The new riverboat being constructed for Viking River Cruises USA was floated out on Monday, March 7, at Edison Chouest Offshore's LaShip shipyard in Houma (Louisiana USA).
The cruise ship Viking Mississippi marks the latest expansion of the European company into the North American market after its entry into the ocean and expedition cruising. The new 386-passenger vessel is due to enter service in June 2022 sailing on the Mississippi between homeports New Orleans (Louisiana) and Minneapolis-Saint Paul (Minnesota).
Viking Mississippi is specially equipped with various measures to maximize energy efficiency and emissions, such as a diesel-electric propulsion system comprising eight CAT C32 EPA Tier 4 diesel engines, each powering the 940 eKw water cooled generator. Each of the engine/generator units is individually mounted on a double raft isolation system producing a quiet and smooth ride. Voith 6 blade propulsion thrusters that are driven by permanent magnet electric motors provide propulsion power. The ship is also equipped with pump-jet bow thrusters powered by permanent magnet motors and an exhaust scrubbing system reducing emissions and sound.
The float out marked the first time the vessel touched the water and is moving into the final stage of construction. The ceremonial godmother of the newbuild, Dionne Chouest, General Counsel of Edison Chouest Offshore, attended the ceremony.
The maiden voyage of Viking Mississippi is scheduled to sail from New Orleans to Memphis (TN Tennessee) on June 25, 2022. The ship will visit ports in 7 states (Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota) during her inaugural season.