The new Viking Mississippi riverboat is on its maiden voyage and was docked in Davenport on Wednesday. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
The new Viking Mississippi riverboat’s passengers got the red carpet treatment – complete with a bald eagle flyover – when it docked Wednesday, Sept. 7, in Davenport. Hundreds of people attended a noon welcoming event and Quad Cities Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony at River Heritage Park, 615 E. River Drive. The star of the show was […]
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The new Viking Mississippi riverboat’s passengers got the red carpet treatment – complete with a bald eagle flyover – when it docked Wednesday, Sept. 7, in Davenport.Hundreds of people attended a noon welcoming event and Quad Cities Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony at River Heritage Park, 615 E. River Drive. The star of the show was the massive Viking Mississippi ship from Viking Cruise Lines, which now is making its maiden voyage.
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An artist creates a painting of the new Viking Mississippi riverboat on Wednesday. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for the new riverboat. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
A band plays during a welcoming ceremony on Wednesday for the riverboat. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Becky and Randy Aten of California look over Davenport after getting off the new riverboat on Wednesday. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
That trek began Saturday, Sept. 3, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is heading down the Mississippi River to St. Louis. The new ship cost $90 million to build, according to the cruise ship website cruisemapper.com.“It’s amazing that people from all over the world are coming here to experience Davenport,” Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said during the ceremony.In addition to a ribbon-cutting, Wednesday’s ceremony along the riverfront included a champagne toast, a red carpet for the passengers leaving the vessel and visiting the Quad Cities, live music from a band, cookies served by Visit Quad Cities and at least one unexpected treat – a visit from a bald eagle. Near the end of the ceremony, officials pointed out that a bald eagle was circling the new Viking Mississippi riverboat.“We were joking that it’s time to queue the eagle,” Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, said about the unexpected sighting.The new boat’s captain, Cory Burke, added that he was impressed with the Quad Cities ceremony. “I’m from Louisiana. This is like Mardi Gras,” he added.Several passengers on the Viking Mississippi said they also wee impressed with the Quad Cities reception and their maiden voyage on the riverboat.“We feel like celebrities. All the people around here are coming out to greet us,” said Becky Aten of Newport Beach, California.Her husband, Randy Aten, added that the new boat and service from the crew were very impressive.The quality service from the crew was a theme with several passengers. For instance, Gaby Rozell of Macon, Georgia, said she is a veteran passenger of several ocean cruise ships. She is traveling with her parents and other family members, and said the service on the Viking Mississippi “is on another level.”“When we show up for dinner, our parents are already seated at the table. The staff here knows us by name,” she added.Several officials said the Viking Mississippi’s visit is a great opportunity to showcase the region to people from across the nation and world. Mr. Herrell said the goal is to show that the Quad Cities is a “must-experience riverfront destination.”“This is a watershed moment for the Quad Cities regional destination,” said Mr. Herrell in a news release. “Viking’s arrival in the Quad Cities is exciting and an important opportunity to activate our world-renowned Mississippi River. We are honored to serve Viking’s customers and are aligned with Viking to deliver an unforgettable Quad Cities experience. Their customers will participate in group tours and we are confident that they will walk away impressed with what the QC has to offer.”While in the QC, the Viking passengers were given the chance to visit numerous sites including destinations such as: John Deere Pavilion and Store, Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center, Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum and Science Center, and Cinnamon Ridge Farms, in addition to biking and kayaking guided tours.“We have been anticipating this day for a long time and are thrilled to be partnering with Viking Cruise lines to welcome their passengers to the Figge Art Museum,” said Melissa Mohr, the museum’s director of education, in the release. “We will be providing an exclusive experience for passengers during their time in the Quad Cities and we cannot wait to showcase all of the incredible artwork and traveling exhibitions on view.” The Viking Mississippi’s maiden eight-day voyage is set to end in St. Louis. It was scheduled to leave Davenport at 5 p.m. today. The ship is then scheduled to return to St. Paul on Saturday, Sept. 17.
Facts about the Viking Mississippi cruise ship:
The ship can hold 386 people and has 193 cabins.
It has a crew of 148.
The ship is 450 feet long.
An eight-day “Heartland Tour” on the ship begins at $4,499.
Some of the vessel’s other features include: Sun Terrace with an infinity plunge pool, a lounge and bar with a two-story panoramic view of the river, laundry service, elevators through the ship, and The Bow, which is a quiet sitting area at the front of the ship.
For more information on the Viking Mississippi and the cruise schedule, go to vikingrivercruises.com.
