Viking Opens 2027 Mississippi & Ohio River Voyages: New Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass Itineraries Now on Sale

Viking is expanding its U.S. river footprint for 2027 with two new itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, now open for booking on the state‑of‑the‑art Viking Mississippi. Guests can choose the new 15‑day Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass voyage between New Orleans and Louisville, or opt for the shorter 8‑day Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer between Memphis and Louisville—both designed to showcase the music, food and history of America’s heartland.

New for 2027: Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass (15 days, New Orleans – Louisville)

The headline addition is Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass, a 15‑day journey that traces the Mississippi north from New Orleans before continuing along the Ohio River to Louisville. This itinerary dives deep into the heritage of the American South, where grand riverfront homes, Civil War battlefields and musical landmarks tell the story of a region that shaped U.S. culture.

Highlights include:

• Exploring historic plantation homes and river towns that preserve the South’s antebellum past.
• Stepping into Civil War history in Vicksburg, a pivotal site on the Mississippi.
• Feeling the rhythm of the blues in Greenville, one of the cradles of Delta blues.
• Sampling smoky Tennessee barbecue and discovering Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship—from Louisville Slugger baseball bats to the art of bourbon distilling.

It’s a culturally rich route aimed at guests who want to go beyond a single state or city and experience the evolving story of the river from bayous to bluegrass country.

New for 2027: Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer (8 days, Memphis – Louisville)

For travellers with less time, the new Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer offers an 8‑day snapshot of the region between Memphis and Louisville. Sailing both the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, the itinerary focuses on the musical and industrial heritage that emerged along these waterways.

Guests can:

• Explore Memphis, Tennessee, home of B.B. King, Elvis Presley, blues and early rock ’n’ roll, through museums and live music venues.
• Visit Louisville’s baseball museum, celebrating America’s favourite pastime.
• Tour Kentucky bourbon distilleries, where generations of makers have shaped one of the state’s most famous exports.

The cruise also passes scenic wetlands, small towns and historic cities, pairing river views with stories of migration, industry and music.

Viking’s existing Mississippi favourites

Alongside the two new itineraries, Viking is continuing its broader Mississippi program for 2026–2027, including:

• Mississippi River Odyssey (22 days; New Orleans – St. Paul) – A full‑length exploration of “America’s Great River”, mixing Civil War history, Southern cuisine and the musical heritage of blues, jazz and soul.
• Mississippi Delta Explorer (8 days; New Orleans – Memphis) – Focused on the Lower Mississippi’s plantation homes, early Southern history, Cajun and Creole cuisine, and the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.
• Heartland of America (8 days; St. Louis – St. Paul) – Journeying the Upper Mississippi with tales of pioneers, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Mark Twain, Norwegian migration and Midwestern food and music traditions.
• New Orleans & Southern Charms (8 days; roundtrip New Orleans) – A Lower Mississippi loop featuring estates, Civil War sites, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, plus Dixieland jazz, gospel, blues, Cajun and Creole flavours.

Together, these itineraries give Viking guests multiple ways to experience the Mississippi system, from focused one‑week cruises to nearly month‑long odysseys.

The Viking Mississippi: modern river cruising in the U.S.

Viking Mississippi sundeck with infinity pool, loungers, umbrellas, and passengers at sunset 

Hosting 386 guests in 193 all‑outside staterooms, the Viking Mississippi brings Viking’s familiar Scandinavian design language to U.S. rivers. Inspired by the company’s European Longships and ocean ships, it features:

• Clean, minimalist interiors with expansive windows for constant river views.
• Reimagined public spaces, including multiple lounges, al fresco areas and a generous sun deck.
• Comfortable amenities and a destination‑focused onboard program with lectures, performances and regional cuisine.

Purpose‑built for the Mississippi, the ship is marketed as the first truly modern cruise ship in the region, blending contemporary comfort with the slower pace and intimacy of river travel.

Why these new itineraries matter

Viking’s chairman Torstein Hagen emphasises that guests are consistently drawn to the history, culture and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit—whether in Europe, Asia or closer to home. For many of Viking’s core markets, the Mississippi and Ohio rivers are “fantastic destinations that many have yet to discover,” despite being within their own borders.

By adding Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass and Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer, Viking is:

• Broadening its U.S. river network beyond the classic Lower Mississippi.
• Offering more choice for guests who want American history and music rather than European castles.
• Keeping its hallmark destination‑first philosophy front and centre, with itineraries built around stories of the South, the Midwest and the cultural threads that connect them.

For travellers who love the idea of unpacking once, settling into a modern river ship and watching America’s heartland unfold from the water—complete with blues, bourbon, barbecue and a heavy dose of history—Viking’s 2027 Mississippi and Ohio voyages look set to be some of the most compelling new river options on the market.