Greenville Becomes Top Stop for Viking River Cruises

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In 2018, writer Julia Reed connected the producers of the Netflix show "Somebody Feed Phil" with Greenville, Mississippi, leading to an episode filmed in the Delta town, including at the iconic Doe's Eat Place restaurant. The exposure from the show ultimately led to Greenville becoming the highest-ranked stop on Viking River Cruises' Mississippi River tours, with the cruise line now hosting over 20 events per year featuring the town's food, music, and culture.

Why it matters

The partnership with Viking River Cruises has provided a significant economic boost to Greenville, creating part-time and full-time jobs for locals and exposing the Mississippi Delta's rich cultural heritage to a global audience. The success highlights the power of media exposure and the ability of small towns to capitalize on unique experiences to drive tourism.

The details

After the "Somebody Feed Phil" episode aired in 2020, a Viking River Cruises executive called the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2023, asking to make Greenville a stop on the Viking Mississippi cruise. The cruise line needed help setting up tours and hosting a "Mississippi Delta Party" for 386 passengers - with the first event required in less than a month. Greenville assembled a team led by local notables like musician Steve Azar to put together a five-course meal, live blues music, and a history presentation. The events were a hit, and Greenville soon became the highest-ranked stop on Viking's river cruises worldwide.

• In the Fall of 2018, writer Julia Reed connected the "Somebody Feed Phil" producers with Greenville.
• In 2019, the "Somebody Feed Phil" crew filmed an episode in the Mississippi Delta, including at Doe's Eat Place in Greenville.
• The "Somebody Feed Phil" Delta episode premiered on Netflix in October 2020.
• In January 2023, a Viking River Cruises executive called Greenville, asking to make the town a stop on the Viking Mississippi cruise.
• The first Greenville "Mississippi Delta Party" event for Viking passengers took place less than a month after the initial call, in early 2023.

What’s next

Viking River Cruises is expected to announce the addition of a second ship for cruises on the Lower Mississippi River, which would further increase the number of events and economic opportunities for Greenville.