to its art offerings—reflects the influences of those who settled and lived here throughout Baton Rouge's history. The city boasts the tallest capitol building in the United States.
Excursion:
Rosedown Plantation
Explore one of the South’s most intact manor homes, the Rosedown Plantation, and stroll its exemplary gardens.
Panoramic Baton Rouge
See Baton Rouge’s most important sights during a panoramic drive and visit the Capitol Park Museum.
Natchez has one of the highest concentrations of historic Southern estates in the country. More than 200 perfectly preserved homes line its avenues. It is the oldest city on the Mississippi, established in 1716 by French colonists and named for the Natchez tribe who once called it home. With its ideal locale, the city became a crossroads among Native American and European cultures. Famously, Natchez was the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace, the overland route to Nashville that allowed traders to bypass the strong upriver currents. Today, it evokes small-town America.
Excursion:
The Best of Natchez
Learn about local history during a tour of Natchez that visits the city’s top sights and historic homes.
Located on a high bluff where the Yazoo River flows into the Mississippi, Vicksburg is the epitome of Southern heritage and charm. It was incorporated in 1825 and, with its prime locale on the Mississippi, grew into an important port. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called it “the key to the South.” And it indeed proved to be the site of the conflict’s most pivotal battle, the Battle of Vicksburg, after which the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. The Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the battle site’s rolling green fields and grand monuments.
Excursion:
Vicksburg National Military Park
Visit the Civil War site where the Battle of Vicksburg ended, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Union.
Greenville is Mississippi’s largest river port, set atop the highest point along the Mississippi River between Vicksburg and Memphis. Its rural setting belies a diverse artistic heritage. The Muppets creator Jim Henson was born here, and the city has been home to numerous authors, including noted historian Shelby Foote. Greenville is also steeped in the blues; famed songwriter W.C. Handy was inspired to popularize the genre after seeing pioneering musician Prince McCoy perform at a nearby dancehall and neighboring Indianola was the hometown of the legendary B.B. King.
Excursion:
Steve Azar’s Mississippi
Delve into the rich character of the Delta through songs, stories and cuisine during this Privileged Access event.
Teeming with a wide variety of birdlife and a breathtaking array of picturesque landscapes—including deep-green forests, lush wetlands and a patchwork of fertile farmlands—the Lower Mississippi abounds with natural beauty. This portion of America’s great waterway is also rich in history and culture, as reflected in the classic literature and music that have drawn inspiration from it.
Day 8: Memphis, Tennessee | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of the extensions.
* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,999
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Veranda Stateroom (V)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand . Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers
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French Balcony Stateroom (FB)
Stateroom Size: 301 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
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Deluxe Veranda (DV4)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
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Deluxe Veranda (DV3)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
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Deluxe Veranda (DV2)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
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Deluxe Veranda (DV1)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
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Penthouse Veranda (PV2)
Size including private veranda: 336 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows.42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
Select a Date
Penthouse Veranda (PV1)
Size including private veranda: 336 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows.42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
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Penthouse Junior Suite (PS2)
Size including private veranda: 400 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Two 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries.
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Penthouse Junior Suite (PS1)
Size including private veranda: 400 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Two 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries.
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Terrace Suite (TS)
Size including private veranda: 425 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Two 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror
Premium Freyja® toiletries.
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Explorer Suite (ES2)
Size including private veranda: 657–1,024 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Large private bathroom. Premium Freyja®. Well-appointed living room & dining area.
Select a Date
Explorer Suite (ES1)
Size including private veranda: 657–1,024 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Large private bathroom. Premium Freyja®. Well-appointed living room & dining area.
Notes
Stretching for 2,350 miles down the United States, from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, new cruises on the "Mighty Mississippi" offer a different type of cross-country journey for the curious explorer—one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture.
Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and the signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River.
Hosting 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by the award-winning Viking Longships® and ocean ships. It showcases clean Scandinavian design and features public spaces that are familiar to returning guests but have been creatively reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ship's cutting-edge design, expansive windows, and comfortable amenities position it as the first truly modern cruise ship in the region.
Viking Mississippi Features
193 comfortable all outside staterooms (128 Veranda & Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, 8 French Balcony Staterooms, 24 Penthouse Veranda Staterooms, 16 Penthouse Junior Suites, 7 Terrace Suites, 10 Explorer Suites)
All suites feature two full-size rooms with large veranda
Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool
Aquavit Terrace, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area for al fresco dining or an American barbecue experience
Stroll the full 360-degree promenade deck for views of scenic landscapes and regional wildlife
River Café, a new way to dine featuring American classics and Mamsen's Norwegian specialties
The Explorers' Lounge and Bar with two-story panoramic views of the Mississippi
The Bow, a quiet sitting area at the front of the ship
Elevators throughout the ship
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Self-service launderettes and laundry service
Intelligent energy-efficient propulsion systems produce less vibrations for a smoother ride
42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand
A Mississippi River cruise offers the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland on the world’s #1 river cruise line. Explore picturesque towns and boom cities; take in views of pastoral farms and towering bluffs; and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture with an included excursion in every port. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:
Festive French Quarter and Creole cuisine in New Orleans
Cajun heritage in Baton Rouge
Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military Park
Memphis BBQ, Graceland and appreciation of the Delta Blues
Steamboat sailings with diverse wildlife sightings
Mark Twain's boyhood home and America’s literary history
Up close look at America’s national symbol, the bald eagle
Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the pioneering spirit of the Midwest
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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