Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The birthplace of American jazz, New Orleans exudes a festive atmosphere along the balcony-lined Bourbon Street. Here, in the heart of the French Quarter, soulful rhythms lift the spirit, especially during the city’s Mardi Gras celebration. Founded by French colonists in 1718, New Orleans served as a territorial capital before the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Its distinctive St. Louis Cathedral—named for King Louis IX of France—is the oldest cathedral in the country. The city’s French, African and other influences flavor its vibrant culture and tantalizing Creole cuisine.

The Lower Mississippi region is dotted with historic mansions; Darrow is the gateway to these grand homes, meticulously kept to preserve the memory of early Southern American history. Here, imposing houses share the riverscape with moss-draped oak trees and farm fields. It is easy to imagine steamboats and other vessels delivering supplies and materials to these stately front doors. Today, several properties are designated National Historic Landmarks for their architecture, their landscaping, and the contributions of those who maintained the houses and the lands.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Situated on the Chickasaw bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is revered for its blues music and barbecue. Some of the most famed names in blues, including B.B. King, got their start in Memphis, and the city has a well-deserved reputation as the home of this classic American music genre. Memphis is also celebrated for its culinary heritage and is renowned for its traditional barbecue restaurants serving flavorful dry rub ribs. Rich in history and culture, Memphis’s many notable museums include the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

657-1,024 sq ft

Welcome to the ultimate expression of luxury and elegance on the Viking Mississippi – the Explorer Suite. Spanning a generous space, this suite offers an unmatched river cruising experience with its expansive living area, separate bedroom, and an impressive wraparound veranda that provides 270-degree views of the ever-changing Mississippi River landscapes. The sophisticated interiors blend modern design with Southern charm, creating a relaxing and stylish ambiance. Sink into the comfort of the king-size bed, enjoy a cozy seating area, and take advantage of the suite’s dedicated dining space. The lavish bathroom is a sanctuary of comfort, featuring double sinks, heated floors, a deep soaking tub, and a separate rain shower, all complemented by premium toiletries. Exclusive amenities elevate your stay further, including priority boarding, complimentary laundry service, personalized mini-bar selections, and in-suite dining options. The Explorer Suite is designed for discerning travelers who seek the finest in travel accommodations, promising a journey that is as luxurious as it is unforgettable.

425 sq ft

Welcome to unparalleled luxury and elegance with the Terrace Suite aboard the Viking Mississippi. This exquisite suite encompasses an expansive living area that flows seamlessly into a private terrace, providing an exclusive outdoor haven where you can relish the breathtaking river views in utmost privacy. Inside, the stylish decor exudes a contemporary Southern charm, featuring a plush king-size bed, a cozy seating area, and refined furnishings that create an inviting ambiance. The spacious bathroom is a sanctuary in itself, offering a double vanity, heated floors, and a rain shower, along with premier toiletries for a spa-like experience. Enjoy a suite of enhanced amenities including a high-definition TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a personal mini-bar, and priority services such as expedited boarding and dining reservations. The Terrace Suite is your luxurious home away from home, designed to ensure your river cruise is both relaxing and indulgent.

400 sq ft

Step into refined elegance with the Penthouse Junior Suite on the Viking Mississippi. This suite offers an enhanced cruising experience, combining space, luxury, and unmatched views to create an unforgettable journey. As you enter, you're welcomed by a generously sized room featuring chic, contemporary decor and a serene ambiance. A private veranda invites you to savor the scenic landscapes of the Mississippi River in a tranquil setting. The suite's king-size bed, dressed in premium linens, promises restful nights, while a spacious seating area provides a perfect spot for relaxation or planning the day’s adventures. The deluxe bathroom is an oasis of comfort, boasting heated floors, a spacious vanity, and a rejuvenating rain shower, complete with high-end toiletries. Enjoy exclusive perks such as priority boarding, dining reservations, and personalized service, along with modern amenities like a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a fully stocked mini-bar. The Penthouse Junior Suite ensures an intimate, luxurious haven, making your river journey truly extraordinary.

336 sq ft

Elevate your journey with the Penthouse Veranda Stateroom on the Viking Mississippi, where sophistication meets comfort. This premium stateroom category boasts a generous living space with a private veranda that offers enchanting views of the Mississippi River. The interior is adorned with chic furnishings, a soft king-size bed, and a spacious seating area, creating a tranquil retreat. Enjoy the luxury of an upgraded bathroom with heated floors, a large shower, and exclusive toiletries. Additional perks like priority dining reservations, complimentary laundry services, and expanded in-suite amenities make your stay even more pleasurable. The Penthouse Veranda Stateroom is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

268 sq ft

Discover the perfect blend of style and convenience in a Deluxe Veranda Stateroom on the Viking Mississippi. Featuring a sizable veranda, this stateroom invites you to delight in the breathtaking river vistas right from your private space. Inside, the tasteful decor complements a comfortable king-size bed, a seating area, and ample storage to ensure your stay is both stylish and functional. The well-appointed bathroom, complete with luxurious toiletries and a spacious shower, makes for a refreshing start to each day. Enhanced amenities including a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a mini-bar offer added conveniences that make the Deluxe Veranda Stateroom your ideal retreat on the river.

301 sq ft

Experience the timeless allure of river cruising in a French Balcony Stateroom on the Viking Mississippi. The stateroom features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to a Juliet balcony, allowing you to enjoy fresh air and panoramic views without stepping outside. Inside, a king-size bed promises restful nights, while a spacious closet and well-designed furnishings offer ample comfort. The bathroom, featuring deluxe toiletries, a large mirror, and a rejuvenating shower, adds a touch of sophistication. With amenities like a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and thoughtful touches throughout, your French Balcony Stateroom is the ideal space to relax and plan your day’s discoveries.

268 sq ft

Relax in the comfort of a Veranda Stateroom on the Viking Mississippi, where southern charm meets modern luxury. The stateroom’s private veranda, accessible through floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, serves as your personal front-row seat to the mesmerizing Mississippi River scenery. Inside, you'll find a serene ambiance with a plush king-size bed, contemporary furnishings, and a cozy seating area. The bathroom, equipped with premium toiletries and an invigorating shower, ensures you’re refreshed for each day’s adventure. Complete with modern amenities such as a high-definition TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a well-stocked mini-bar, the Veranda Stateroom is your perfect retreat to unwind and soak in the majestic river views.