The decision by European river cruise giant Viking to make its first North American home port in New Orleans—with Mississippi River cruises expected to start in March 2017—represents a potential tourism and economic windfall for the entire state. Among the likely chief beneficiaries is West Feliciana Parish, which is seeking an additional embarking site to accommodate the three Viking vessels that will be stopping there in two years.
“Their presence and passengers will tremendously enhance tourism in West Feliciana. It will have a significant economic impact,” says parish President Kevin Couhig. “It would be difficult to overstate the potential opportunities and positive impact that this world-class company offers West Feliciana and [we] need to be ready. It’s time to get down to business.”
Couhig says in a prepared release that West Feliciana officials have been working on finding property for an additional embarking site for some time.
“However, the real work is just beginning,” he says. “The ships must have a place to access the shore. A standard of excellence is the expectation of Viking River Cruises and their passengers. West Feliciana has all the qualities required to deliver that. However, we must work together.”
After a suitable site on the river is located, Couhig says the Police Jury will need to sign off on the land purchase.
“Currently disputed land is not on the table,” he adds, in reference to property near St. Francisville’s old ferry that has been the center of an ownership dispute involving the Police Jury.
As Daily Report reported Tuesday, the Viking vessels also will call at Baton Rouge. Visit Baton Rouge officials announced Tuesday that scheduled Mississippi riverboat cruise dockings here will rise by 47% to a record high this year.
—Steve Sanoski
