Viking Mississippi cruise ship welcomes St. Paul guests

A cruise ship built specifically for the Mississippi River welcomed guests in St. Paul on Saturday, the Viking company tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

The Viking Mississippi, which can host 386 passengers, is expected to leave for Red Wing around 8 p.m. Wednesday night.

Viking says the Viking Mississippi, built for its “America’s Heartland” river cruise, was inspired by the company’s ocean cruise ships.

The Viking Octantis, which was introduced earlier in 2022, is currently sailing its inaugural trip in the Great Lakes between Toronto and Duluth.

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Viking says a second ship identical to the Octantis, the Viking Polaris, will be delivered this month and will debut on the Great Lakes in 2023.