Ship review: Viking Mississippi

Viking Mississippi takes full advantage of the sunrise and sunset vistas on the Mississippi River in North America, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a 360-degree promenade deck. 

As well as being intimate and roomy, the five-deck ship is rooted in place – from its curated library to its craft cocktail menu. 

On our sailing, most of its 386 passengers were aged 65 and above. The set-up was perfect for individuals with mobility issues, as golf buggies convey guests the short distance from the ship to the coach for excursions. The ship will also appeal to foodies and music lovers who like regionally-inspired entertainment, but not late nights.

Style & character: 4.5/5

Launched in 2022, Viking Mississippifeatures contemporary décor honouring the brand’s Nordic roots. Its stylish multi-use Living Room on deck one features a muted colour palette enlivened with splashes of orange and blue and is furnished with Scandi-esque sofas. 

Meanwhile, the ceiling is inspired by a guitar fret in a tribute to the Midwest’s musical heritage. The stairwells’ maps of the Lower Mississippi coupled with illustrations of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn also add to the sense of place.

Cabins: 4/5

Our deluxe veranda stateroom (cabin) was virtually identical to Viking’s ocean ships and came with a balcony twice that of its European longships. It fitted a lot into a relatively compact space, with a generously sized desk, ample storage and a comfy king-sized bed, although we would have preferred a two-person sofa instead of the twin armchairs. The 42in (107cm) liquid crystal display TV came with a huge selection of complimentary films on demand. There was no end of USB charging ports and electrical outlets and a safe large enough to accommodate a medium-sized laptop. Disappointingly, the minibar wasn’t replenished daily. 

The cosseting bathroom had a heated floor, and anti-fog mirror and was stocked with premium Freyja toiletries and a plush dressing gown. However, the one-size-fits-all slippers were far too big for our feet!

Food & drink: 4/5

Of the two onboard restaurants, we spent more time in The Restaurant on deck one, which had an a la carte menu. While it’s the more formal of the two restaurants, it didn’t feel stuffy. Our favourite dish was the crab beignets (square doughnuts) from its destination-specific menu. Guests can also choose from always-available mainstays such as Caesar salad to start, or poached salmon as a main. Breakfast was quick – service stopped at 8.30am – and included seasonal fruit and a daily-changing smoothie, old-fashioned oatmeal, French toast and smoked salmon benedict. 

River Café on deck five is more casual. As well as a buffet breakfast, there was a salad bar and grill station. It also served everything from steak to sushi in the evening. We enjoyed a preprandial in the bi-level Explorer’s Lounge at the front of the ship, where senior bartender Richard whipped up destination-themed cocktails such as the NOLA Fizz. There’s no room service, but the coffee, tea and juice stations on deck one and five are replenished with pastries and cookies around the clock.

Service & facilities: 3/5

The ship’s all-American crew had varied experience, with some newly-recruited members still learning the ropes. The waiting staff were particularly conversational and remembered our name. My cabin steward was changeable, so it felt less personalised. 

While the ship doesn’t have a gym or spa, there was an infinity plunge pool on the roof deck next to a terrace at the back of the ship, where we caught daily rays on sunloungers. Aquavit Terrace, an al fresco viewing area with a barbecue, is next to the terrace. 

We made good use of my cabin’s self-service laundrette, which came with a handy ironing board. Passengers seemed to love the TVs set around the River Café’s bar, which were sometimes tuned to American sporting events.

Entertainment: 4.5/5

Onboard entertainment was almost 100 per cent musical, honouring the mighty Mississippi River. First-class guest musicians played everything from the Delta blues to Dixieland jazz over two time slots to an almost full (and happy) house each night. A lasting memory was listening to wartime trio the Victory Belles sing 1940s tunes. The ship also has a house jazz band called Viking Trio who wrapped things up by 10.30pm. 

Cruise director Tim hosted nightly trivia challenges, while Bobby – a destination specialist and born storyteller – shared history and culture specific to the region in the observation lounge’s upper level.

Excursions: 4.5/5

The excursion guides were universally excellent, passionate about their home towns and knowledgeable on their specialist subject. This extended to the jolly drivers of Viking’s own-brand coaches. 

Our favourite excursions on Viking Mississippi's New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary were Vicksburg by Foot – a highlight being visiting the home of Jefferson Davis’s great-great grandson – and The New Orleans Jazz Experience, which included a private jazz concert.

Value for money: 4/5

A minimum of one excursion is included in each port of call. Beer, wine and soft drinks are complimentary at lunch and dinner. The Silver Spirits drink package is an add-on, but is excellent value for passengers drinking alcohol daily.

Facilities 

Two restaurants 

Indoor lounge and bar 

Rooftop café and bar 

Infinity plunge pool 

Library 

Medical centre