Louisiana yard launches Viking’s future Mississippi River cruise ship

Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard in Houma, Louisiana, has launched a new river cruise ship that will be operated by Viking Cruises on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River.

Viking Mississippi is scheduled to debut on its namesake river in June 2022. Once completed, it will have five decks and 193 all-outside staterooms that can house a total of 386 guests.

Facilities will include a two-story lounge, an infinity pool, a cafe, a restaurant, and a library.

The ship’s diesel-electric propulsion will feature eight Caterpillar C32 US EPA Tier IV diesel engines connected to a similar number of water-cooled generators. Each engine/generator unit will be individually mounted on a specially designed double raft isolation system that produces a remarkably quiet and smooth ride.

Propulsion power will be provided by Voith six-blade propulsion thrusters driven by permanent magnet electric motors. There will also be pump jet bow thrusters powered by permanent magnet motors.