Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Viking's 8 Day Heart of the Delta. Immerse yourself in history and heritage on this journey from Memphis to New Orleans. Be inspired by the stories of famed musicians and civil rights heroes, and soak up the rich French and Acadian cultures that infuse the Lower Mississippi. Savor Memphis’s famous BBQ, as well as delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine. And stir your soul with the rhythms of gospel, Delta blues and Dixieland jazz.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Cruise Length
8 Days
Cruise Starts
Memphis
Cruise Ends
New Orleans
Countries Visited:
Rivers Sailed:
Mississippi
Cruise Line
Viking
Cruise Ship
Viking Mississippi 
Ship Class
Mississippi River Ship
Passengers
386
Crew
150
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
VKHOD-R
Itinerary
Arrive in Memphis, then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, you may wish to explore the music, cuisine and character of Beale Street. A straight path stretching nearly two miles from East Street to the Mississippi, Beale Street is renowned as the intersection of American blues, country, gospel and rock ’n’ roll music. (Dinner) *Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
Cruising the serpentine route of the Lower Mississippi, you will witness an astonishing array of picturesque landscapes. Sail past deep-green forests, lush vegetation and a patchwork of fertile farmlands—all hugging the shores and hosting a huge variety of birdlife perched in riverside trees, ready to pluck their next meal from the flowing waters. Around you, bluffs rise over the river’s edge. Silos pierce bucolic landscapes. Sandbars and low islands guide the waters as they have for millennia. Passing numerous tributaries and meandering channels, you may appreciate this massive waterway as an epic river system rather than as a singular river. Immerse yourself in the region’s history and culture by reading a book from the Library, participating in a cooking demonstration or attending a lecture. After dinner, enjoy live music in the Explorers’ Lounge and mingle with fellow guests. (B/L/D)
Arriving in Vicksburg, you immediately feel the Southern tradition that flows through the city’s veins. It is rich in history—especially Civil War history. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called it 'the key to the South.' And it indeed proved to be the site of the conflict’s most pivotal battle, the Battle of Vicksburg, after which the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park, which preserves the battlefield and commemorates the greater Vicksburg Campaign that preceded the battle. (B/L/D)
Natchez is the perfect location in which to enjoy small-town America. The town is distinguished by more than 500 historic buildings, including over 200 perfectly preserved homes that still grace its broad avenues. Throughout the day, you can explore shops in the historic district and other sites at your leisure. You may choose to visit one of many pre–Civil War mansions here, some of the most beautifully preserved in this area of the South. The city itself is home to more than 1,000 structures that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After dinner, learn about the life of local artisans and enjoy classical music. (B/L/D)
We continue south on the Mississippi to St. Francisville. Boasting more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Francisville is set along one of the most historic bluffs of the Mississippi. The town is said to be 'two miles long and two yards wide' because it was originally built on a narrow ridge overlooking the river. Founded in 1809 to serve the commercial and cultural needs of surrounding landowners, it is the oldest town in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes. Remarkably, many of St. Francisville’s structures are not its own. Rather, they were moved upriver from Bayou Sara in the 1920s after the small settlement was destroyed by years of flooding. Today, we explore this area and visit the historic Rosedown estate and ornamental gardens. (B/L/D)
Arrive in Baton Rouge, set on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, and take a panoramic city tour of the area. Hear tales of the hardworking, fun-loving Cajun people and their contributions to Louisiana’s history and culture. Your Viking Guest Services staff can help you plan the rest of your day with several optional excursions: a Cajun heritage tour; an exploration of the Atchafalaya Basin by boat or canoe; or a visit to the USS Kidd, the most historically accurate restoration of a World War II vessel in the United States. Tonight, enjoy music in the Explorers’ Lounge. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, the day is yours to experience the Lower Mississippi—a region dotted with historic mansions, several of which are designated National Historic Landmarks for their architecture, their landscaping, and the contributions of the people who maintained the houses and the lands. Today, you may choose to explore one or several of the historic estates in the area. You may also journey to the famous Manchac Swamp, a wetlands area adorned with hundreds of acres of cypress trees and freshwater marshes. Complete your afternoon with a music presentation. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight, or extend your journey with additional nights in New Orleans.* (B) * Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
Life On Board
A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive more behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.
Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.
Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.
Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
Viking Mississippi
Viking's award-winning Longships® showcase innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design and understated elegance. Read more
The Thinking Person's Cruise
A Mississippi River cruise offers you the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland. Read more
Serene Scandinavian Spaces
Elegant, light-filled ships thoughtfully designed to connect you to your destination. Read more
Destination Focused Dining
From relaxed, multi-course fine-dining to casual meals on the Aquavit Terrace. Read more
Viking Inclusive Value
Viking proudly includes all that you need and nothing you do not and your river cruise fare. Read more
The Viking Way
Viking offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set them apart from other travel companies. Read more
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Viking River, Ocean & Expedition Voyages (2025-27)
At Viking, we offer an unmatched selection of itineraries that span the globe, allowing you to explore the world’s most iconic cities as well as lesser-known destinations. With voyages exploring all seven continents, over 85 countries and more than 500 cities, there are countless ways to discover the world with Viking.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
