Vicksburg MS (Mississippi)

Vicksburg MS is a Lower Mississippi River cruise port and town in Mississippi state's Warren County, with population around 25,000. The town is approx 377 km (234 mi) northwest of NOLA New Orleans and approx 64 km (40 mi) west of state's capital Jackson MS. It is also located on the river across from Louisiana state.

Vicksburg is part of MSA (Micropolitan Statistical Area) with total population around 50,000 and city area approx 98 km2 (35 mi2). Every summer here is hosted the "Miss Mississippi Pageant and Parade". Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club (also held every summer) hosts a homecoming weekend providing scholarships to high school seniors who graduate. Vicksburg Theatre Guild hosts "Gold in the Hills" every spring and summer - listed as world's longest-running show by Guinness. here is also the McRaven House (one of the state's most haunted buildings).

An interesting fact is that on March 12, 1894, the Coca-Cola drink was bottled for the first time in Vicksburg MS by the local confectioner Joseph Augustus Biedenharn (1866-1952). Nowadays, surviving Biedenharn soda bottles of the late-19th-century are highly prized by Coca-Cola memorabilia collectors. The original candy store is today the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum.

In mid-February 2020, ACL-American Cruise Lines signed with Vicksburg a 20-year deal for preferential berthing rights and ACL investments for upgrading the riverfront docking facility. By the deal, ACL pays the city per-passenger fees and receives priority mooring along the waterfront. ACL also provides shuttle bus services for its customers for land transportation to nearby attractions and popular downtown businesses.

On November 16, 2020, city leaders approved a 20-year lease with Viking Cruises (via Viking USA LLC) at a rate of US$1 per passenger to use the docking site (along Yazoo Diversion Canal). By the deal, Viking will build a new berthing facility for its riverboats with scheduled stops in Vicksburg MS starting in 2022.

On November 25, 2020, ACL signed an agreement to pay the city US$2 per passenger under the lease. ACL will pay US$3 per passenger in case the lease is extended an additional 5 years.

As a cruise shore excursion option from Vicksburg MS are offered guided bus tours to Vicksburg National Military Park (flanking the river). The Park preserves the site of the Battle of Vicksburg (March 29 through July 4, 1863).