River cruise operators clarify booking stance as heatwave hits Rhine and Danube

River cruise lines have clarified their positions on taking itineraries off sale due to low water levels on the Rhine and Danube.

 

This comes as water levels on both European waterways reached record lows this month as heatwaves in the region continue.

 

Scenic and Emerald Luxury Cruises confirmed it had not taken any itineraries off sale due to low water levels on the Rhine and Danube, as did Viva Cruises.

 

A spokesperson for the European specialist said: “We continue to actively monitor the situation and remain flexible in our approach but will not be taking any cruises off sale at this time.

 

“We thank all our trade partners and guests for their understanding. Overall, the changes we have implemented have been well received.”

 

APT added its Rhine and Danube itineraries remain on sale for 2026, including its Christmas market programme and winter sailings in December , which were “currently selling well”. 

 

In addition, multiple departures between now and the end of the year for the operator’s 14-night itineraries combining both rivers are on sale are open for booking.

 

A spokesperson said the last scheduled sailings for existing bookings on amended itineraries will be on September 1. 

Tui River Cruises said no itineraries had been taken off sale during the low-water period, adding: “We are continuing to monitor water levels on a week by week basis and are proactively contacting affected customers directly if their sailing is impacted.”

Similarly, CroisiEurope said taking Rhine and Danube itineraries off sale was “not something they are currently considered” with most sailings fully sold through to mid-September. 

 

They said: “We are continuing to work closely with customers and travel agent partners on a sailing by sailing basis to ensure that customers are aware of the current situation and of any operational changes that are necessary.”

 

A-Rosa River Cruises’ general sales agent cruise manager Oliver Tillson said the brand was "assessing September departures with the relevant authorities based on the information given to us.”

Tillson said: “We have made amendments to voyages up to August 30 and provided guest with options. We will update our website as soon as a decision has been made.

 

“Whilst the situation is improving slowly this is very much under review daily with our expert team, we have managed to resume some parts of our planned cruises on some parts of the affected rivers.”

 

Riviera Travel said itineraries on the two rivers have been taken off sale for the duration of August since low water levels started to affect operations.

 

A spokesperson said the “stop-sale” approach had been extended until September 13 due to operational uncertainty.

 

They added current passengers on those departures will be offered different options depending on the sailing and there were not currently plans to cancel any more voyages “unless we have to”, but itineraries may have “ongoing amends”.

 

The operator also launched a 72-hour river outlook alongside AI-powered monitoring and forecasting to keep customers and agents better informed, in addition to a “Five Point Promise” setting out its commitments to maintain customer experience, including pledging to “not turn your customers’ river cruise into a coach holiday”.

Riverside Luxury Cruises said it had been impacted by “the unprecedented low water levels” on the Danube, which had resulted in in the temporary suspension of selected Riverside Mozart sailings during August.

They said: “Sailings are scheduled to resume from September 2, with some itinerary adjustments in place to reflect current river conditions.”

 

Travel Weekly also contacted AmaWaterways, Viking River Cruises, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Avalon Waterways and Amadeus River Cruises for comment.