A luxury cruise ship is one step closer to setting sail from New Orleans. You can book now.

Viking’s new Mississippi River boat hit a major milestone this week, just months before it’s expected to set sail from New Orleans.

The 386-passenger Viking Mississippi “floated out,” touching water for the first time in Houma, the company said Monday in a press release.

The float out, held at Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard, was a success. Now the ship moves into its final stage of construction.

Viking is known for its luxury cruises in Europe, Asia and Africa. The company expects the new voyage to bring over 7,500 people to the region this year and over 17,600 people in first full sailing season in 2023.

The new vessel, to make its debut in June, features 193 staterooms, five decks, a lounge, a cafe, a restaurant and more — all in Viking’s traditional Scandinavian design. It will sail back and forth between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota.

The boat’s first voyage will depart New Orleans in November. Ports of call in Louisiana also include Baton Rouge, Darrow and St. Francisville.

Viking boasts a focus on cultural enrichment both onboard and off. Destination performances include New Orleans Jazz, Delta Blue and the Wisconsin Polka. Guest lecturers will also focus on the region’s art, architecture and history.

In Louisiana, guests have the option to take a guided kayaking trip in the bayou or an excursion to the Rural Life Museum of LSU.

All-inclusive tickets for an 8-day voyage starting and ending in New Orleans start at $4,299 per person.

Reservations opened to the public in April 2020. The website is now accepting reservations through 2024.