When most people think about exploring America, they think of either a classic long road trip, or they consider taking to the skies to get to where they want to go as quickly as possible. But there’s another way that you can experience a fabulous vacation seeing the USA – on a relaxing river or waterway cruise.
Long popular on the rivers of Europe, river cruisers can leisurely sail past beautiful scenery and historic landmarks, dock at fascinating ports, enjoy delicious regional cuisine, all while benefiting from unpacking once, and not having to think about packing again until the end of their trip.
Even better, river cruising offers some additional benefits and experiences that are especially appreciated – with small ships that may have as few as 100 guests, river cruisers experience a uniquely personalized vacation and an intimate environment where the guests receive the utmost care and attention from staff that pride themselves on knowing each guest by name.
Seriously, what is not to love?
As more and more people are discovering why river cruising is an increasingly popular and unique way to vacation, Viking Cruises, with their 20 year history of European river cruising, are now embarking on a new era of modern exploration on the Mississippi River. Beginning in 2022, guests will be able to set sail on several highly anticipated voyages through America’s heartland aboard the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi. With itineraries of varying length along the mighty Mississippi, travelers will have the chance to see the USA in some truly unique ways.
Among these, the 15-day voyage on “America’s Great River” will present some especially memorable experiences.
As guests travel the country from north to south on this voyage, they will enjoy relaxing scenic sailing and unparalleled bird-watching as the landscape changes from the bluffs of the North to the bayous of the South. They will be uniquely positioned to learn about the American civil rights movement and the Civil War, experience the rhythm of American folk, soul and jazz music, and of course, taste a delicious array of regional cuisine. After beginning their voyage in St. Paul, Minnesota, some of the stops on this 2-week voyage will include:
- Hannibal, Missouri, best known as the childhood home of author Mark Twain and the setting of his Adventures of Tom Sawyerand Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
- Louis, known as the “Gateway to the West,” is home to a diverse array of celebrated architectural treasures—chief among them, the Gateway Arch. Nearby, guests may also choose to visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the famous Budweiser Clydesdale stables
- Memphis, Tennessee, as the “Queen City of the South” is the birthplace of Memphis blues. Travelers will want to experience the music, cuisine and character of Beale Street, renowned as the intersection of American blues, country, gospel and rock ’n’ roll music, where a number of music legends helped create a uniquely American and universally beloved musical genre.
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana, set on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, will offer guests the opportunity to experience Cajun culture while learning about their contributions to Louisiana’s history, heritage, music, and cuisine.
- New Orleans, celebrated for jazz music, incredible food, and the lively and unique part of the city known as the French Quarter, is where this true “bucket list” journey ends.
Combining a relaxing way to vacation, with the chance to experience a variety of fascinating places in America, enjoy delicious regional cuisine – and unpack just once – it’s easy to see why a Viking river cruise on the “mighty Mississippi” may be a true bucket list vacation!
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