Low Water Disrupts Rhine and Danube Cruise Itineraries

Reduced Alpine snow runoff combined with high summer temperatures created low-water conditions that severely disrupted cruises on the Rhine and Danube, according to the report.

One affected AmaSofia voyage could not make its scheduled calls at Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Instead, the ship remained at Melk, Austria, for three nights. Passengers were transported by coach to Vienna and later traveled by bus to Budapest with a brief stop in Bratislava. A hotel was provided for the final night in Budapest.

The report said each passenger received €50 in onboard credit because two meals originally due to be served aboard the ship were no longer included. It also said 16 AmaWaterways ships operating across six Rhine and Danube itineraries were affected.

AmaWaterways said it generally modifies itineraries instead of canceling departures when conditions allow safe operations. Chief Operating Officer Jon Burrows said the company may add tours and excursions or secure coaches for full-day visits to ports on the original schedule to maintain the broader guest experience.

Avalon, meanwhile, allowed guests booked on affected Rhine or Danube sailings to rebook or request a full refund, according to the report.