ON TOUR: The Lower Mississippi

During the first two weeks of May the Editor-in-Chief and wife travelled with  Viking on the Mississippi between New Orleans and Memphis and on to Nashville.  This Blog was updated as they travelled along and a full report will follow in the June TNU.  Viking was very well well promoted along the Mississippi.

This was updated during the trip and a full report can be seen HERE.

Wednesday 30 April

 British Airways Boeing 787-10 Heathrow to New Orleans.

A phone call from Viking London saying that due to recent inclement weather, the Mississippi River is currently experiencing high water levels. As a result there may be adjustments to the programme.

Heathrow offers courtesy drop off for disabled Blue Badge holders. British Airways Business Class check-in is at the northern end of Terminal 5 and the revised Galleries Lounge in B concourse is excellent.

Written at 40,000 ft over the North Atlantic the revised Boeing 787-9 Business Class is very good with individual private seating.  Mrs Ginsberg says she prefers sitting close to her husband.  You cannot keep everyone happy.  Reading this you will know that the wi-fi works too.

The border controls at New Orleans (MSY) were terrible and even near the front of the queue it took one hour to go through.  Two extra officers would have solved the problem.

And a quick limo transfer to the fine Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter.

Thursday 1 May

We took in two major private tours.

It was an inexpensive Uber to the remarkable Longue Vue House and Gardens built by the Stern Family in the 1920s and donated to the City of New Orleans.  The Museum of Southern Jewish Experience is another short Uber trip and a fascinating history of the southern States. And you do not have to be Jewish.

Dinner was at Fogo de Chao, Canal Street, an excellent Brazilian steak house and not expensive if you stick to the bar menu.


Friday 2 May

French Quarter by foot, WWII Museum and Paddle Steamer dinner.


Saturday 3 May

New Orleans National WWII Museum and board Viking ship.

UK readers note that the only plugs on the ship are US type flat pins.

The on-board entertainment each day will be detailed in the June TNU review.


Sunday 4 May

Houmas House & Gardens.  Docked in New Orleans.

Revised programme due to high water levels and docking quay under water.  The house and splendid gardens were visited via a comfortable coach trip. We left New Orleans at 18:00 local.


Monday 5 May

Baton Rouge/ St Francisville aborted.

We were happy for a quiet relaxing day on the ship as we motored at 13 knots up the Mississippi. A full ship's programme was organised.


Tuesday 6 May

Natchez. A report will follow in the June TNU.  Interesting and wealthy riverside town.

Wednesday 7 May

Vicksburg National Military Park.  Just visted.  Massive battlefield.


Thursday 8 May

Greenville, nearby the home of B. B. King


Friday 9 May

On the River


Saturday 10 May

Graceland Memphis & transfer to Omi Nashville Hotel


Sunday 11 May

Country Music Hall of Fame & Ryman Auditorium


Monday 12 May

BA 222 Boeing 777 Business Class Nashville to Heathrow.  Late out and late in.


Tuesday 13 May

BA 222 LHR. Actual 1217 ETA 11:40 local and on a remote stand.

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READERS' COMMENT

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Sarah Whicker, United States

Loved having you two at Longue Vue. Will be following the rest of your adventures. Happy trails!