Viking US River Cruises 2027
For 2027 Viking Mississippi turns off its home river and heads up the Ohio to Louisville.
Compare US River Cruise Fares FreeTwo New Routes
Viking US river cruises 2027 schedules add a new direction. Announced in February 2026, two itineraries take Viking Mississippi beyond the Mississippi for the first time, sailing up the Ohio River to Louisville, Kentucky.
| Voyage | Length | Route | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass | 15 days | New Orleans to Louisville | Louisiana and the Delta, then the Ohio into Kentucky |
| Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer | 8 days | Memphis to Louisville | A shorter taste of both rivers |
The longer voyage starts in southern Louisiana, follows the Mississippi through the Delta past river towns such as Vicksburg, and spends its last days in Kentucky. The shorter one begins in Memphis and covers the same Ohio River finale in about a week.
Viking’s Continuing Mississippi Program
- Mississippi Delta Explorer — eight days between New Orleans and Memphis.
- New Orleans & Southern Charms — eight days round trip from New Orleans.
- Heartland of America — eight days between St. Louis and St. Paul on the upper river.
- Mississippi River Odyssey — 22 days covering the length of the river from New Orleans to St. Paul.
With a single ship on the river, each route runs only a limited number of times a year, and the first and last weeks of each season usually sell first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Viking’s new US river cruises for 2027?
Viking has added two Mississippi-and-Ohio voyages for 2027: the 15-day Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass between New Orleans and Louisville, and the eight-day Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer between Memphis and Louisville.
Which ship sails them?
Viking Mississippi, the line’s only ship on American rivers, with 386 guests in 193 outward-facing staterooms.
Are Viking’s existing Mississippi itineraries still sailing in 2027?
Viking continues to sell its Lower Mississippi, Upper Mississippi and full-river voyages alongside the new routes. Departure dates are limited by having one ship, so book early for spring and fall.
Is a Viking 2027 Voyage Right for You?
Viking US river cruises suit travelers who already know the line from Europe and want the same style at home, couples and friends who prefer a ship without children, and anyone curious about the Ohio River who would rather not switch to a different operator to see it. If you would like to compare the same weeks with the other main operator, see American Cruise Lines vs Viking; American Cruise Lines also sails the Ohio and Cumberland.
Viking typically runs its biggest booking promotions in the winter; our Mister Cruise newsletter carries them when they appear.
Booking Viking’s 2027 River Voyages
- Departure dates are few because one ship covers every route; choose the month first, then the itinerary.
- Higher stateroom categories, including the Explorer Suites, tend to go first on new routes.
- Air and transfer packages are offered; compare them with booking flights yourself.
- The 15-day voyage ends in Louisville, so plan the flight home from there rather than from New Orleans.
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise track Viking’s US river calendar and can hold a cabin while you decide.
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Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check Viking Mississippi dates and staterooms for 2027.
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