River cruises in central Europe face cancellations and disruption in the face of heavy flooding across the region.
Viking River Cruises cancelled departures from Budapest to Nuremberg and Passau to Budapest on June 9.
Alterations are being made to 16 further itineraries between tomorrow (June 5) and June 16.
The changes are being forced on the river cruise market leader “due to the unprecedented and severe flooding throughout areas of central Europe” with other lines also affected.
Viking said: “In many instances, due to having the largest fleet in river cruising combined with our in-house nautical and operations team in Switzerland, we are able to continue operating our itineraries through careful planning and switching of sister ships.
“In every decision we make, the safety of our guests and crew remains our top priority.”
Avalon Waterways also cancelled three departures in the region over the next ten days and other lines are assessing the situation.
Shipping on the Danube River in the Slovak capital of Bratislava officially stopped last night until water levels drop.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office updated its travel advice to Slovakia yesterday after local flood warnings were issued.
“Some people may also experience disruption to travel plans as a result. Please check with your local operator for the latest information,” The FCO said.
The alert came as Prague faced a deluge as river levels in the Czech Republic rose sharply overnight.
Authorities were forced to open several dams in the south of the country while metal flood barriers are being raised in Prague to cope with the extra water on the River Vltava.
A nationwide state of emergency has been called in the Czech Republic is in force, with water levels expected to peak later today.
Around 3,000 people have been forced to leave their homes across the west of the country.
Severe floods caused by days of heavy rain have left at least seven people dead in the Czech Republic, and two others in Austria.
Germany has drafted in the army to help reinforce flood defences in the south of the country.
In the Bavarian town of Passau, floodwaters reached a level not seen since the 16th Century, making much of the town inaccessible, the BBC reported.
The Charles Bridge in Prague – normally packed with tourists – has been closed.