Low-Water Concerns Drive River Cruise Questions and Advisor Unease
Travel advisors report increased calls, altered Rhine itineraries and differing accounts of cruise-line compensation and cancellation policies.
Beth Schulberg of Cruise and Travel Specialists said customers were seeking guidance on whether to proceed with or cancel river cruises amid concerns about low water. She said most of her clients had travel insurance, but their coverage applied only when a trip was canceled entirely without spending any day on the river.
Travel advisor Eileen Wolejsza said she obtained a revised itinerary for an AmaWaterways sailing from Basel to Amsterdam through advisors who had traveled the previous week. She alleged that AmaWaterways was not permitting cancellations and that customers had received inconsistent information about whether future cruise credits were available or transferable. Wolejsza said Avalon appeared to be allowing cancellations with full refunds.
Meredith Schnepp of Sunkissed Bliss Travel said her clients’ Rhine cruise included three sailing days, a ship change and several nights aboard a docked vessel. Although the itinerary differed from expectations, she said the clients were glad they traveled. According to Schnepp, AmaWaterways managed logistics smoothly and provided onboard and future cruise credits.
Advisor Jasmin Six said a couple who sailed the Rhine believed Viking delivered strong service but objected to what appeared to be varying compensation and cancellation options among travelers. Meanwhile, Amber Betts said doubts about the sustainability of specializing in river cruises were leading her to shift toward luxury small-ship ocean voyages and off-season family travel.