The Viking Mississippi Cruise ship is ready for passengers on the mighty river, and this is no ordinary cruise ship.

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The new cruise ship will be the largest of its kind that has ever cruised the Mighty Mississippi. The 386-passenger ship is loaded with restaurants, a well-stocked library, several; different rooms some including a balcony, one complimentary shore excursion in every port, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service just to name a new of the amenities.

The Viking is now officially in the water in a south Louisana shipyard. It has taken almost 8-years to build this grand cruise ship which is based on luxury cruise ships we know so well. The St. Louis Post Dispatch stated that the ship will be ready set to take a cruise this summer starting in Lousiana and ending in St. Paul, Minnesota, and will have seven stops on the way including Hannibal.

The Viking Mississippi plans stops in seven 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).

The first full sail of the ship won't take place until 2023 but officials are estimating the Viking Mississippi will draw over 7,000 passengers this year and over 17,000 during the first full sail. I couldn't find any prices on rooms and fees yet, I am sure that will be announced soon when they are ready to book cruises. Could this be a new way to vacation for many, a 1,200-mile journey on the Mighty Mississippi?

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