Low Water Disrupts Some Danube and Rhine River Cruises

Drought across parts of Central and Western Europe is affecting river cruise operations on the Danube and Rhine, with low water preventing some vessels from completing their scheduled routes.

Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways have advised travelers that reduced water levels on sections of both rivers could lead to itinerary changes. Some affected passengers have been transported by bus to other ships positioned farther along the river so they could continue their journeys.

One traveler said a transfer between ships required a bus journey of about five hours. Although the trip included breaks, the traveler reported missing excursions that had already been paid for.

The disruptions have not been described as affecting every sailing on the two rivers, but travelers on impacted routes may encounter adjusted schedules, overland transfers or vessel changes where water levels are too low for planned navigation.