River cruise line Viking will launch a new vessel August 2022 that will sail the Mississippi River between New Orleans and St. Paul.

“At a time where many of us are at home, looking for inspiration to travel in the future, I am pleased to introduce a new, modern way to explore this great river,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, in a statement.

The vessel, christened the Viking Mississippi, is the company’s first custom vessel. Bookings to the general public open Wednesday.

Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the vessel, currently under construction in Louisiana, has five decks, a clean Scandinavian design, an infinity pool and several restaurants.

The Viking Mississippi’s state rooms feature a private veranda or French balcony, a king-sized bed, large flat-screen interactive TV, mini-bar, large glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and 24-hour room service.

Guests staying in the 400-square-foot Penthouse Jr. Suites and the 425-square-foot Terrace Suites will have an expanded double-sink bathroom, mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water and snacks replenished daily, welcome champagne, laundry, pressing and shoeshine services. Guests in the 657- to 1,024-square-foot Explorer Suites will also receive a wraparound veranda and complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package.

Cruise fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes.

The two cruises that come to St. Paul are the eight-day American’s Heartland cruise that runs to St. Louis, Mo., and the 15-day America’s Great River cruise that goes all the way to New Orleans, La. Prices range from $4,599 to $22,999.

“The Mississippi River is closer to home for many of our guests,” Hagen said, “and no other waterway has played such an important role in America’s history, commerce and culture.”

The announcement is the most recent milestone for Viking as it continues to expand its fleet and travel offerings.

In January the company unveiled Viking Expeditions, with a ship called Viking Octantis launching on voyages to Antarctica and the Great Lakes in 2022. Another vessel, Viking Polaris will debut in August 2022 that will sail to Antarctica and the Arctic.