Viking Cruises’ Mississippi River Plans Spur Competition

ST. PAUL (AP) - Viking Cruises' plan to launch service on the Mississippi River is generating some civic competition.

The Red Wing Port Authority will spend $5 million to build dedicated dock space for a cruise ship. St. Paul officials are exploring ways to accommodate up to 60 cruises a year.

And, the mayor of Stillwater plans to pitch Viking officials Friday about a stop in his St. Croix River port city. Mayor Ted Kozlowski says a cruise ship could easily dock on the levee in downtown Stillwater where visitors could visit the shops and restaurants.

The cruise company plans to spend $1 billion on luxury boats tailored to the Mississippi River and has been in discussions with St. Paul city officials about dock space.