Record low water levels force lines to adjust European river sailings

European river cruise companies face the prospect of altering sailings due to record low water levels on the River Rhine amid record heatwaves across Europe.

 

Several locations in Germany and the Netherlands have seen levels fall while other key rivers, including the Danube, which flows through 10 countries, and Italy’s Po river, have also experienced similar reductions.

 

Low water levels have forced several cruise lines to modify their itineraries along European waterways.

 

A Viking vessel ran aground on a sandbank in northwest Bulgaria along the Danube last week due to “exceptionally low” water levels, prompting immediate passenger transfers to the shore.

 

A spokesperson for Viking said: “Sections of the Danube and Rhine rivers are currently experiencing exceptionally low water levels. As a result, select Viking river itineraries may be modified.

 

“Viking’s nautical and operational teams are closely monitoring conditions and working to minimise any impact to guests’ travel experiences. Viking guest services is proactively notifying guests and their travel agents prior to departure if the guests’ itinerary may be affected.” 

 

They added: “Viking is uniquely positioned to manage water-level situations such as these. We have decades of experience navigating Europe’s rivers, the largest river fleet in the industry, which we own and operate, and more than 100 premier docking locations that we own or control. 

“We also deploy identical sister ships on the same itinerary, sailing in opposite directions. In various water-level situations, when disruptions occur, we can implement ‘ship swaps,’ allowing guests and their luggage to transfer to their exact same stateroom on an identical sister ship on the other side of the affected section of river.”

 

Emerald Cruises confirmed that reduced water levels are affecting sections of the upper Danube between both Vienna and Budapest, and Regensburg and Passau near Pfelling.

 

Conditions are also impacting parts of the Main and Rhine rivers, where some stretches are currently not suitable for navigation.

 

The company added: “Our local operations teams are closely monitoring conditions and reviewing sailing schedules on an ongoing basis.

 

“Where required, we may make operational adjustments to minimise disruption, including transferring guests to a sister ship, or amending embarkation and disembarkation locations, or overnight stays in hotels, while maintaining the overall integrity of the itinerary wherever possible.”

 

AmaWaterways said: “Due to unusually low water levels on sections of the Rhine and Danube rivers, operational adjustments to select sailings have been deemed necessary.

 

“As river conditions continue to evolve, modifications may include changes to ports, embarkation or disembarkation locations, motorcoach transfers, ship scheduling or other itinerary elements.

 

“Please know that every adjustment is made with the comfort and safety of guests as our highest priority. Guests on affected sailings will be contacted individually by email.”    

 

Riviera Travel trade & partnerships director Vicky Billing said: "We’re working closely with our travel agent partners and trusted operating partners across Europe to manage the current river conditions with minimal disruption.

 

“Thanks to our extensive experience operating on Europe’s waterways, we’re able to adapt quickly when conditions change, making practical adjustments that help protect our guests’ holiday experience.

 

“Clear, proactive communication with both agents and customers remains our priority throughout."

 

Viva Cruises confirmed that water levels on many rivers across Europe are very low and it was monitoring selected departures in August.

 

The German company said: “Depending on the situation, this may lead to disruptions affecting selected cruise itineraries to varying degrees.

 

“Together with our nautical team, local partners, and the relevant authorities, we are closely monitoring the situation and continuously adapting our operations to the current water levels. 

 

“Our goal is to ensure that any impact on our guests is kept to an absolute minimum.

 

“Should a cruise not be able to operate as originally planned, we will develop suitable alternative itineraries. The safety and well-being of our guests and crew members always remain our highest priority.

 

“We are continuously monitoring the situation and are already working on possible alternatives so that we can offer you the best possible solution should any adjustments become necessary.”

 

A Uniworld spokesperson said: “Uniworld Boutique River Cruises continuously monitors river conditions and, when necessary, makes operational adjustments to affected itineraries in response to evolving water levels.

 

“These adjustments vary based on the specific ship, itinerary, river, and real-time conditions, and may include itinerary modifications or alternative travel arrangements.

 

“While the majority of Uniworld’s cruises are currently operating as scheduled, Uniworld is proactively communicating with travel partners and guests whose itineraries may be affected.

 

"River conditions can change throughout the season, and Uniworld’s teams work in close coordination with local authorities and regional partners.

 

“With more than 50 years of experience operating on Europe’s waterways, Uniworld remains focused on adapting as needed while delivering the exceptional service, immersive excursions, and seamless travel experiences guests expect.”

 

An A-Rosa spokesperson said there were changes to itineraries on the Rhine and a few cancellations on the Danube, but all sailings on the French rivers and on the Douro River on Portugal were operating as scheduled.

 

They said the goal was to "stick to planned itineraries as closely as possible", but ports of embarkation and disembarkation "may be subject to change" due to low water levels. 

 

They added: "Should it not be possible to follow a planned itinerary in full, we will inform as soon as possible and organise an attractive alternative, including an excursion programme.

 

"Should a cruise itinerary only be possible with extensive restrictions, we are unfortunately forced to cancel departures. In such cases, too, we will inform as early as possible and offer flexible rebooking options."

 

They said water levels on European rivers were "subject to natural fluctuations", which can be at short notice, but added: "However, the increasing frequency of low-water periods and greater fluctuations in water levels also highlight the need to accelerate the modernisation and climate adaptation of waterway infrastructure.

 

"Reliable waterways are an essential foundation for tourism, supply chains and regional added value."

 

Germany’s Low Water Information System (NIWIS) reportedly said that 44% of the Rhine measuring stations and 78% of those on the Danube had recorded extremely low water levels at the end of July.

 

The Rhine - which starts in the Swiss Alps and slows to the North Sea - is one of Europe’s busiest waterways. 

 

Levels were measured last week in Cologne in western Germany and in Lobith, where the Rhine crosses from Germany into the Netherlands, that were lower than at any point since records began, the BBC reported.

 

Cruise industry body Clia declined to comment.