Above-average temperatures and limited rainfall across Europe have caused water levels on sections of the Rhine and Danube to drop, prompting river cruise operators to revise itineraries and introduce contingency measures.
Several operators have issued notices, advising guests of changes.
AmaWaterways
Due to unusually low water levels on sections of the Rhine and Danube rivers, AmaWaterways has made operational adjustments on selected sailings.
In a notice, the cruise line said modifications might include changes to ports, embarkation or disembarkation locations, motorcoach transfers, ship scheduling, or other itinerary elements. Guests on affected sailings will be contacted individually via email.
Trafalgar
Trafalgar said it might make operational adjustments to Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie itineraries on the Rhine and Danube in response to evolving water levels.
The adjustments may include itinerary modifications or alternative travel arrangements. “Sailings on both rivers are operating as scheduled, and Trafalgar is proactively communicating with travel partners and guests whose itineraries may be affected,” the operator said in a statement.
Scenic and Emerald
In a shared statement, Scenic and Emerald said reduced water levels were affecting sections of the upper Danube, including Budapest and areas between Regensburg and Passau. Conditions were also impacting parts of the Main and Rhine rivers, where some stretches were not suitable for navigation.
“Where required, we may make operational adjustments to minimise disruption, including transferring guests to a sister ship or amending embarkation and disembarkation locations. Affected guests and their travel advisers will be contacted directly with further information.”
Uniworld
Uniworld has only had to adjust a few impacted ships.
"Passengers can be assured that Uniworld will always have the best interest of our guests at heart and will only run programmes that adhere to our high standards of luxury and service," said Divan Viljoen, Sales & Marketing Manager at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways said the low water levels had disrupted some itineraries, with selected cruises being cancelled.
Avalon Impression was unable to make embarkation location for some itineraries, resulting in cancellations on July 12, 14, 15 22 and 23.
