Trade praises river cruise lines for managing record low water levels

Travel Counsellors head of cruise Janet Whittingham said suppliers had been “totally professional in their approach” with impacted clients.

“They have set up the strategy and teams to deal with this,” she said. “It’s on a larger scale this year as it’s over a longer period than normal.”

Advantage Travel Partnership director of cruise Jonny Peat said operators had been “incredibly responsive” in keeping members updated on affected bookings, calling it “a great example of members and supplier partners working together with the end-customer firmly front of mind”.

Sophie Pearson, head of global partnerships at Panache Cruises, said the luxury agency was working with operators to create “off the script” itineraries to help retain sales, while lines protecting commission “really helps the positivity amongst the team”.

Pearson added: “We are receiving clear and quick communication from most of our partners and there are also some great 2027 deals and prices to help secure swaps rather than cancellations.”

Operators insisted communication and flexibility were essential, with several working around the clock to keep trade partners updated.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises UK and Ireland managing director Chris Townson described the situation as “a challenge for the wider industry”, adding: “Addressing this will require closer collaboration between cruise lines and river authorities, along with continued investment in flexible itinerary planning.”

Oliver Tillson, cruise sales manager for A-Rosa, said the increasing frequency of low water periods highlighted the need to “accelerate the modernisation and climate adaptation of waterway infrastructures, as an essential foundation for tourism”.

Riviera Travel product director Will Sarson said river cruising remained “an incredibly resilient product”, noting that Riviera will review learnings alongside nautical teams post-season to assess future deployment.

Viva Cruises said sailings on the Seine, Douro, Rhone, and regulated Baltic canals were operating as scheduled as “attractive alternatives”, adding it has extended its sailing season to cover the entire year since 2023 to avoid critical shallow sections during summer.

CroisiEurope said it was working with agent partners on a case-by-case basis, while Viking confirmed it is proactively notifying passengers and agents prior to departure to offer ship swaps where possible.

Clia UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer added: “We recognise the proactive work by river cruise operators and travel agents assisting customers whose river cruise holidays have been impacted by the weather conditions in parts of Europe.”