Low Water Continues to Disrupt Rhine and Danube Cruises
Shallow stretches are prompting ship transfers, itinerary changes and difficult sailing conditions on parts of both rivers.
Water-level data from Bespoke Amsterdam Experiences indicated continued low-water danger points on the Rhine and Danube. On the Rhine, shallow conditions near Kaub and Maxau were expected to result in ship swaps and other cruise disruptions during the week.
River Water Watch tracking cited in the report showed that upper and middle sections of the Danube were significantly below normal. Shallow checkpoints included Pfelling in Germany and Budapest, while additional constrained areas were creating difficult sailing conditions for itineraries through Austria and Hungary.
Passengers posting on travel forums said cruise lines were still routinely transferring travelers between vessels when ships reached low-water pinch points on either river. Some operators were also moving entire itineraries away from affected areas, including replacing an Amsterdam-to-Basel voyage with a cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Most river cruise lines continued to provide future cruise credits when passengers chose not to sail or when a voyage was heavily affected, according to the report. Travelers on consumer boards also described frustration with the timing of itinerary notices, which they said often arrived only one or two weeks before departure.