European-based Viking River Cruises has announced it will begin cruises in the US, with its operations to be based in New Orleans on the mouth of the Mississippi River.
The company said it intends to launch two newbuild riverboats in 2017, and will build four more over three years, valued at US$100 million per vessel.
The vessels will be built in the US, run by an American crew, and accommodate around 300 passengers.
New Orleans-based publication The Times-Picayune reported the state of Louisiana offered US$4.5 million in performance-based grants for site-preparation costs.
Another local newspaper, The Advocate, welcomed the announcement and said the project would give the local tourism industry a boost.
"Viking is a company with a big European trade and its decision to expand in New Orleans means that the Mississippi cruises are likely to draw even more international visitors," an editorial said.
Photo: Soerfm