Riviera outlines options to passengers affected by European river cruise disruption

Riviera Travel has been forced to cancel 10 cruises and alter six itineraries due to a record fall in water levels across European rivers.

 

In an update on the ongoing impact of extreme temperatures and droughts, the operator pointed to conditions affecting navigation across parts of the Rhine, Danube, Moselle and Main.

 

The company is providing three options to affected holidaymakers, including re-booking, refunds and transfers to alternative sailings.

 

Riviera said: “Since river disruption began at the start of July, our teams in our UK and US offices, on board, and across Europe have worked around the clock to support our guests and deliver the best possible holiday experience. 

 

“While river conditions remain challenging, we continue to monitor levels closely alongside our local partners. 

 

“By standing up a dedicated incident team, deploying extra cruise directors and head office colleagues on board, extending call centre capacity, and mirroring all communications across our travel agent partners to ensure equal care, Riviera is doing everything possible to provide complete transparency and support for every guest.”

 

Daily status reports are being issued via a travel updates hub on the operator’s website.

 

Ten scheduled departures have been cancelled, with the company insisting that “cancellations have only occurred where we have concluded that there is no viable alternative itinerary that can be delivered”.

 

Meanwhile, six departures are operating with revised itineraries across the Rhine and Danube, with passengers contacted and river conditions continuing to be monitored closely.

 

Passengers due to travel on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube or Main will receive “structured updates” leading up to their departure at around 14 days, around 7 days, and 72 hours before travel.

 

Referring to the option to transfer to another cruise, Riviera said: “If the new holiday is lower in price, we will refund the difference; if it is more expensive, we will contribute £250 per person towards the additional cost.”

 

Outlining options, the operator said: “Guests can transfer their booking to an alternative Riviera Travel holiday departing in 2026 or 2027. 

 

“As river levels remain uncertain, we would not recommend transferring to a Danube, Rhine or Moselle cruise departing in the near future, although we are happy to discuss later departure dates. 

 

“Guests may also choose one of our cruises on the Douro, Seine or Rhone, or one of our European or Worldwide escorted tours. 

 

“Guests who would prefer not to transfer to another holiday can receive a full refund. As a gesture of goodwill, and in recognition of the disappointment caused, we will also provide an enhanced Welcome Home Offer of 15%, rather than our standard 10%, valid for six months and redeemable against a future European river cruise in 2026 or 2027.

 

“For sailings that proceeded with necessary mid-trip modifications, our team assesses compensation or goodwill options on a case-by-case basis following travel, offering either future travel vouchers or cash alternatives.

 

“Crucially, guest feedback from these adapted sailings demonstrates strong ongoing confidence in our operations. 

 

“Across all post-holiday surveys completed for July Rhine and Danube departures, Riviera achieved an average trust score of 8.6/10 and an overall positive sentiment score of nearly 88% - with guests specifically praising our team’s swift response to changing conditions.