River lines are monitoring the water levels on the European rivers due to the record-breaking temperatures soaring across the continent.
Some operators reported swapping passengers from one ship to another to avoid areas with low water levels on the Rhine and the Danube, while others confirmed contingency plans were in place.
Government data recently showed how water levels at Kaub on the Rhine were at the lowest for the time of year since at least 2007.
However, Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways’ co-owner and president, said ships in the fleet had a “low” draft between 1.40 to 1.55 metres meaning that they were all operating right now as scheduled.
But AmaWaterways along with Uniworld; A-Rosa River Cruises; Avalon Waterways; Emerald Cruises; and sister line Scenic confirmed they were monitoring the situation when approached by Travel Weekly.
Schreiner said: “We’re still cruising on all our ships and the 14-day forecast for the Rhine looks good.
“The question is how long does [the hot weather] last in Germany? It should change in 10 days’ time.”
Schreiner explained how the German town of Kaub was a “crucial” indicator about what water levels were like.
“We have ship in Amsterdam and one in Basel in case the ship cannot we get across Kaub,” he added.
Schreiner pointed how history shows there is flooding during August, adding: “It can go the other way very quickly.”
Uniworld president Ellen Bettridge said the line “continuously” monitors water levels along every route it operated on and “proactively” shares updates with affected guests.
“While we may have to make adjustments to our daily itineraries, guests can be assured that we will still be operating and providing the Uniworld experience that they know and expect,” she added.
The Scenic Group, which operates Scenic and Emerald Cruises, confirmed planning to “revise” some routes was being carried out.
“Where possible, we will ensure the ports of call are not impacted by these changes, and our team are working hard to find the best possible solution for each individual cruise,” it added.
“As a last resort if there is no other viable option, guests may be asked to transfer to another sailing.”
David Winterton, global director of brand and marketing at Emerald Cruises, said passengers had swapped ships on two Rhine departures so far.
Avalon Waterways chief executive Giles Hawke said: “Given the interior of our ships is almost identical we are well placed to swap guests between ships on a river to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of their relaxed luxury experience.”
Lucia Rowe, managing director at A-Rosa River Cruises, UK and Ireland, confirmed contingency plans were in place “should they be needed” and said the line was monitoring water levels on the Rhine.
“It is not uncommon for water levels to fluctuate during the summer months,” she said. “A-Rosa is monitoring the current developments on the Rhine closely and is in constant dialogue with the port authorities and respective water management offices.”
The Travel Village Group chief executive Phil Nuttall said his staff had not amended or cancelled European river cruise bookings yet but anticipated this would change if rainfall did not arrive soon.
Nuttall said the situation was “pretty much as bad as it gets” on European rivers.