Europe’s Drying Rivers Force Cruise Cancellations
European river cruises are being disrupted by unusually low water levels after weeks of heat and limited rainfall across parts of the continent. Riviera Travel has cancelled 10 sailings and altered six more, while other operators are changing itineraries where ships can no longer navigate safely. The Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle are among the rivers affected, with conditions changing quickly from one section to another.
What Changes for River Cruise Passengers
- Riviera Travel: 10 cruises cancelled and six Rhine and Danube sailings revised
- Affected rivers: Rhine, Danube, Moselle and Main
- If a Riviera cruise is cancelled: Full refund or transfer to another holiday available
- If the cruise still operates: Ship changes, coach transfers or itinerary adjustments may be used
- Scenic and Emerald: Some river sections are currently not navigable
- Departures through 31 August: Guests on affected Scenic and Emerald cruises are being contacted directly
Riviera says affected guests may be moved by coach, switched to another ship or given a revised itinerary when sailing the planned route is not possible. Passengers can also transfer to another holiday or request a full refund if their cruise is cancelled. Scenic and Emerald are making similar changes, including different embarkation points, hotel stays and additional coach transfers where river conditions prevent ships continuing as planned.
The disruption can change more than the sailing itself. Ports may be dropped, embarkation points moved and sections of a cruise replaced by road travel. On the Upper Danube, problems are affecting areas near Regensburg, Passau, Dürnstein, Melk and Vienna–Budapest. Low water is also causing difficulties on the Rhine around Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mainz and Mannheim.
Anyone with a European river cruise booked in the next few weeks should watch for messages from the operator rather than rely on the original itinerary. Water levels can change quickly, so even sailings that are still running may be adjusted close to departure. Checking refund, rebooking and transport arrangements in advance will make it easier to respond if ports, ships or entire sections of the trip changeFirst pic of Irish teen, 17, fatally electrocuted by shower head during Greece holiday as probe focusing on water heater.