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Low Water Levels Disrupt European River Cruises, a Favorite of U.S. Tourists

As the continent faces a severe drought, companies have had to use buses to transport passengers along parts of the Rhine and the Danube, where water levels have become too low for riverboats.

By Jenny Gross

Aug. 29, 2022

Mark Farmer’s two-week river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest got off to a bad start. For the first four days, there were no luxurious dinners overlooking the Rhine River or views from the top-deck balcony room that he and his wife had booked.

In fact, there was no boat at all. He and the other 150 or so passengers were shuttled around the Netherlands and Germany on buses, queuing up in long lines for bathrooms at highway rest stops and cramming into small restaurants.

“We were not happy,” said Mr. Farmer, a sales manager for a waste and recycling company. He and his wife, who live in Arizona, had booked the August trip, which had cost $18,000 including business-class flights, to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary.

One of Europe’s worst droughts in decades has left the water level of parts of the Rhine and the Danube Rivers too low for ships to pass, paralyzing commerce and causing disruptions for companies that transport goods and commodities like oil and coal. The drought has also affected river cruises, forcing passengers to cope with last-minute changes to their itineraries, long bus rides and missed excursions.

River cruising is a multibillion-dollar industry, with 1.6 million travelers, many of whom were over the age of 55, cruising European rivers in 2018, a number that had nearly doubled from 2013, according to Statista , a provider of market and consumer data. Cruise Lines International Association, a trade group, said the largest group of passengers come from North America.

Nearly 65 percent of European Union territory is currently under some degree of drought warning, according to the European Drought Observatory , which aims to improve drought resilience. Droughts are likely to become more frequent, researchers say, even as hurricanes and other large storms bring flooding to other places around the globe. Climate change from the burning of fossil fuels and other human behavior can play out differently, according to scientists, but the common theme is that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and intense.

Rudi Schreiner, the president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, a river cruise company with a fleet of 26 ships, said that when water levels in the Lower Rhine are too low, cruise passengers are taken on an excursion to a nearby town by bus and then brought back to a spot on the river where water levels are higher. For each day that the cruise itinerary differs from what was scheduled, a passenger receives a voucher for 15 percent off the next seven-night cruise, he said.

Rainfall in Germany last week has provided relief, but the reprieve may be temporary. “The question is how long it will last,” Mr. Schreiner said. AmaWaterways is looking for new technologies to lower the draft of its ships so they can pass through shallower waters. “I don’t see any death of river cruising ,” he said. “I see adjustments.”

Even ships that are able to pass through the Rhine have had to reduce the capacity of their loads, since heavy cargo weighs down ships and causes difficulties in shallow waters.

For Mr. Farmer, the last straw came on day three of his trip, when Viking, the operator, arranged for the guests to stay in a hotel that Mr. Farmer described as subpar, with a man in a building next to the hotel staring into their room when he and his wife walked in.

“That night, my wife and I had had enough. I wanted to go home,” he said. But after two hours on hold with customer service, it became apparent that Viking wouldn’t be giving him a refund. So, he said, he and his wife decided they would change their attitudes. They boarded the ship the next day, and the trip improved significantly.

Viking, which offers trips in Europe, said the circumstances that affected that trip were “highly unusual,” with the Rhine and the Danube Rivers experiencing historically low levels. “We recognized that this was not the experience that our guests expected, which is why we provided all guests with a 15 percent credit toward their next Viking voyage, in the form of a voucher good for one year,” a spokesman said. Customer ratings during the dry period have been “highly satisfactory,” he added.

The company also said in a statement last week that the vast majority of its trips faced no interruptions, even though water levels on the Danube remained unusually low. “Our nautical team is continually monitoring the situation,” the company said. “Guests and their travel advisers will continue to be notified directly by Viking customer relations if we think that their itinerary might be impacted.”

Another passenger on a different Viking cruise this month, Scott Myers, said he and his wife loved their trip, despite viewing one of the most picturesque stretches of the Rhine from a bus.

“It wasn’t as good as if you were sitting on top of the boat as you were floating through, but we were still able to see all the castles,” said Mr. Myers, the director of a county park district in Troy, Ohio. He and his wife were able to spend all but one day of their trip on the cruise they had originally booked. That one day on land involved six or seven hours on a bus, traveling from Cologne, Germany, to Strasbourg, France, with stops, he said.

The pace of climate change has affected other aspects of summer tourism in Europe. With heat waves expected to intensify because of global warming, it is expected that travelers will shift their summer itineraries to destinations further north or on the coasts from destinations like Rome or Tuscany, according to travel agents.

Ellen Bettridge, the president and chief executive of Uniworld, a river cruise company, said that in response to the changing weather in Europe, the company last year expanded into luxury train travel, with itineraries that include both cruise and rail components.

“While we cannot predict future weather changes, we are preparing for it,” she said in a statement. “Our longstanding history and unparalleled relationships within the travel industry have allowed us to be flexible in creating alternate itineraries.” She said most trips had been unaffected, and that the company has had to cancel 7 percent of its cruises.

Lisa Wheeler-Pollington, who had booked a cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with her husband, said low water levels in the Rhine caused Uniworld to cancel their trip nine days before they were scheduled to depart for Europe.

“My heart just fell,” said Ms. Wheeler-Pollington, a retired real estate worker, who lives in Sarasota, Fla. She and her husband could not reschedule because they had already arranged care for their two Labradors, Cruiser and Scooby-Doo, and contractors were scheduled to do repair work at the house. So Ms. Wheeler-Pollington and her husband accepted a refund and made their way from Amsterdam to Budapest by rail.

It ended up being the best trip of their lives. “Sometimes the unexpected is a lot more fun than things you’ve planned for a year,” she said.

Mr. Farmer, the sales manager from Arizona, said he wished that he and his wife had been offered a refund. On the second-to-last day of their trip, the cruise had to dock in a town far outside Budapest because of shallow waters in the Danube. Passengers then were back on the bus for a 90-minute drive to the city, he said.

The group toured the city by bus and then drove back to the boat for their final night, before waking up at 3 a.m. to get back on the bus to the Budapest airport for their departing flights.

Mr. Farmer and his wife received a $500 voucher each toward their next Viking cruise, but he said he was not rushing back for another river cruise any time soon. “I literally saw Budapest through a bus window.”

Jenny Gross is a general assignment reporter. Before joining The Times, she covered British politics for the The Wall Street Journal. More about Jenny Gross

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Will the drought in Europe affect your river cruise vacation?

Experts are saying that the current drought in Europe could be the worst in 500 years, with water levels dropping, especially along the Rhine River. If have a river cruise planned for the end of the summer or the fall, should you be concerned?

Not at all, according to Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder AmaWaterways — as long as you're willing to be a little bit flexible.

Here's what you need to know about water levels on Europe rivers and what to expect if you're booked on a river cruise or considering booking one.

Cargo ships have it worse because of draft

The dire news you're reading about low water levels in Europe now, especially along the Rhine River, mostly concerns the cargo shipping industry in Europe.

"The Rhine River is the main artery for German and Swiss transportation and also French," said Schreiner. If water levels are low, cargo ships cannot carry their normal loads of freight.

That's because the weight of the cargo such vessels carry affects their draft (the distance between the ship's bottom and the water line). A weighted-down ship sinks lower in the water and therefore needs more distance from the water line to the river bottom to sail safely without scraping the riverbed.

If ships have to lighten their loads to cross shallow water, fewer goods can be transported at once. Companies will need more ships to carry the same amount of cargo, increasing transportation costs — all of which have a negative impact on the European economy.

Schreiner says that the last time Europe experienced extremely low water levels, in 2018, the economic impact was around 5.4 million euros ($5.4 million). You can see why people are worried.

However, the same problems do not affect river cruise ships.

"Our ships have a very low draft…about five feet," he explained. "We also carry about 500 tons of water, that is ballast and fresh water for the guests."

In the case of low water, the crew can dump the ballast water and reduce the freshwater to 60 tons (two days' worth), and just refill as needed. The low draft and the adjustability of the ballast allow the ships to navigate through sections of the river where the water levels are not very deep.

Low water is only a problem at critical junctions, not along the entire river

Another point that travelers should understand is that when the news reports low water levels, it's not that an entire river has dried up and is impassable.

"There are critical points, like the one on the Rhine River, right in the Rhine Gorge," Schreiner explained. "There is rock on the bottom; there's also this little house in the middle of the river. The area is protected and that's where you have the low water issues. You could tear down the house and build a dam there, but that is not what is going to happen."

Where the European rivers have locks and dams to control water levels, ships can still sail problem-free. Another section of river that can be negatively affected by low water levels is the Danube, past the last lock in Slovakia heading downriver toward Hungary. If water levels fall, riverboats can have trouble sailing all the way to Budapest.

Because these problem spots are well known, river cruise lines can find ways to mitigate the issues with savvy itinerary planning.

Related: Best river cruises in Europe

River cruise lines plan itineraries with water levels in mind

The river cruise lines will tell you that low water levels are rare, and that few sailings are altered due to water levels – but the truth is the risk is always present. Any time there's a heat wave in Europe, especially if coupled with lighter-than-average spring snow melt or rainfall, you can end up with low water in certain parts of Europe.

The cruise lines plan their itineraries to mitigate this risk.

One thing Amawaterways and many other river lines do is run two ships simultaneously on the same one-way itinerary, with one ship starting at one end and the other on the opposite end.

Schreiner gives an example of two identical sister ships, AmaLucia and AmaSiena, that both sail the Rhine.

"We have one ship starting in Amsterdam and one ship starting in Basel…If they cannot pass Kaub [the critically low water point on the Rhine], then [the passengers] all disembark on either side," he explained. "They disembark in the morning, they go on the shore excursion, and they come back on the other side on the sister ship. In the same cabin. Their luggage has been moved over automatically so by the time they arrive on the ship they have their luggage, and then they sail on the other ship back to the destination."

Other than the hassle of packing up in the middle of the cruise, travelers still get the full Rhine experience they paid for.

If the water issues are closer to the beginning or end of an itinerary, cruisers may have to spend a few days in hotels or bussing to destinations rather than sailing there. In some cases, an itinerary may be adjusted with certain destinations dropped and new ones added. Only in very rare circumstances are the sailings canceled outright.

"We will not cancel any cruises," said Shreiner. Instead, in the most extreme cases, AmaWaterways will create a new itinerary.

Not every river cruise line takes the same stance.

"We've canceled one cruise on the Danube and have made a few mostly minor alterations to a small handful of cruises on the Rhine," a Tauck spokesman told TPG when asked about this year's cruises. "Like other river cruise lines, we've dealt successfully with low-water situations in the past, and we have a variety of strategies that we can deploy as necessary. Unlike other river cruise lines, however, we're very fortunate that we also operate numerous land tours throughout the region, so we have a fantastic network of local supplier-partners that we can leverage as necessary should alternate arrangements become necessary."

The situation changes day by day

Water levels are unpredictable and can vary day by day, depending on what the weather brings.

"We've been cruising since March with no issues" until August, said Schreiner. "We have a very good rain forecast for this Thursday/Friday, and fairly heavy rains coming, so [the situation] might change."

However, as everyone knows, predicting the weather is not an exact science. This is why most lines are not offering flexible cancellation policies or waiving penalties for canceling a river cruise because they're worried their itinerary will get disrupted due to low water levels.

"If you want to cancel a cruise right now in October because of low water, I will tell you, 'Sorry, we don't know if there's low water in October,'" said Schreiner. "You don't know a week or 10 days in advance what will happen with the water levels. They can go up, they can go down, rain can come in."

Ships might be able to pass through a tricky spot, like Kaub, today but not tomorrow, or can't this week but can next week. Some years, low water levels caused disruptions as early as June and some years as late as October. Just as with ocean sailings, there's always a risk that weather and river/sea conditions can impact that itinerary, and cruisers must accept that itineraries cannot be set in stone.

If you book a river cruise, you acknowledge that you might not get the exact itinerary you signed up for.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

You will be reimbursed

Most river cruise lines do not allow guests to cancel pre-cruise without penalty except for in the most extreme circumstances. However, you won't be entirely out of luck if your itinerary changes once you arrive at your ship.

For every day that is altered, AmaWaterways guests will get 50% of the daily rate they paid as a future cruise credit. If the whole itinerary is changed, you'll get to sail the new itinerary and receive a 100% future cruise credit to book another cruise. Tauck says it deals with compensation on a case-by-case basis.

Should your cruise be canceled, the cruise line will also offer compensation. "While we may have to make changes to some of our itineraries and have had to cancel a few voyages, impacted guests and travel partners have and will receive transparent updates and the opportunity to re-book onto another sailing," shared Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld, in an email to TPG.

This is not the end of river cruising

A recent CNN article proclaimed that summer droughts like the current one, plus global warming, could signal a death knell for river cruises in the near future. Schreiner does not hold with that assertion because river cruise lines simply adjust their schedules year after year for optimal weather conditions.

"Look at the Mekong — you don't cruise in May, June, July and August because it's too hot. You don't cruise in Egypt in June/July because it's too hot. In Europe, we don't cruise in January, February and into early March because it's too cold," he explained. "Maybe 10 years from now we cruise the Danube and Rhine in January/February/March and we stop in the summertime because August is too hot and there are low water areas."

"We don't know what the future will bring," he continued. "But it's clear that river cruising is not going away anytime soon."

Bottom line

This year's summer drought in Europe could affect your upcoming river cruise, but it's highly unlikely your cruise will be canceled outright.

At best, you'll do a ship swap mid-cruise, a slight inconvenience that will allow you to follow your planned itinerary. Or, you might have a few port stops changed out for new ones, or spend more time than you prefer in busses or hotels, possibly with shorter visits to destinations that now require longer bus rides.

You will, however, still get a vacation in Europe, even if it's not the one you expected.

Schreiner's advice is simple: Just go. "You will be cruising, you will be enjoying," he said. "You might see some cities you might not have expected to see and you might miss some you wanted to see. In the end, you will have a fantastic vacation and you will get a future cruise credit according to what you miss."

He added: "It's better than canceling and sitting at home and not doing anything."

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Seriously Low Water Levels Are Disrupting European River Cruises

As rivers dry up during one of the worst droughts in recent european history, river cruise passengers should be prepared for last-minute itinerary changes..

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Europe is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in recent history—how will that affect summer cruising?

Europe is in the midst of one of its worst droughts in recent history—how will that affect summer cruising?

Photo by Shutterstock/Travelpixs

Earlier this month, I sailed on my first-ever river cruise along the Rhine, with an itinerary that had stops in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Switzerland. I was looking forward to exploring the many museums of Amsterdam and wandering through the vineyard villages of Alsace. But as we embarked on our journey in the Netherlands one thing became a constant during the cruise: a thick white waterline along the embankment that followed the river all the way from Germany to Switzerland. It served as a grim reminder of where the water once was, and where it is now—depressingly low.

To ensure that we could continue without running aground, our ship sailed along slowly and carefully, since parts of the Rhine are notoriously challenging to navigate because of treacherous hidden rocks, especially with so little water. While I was still able to do and see the things I had hoped to along the way, ultimately, the entire cruise itinerary ended up being affected, and we had much less time than usual in ports due to the slower pace. My Rhine River sailing with AmaWaterways was one among many river cruises this summer feeling the effects of climate change that have led to extreme drought conditions and shockingly low water levels this summer in Europe.

Across the continent, a historic heat wave and an increasingly unstable Gulf stream —which usually brings wet weather and rain to Europe—have meant that many inland waterways have effectively been drying up, affecting both cruising and trade vessels. Serbian, Romanian, and Bulgarian authorities overseeing the Danube, one of the largest and most important cruising arteries in Europe, have already started conducting emergency dredging (the removal of sediments and debris) of that river to keep vessels moving. Italy’s longest river, the Po, is also struggling and has completely disappeared in some areas as northern Italy experiences one of the worst dry spells it’s seen in 70 years.

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is famous for its stunning vineyard views and quaint villages. It's also known for being treacherous to navigate.

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is famous for its scenic vineyard views and villages. It’s also known for being treacherous to navigate.

Photo by Shutterstock/Kanuman

The Rhine, which regularly sees cargo ships carrying wheat, petrol, steel, and coal traveling up and down the river, has also been seriously affected, with water levels dipping below 16 inches in some key navigational areas. Experts warn that the river could reach critically low levels that might affect trade and cruising in mere days, potentially halting it completely. And the European Commission’s Joint Research Center warned this week that drought conditions will worsen over the coming days. During normal weather conditions on the Rhine, about 2,100 gallons of water flow through any one point per second—the flow rate is now down to zero gallons in some places, according to the Associated Press .

Though European river cruising remains in full swing this season, passengers with upcoming sailings should be prepared for possible last-minute changes to itineraries and bookings—as well as cancellations if the situation continues to worsen and ships simply cannot sail for a time—since ships rely on real-time river conditions. During times of drought, being bused between ports in trouble spots is not uncommon, nor is doing what is referred to as a “ship swap,” when passengers on two separate vessels that cannot sail any further due to low water levels will disembark, get bused to another ship, and swap ships owned by the same river cruise line so that they can continue with their itinerary.

During my trip, passengers aboard the new AmaLucia still had a wonderful time and we managed to hit all the stops on our itinerary, but at a slower pace. However, be prepared for shorter excursion times and potential ship swaps. Since low water levels are a greater concern during late summer, consider booking a cruise in the spring or early summer months to be safe.

Associated Press contributed reporting.

A couple looking out at Budapest from a cruise ship

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What to Expect On Europe's Rivers

Although there's no better way to explore Europe's great cities, castle-dotted countryside and vineyards by riverboat, situations may arise that are beyond our control. In the event we need to modify your journey for any reason, you can trust that we will make every effort to communicate with you and to preserve your experience. Water Levels Unpredictable weather can result in both low and high water conditions that can impact your planned itinerary. These changes may include swapping riverboats or arranging for ground transportation to circumvent a bridge (high water) or water levels that are too low to be passible. Rest assured, we have many years of experience with these potential events and our team – and network of trusted partners – are well-prepared to make any necessary adjustments to preserve your experience. Water levels are explained further in the video above.

Double-Docking "Rafting" All riverboat companies have dock assignments and sometimes due to increased traffic, docks can get double- or even triple-booked. As riverboats may also have specific docking needs, yours might be "rafted" to the boat next to the pier, requiring you to walk through or over (via staircase), a different riverboat. It is likely that you will experience this on your trip at some point, only adding to the overall flavor of cruising on the rivers of Europe.

Docks and Locks Most docks are centrally located, however, some may be further away from city centers. Assignments are determined by factors such as riverboat traffic, river current, water levels and city layout. Passing through locks along the river is a fascinating part of your upcoming journey. Again, depending on traffic, water levels and potential mechanical issues, lock transit may take longer than expected. Don't miss this unique opportunity… when possible, head up to the top deck and enjoy this engineering experience!

Mobility Onboard and Ashore Ashore – Guests with restricted mobility may have difficulty managing the pedestrian-only city centers, cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces that exist throughout Old World Europe.

Onboard – Guests may need to walk across narrow gangways and ascend or descend stairs when embarking or disembarking the riverboat due to "double-docking" or the docking location. An able traveling companion who can help guests who require assistance must accompany them throughout their journey.

Learn More From an Expert While river cruising is one of the best ways to explore the heart of Europe, situations may arise that are beyond our control. Go with the flow of a Tauck river cruise as Michelle Molnar, Senior Product Manager for River Cruising, shares insights about what to expect on Europe's rivers. You'll hear personal anecdotes about Michelle's recent riverboat travels, learn about the twists and turns she encountered along the way, and how Tauck handled them in the best interests of our guests.

View Our River Cruises

What to Expect on Europe's Rivers

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The Roaming Boomers

Best time of year for a european river cruise.

Posted by David Porter on Monday, June 1, 2015 · 19 Comments

River Cruise Climatologist

What is the best time of year for a European river cruise?

This can be a very tricky question to answer. And to be frank, even the most experienced travelers are going to be disappointed from time to time.

Sure, there are “experts” out there (like this guy pictured to the right), but the truth of the matter is: specific weather patterns are very difficult to predict six to twelve months out.

Our Sad Story

Carol and I tend to like to travel to Europe in the shoulder seasons (April, May, Sept, Oct). The weather is generally cooler, the massive summer crowds gone, and you can often get more bang for your buck.

A while back, Carol and I flew off to the south of France for a long-awaited river cruise with our friends at Viking River Cruises. As we landed in London to swap planes and head to Marseilles, we got an email from Viking telling us that our river cruise was going to be disrupted by high water levels. You can read the whole story by clicking here .

When we got to our starting point in Avignon, Viking offered their clients the option of leaving the sailing with a refund of the unused portion of their cruise, or continue on with the hopes of lower water levels in the coming days. We opted to stay, and as it turned out, we never got to sail and wound up using our cruise ship as a hotel with luxury coach excursions to and from our ship each day. But, at the end of this experience, even though we did get to see nearly all of our desired locations, Viking still offered their guests a 50% discount off of a future sailing. Very generous, indeed. You can read about that by clicking here .

So, if we got foiled, what’s a person to do? When is the best time of year for a river cruise?

Well, before I make an attempt to offer a few tips on this subject, let’s take a peek at a helpful video from our friends at Tauck River Cruises:

Click for larger view.

So, as you can see in this video, high water, low water, and broken locks can disrupt a river cruise. While these things are definitely not the norm, what can we do to stack the odds in our favor so that these river gods and nixes don’t disrupt our vacation?

While not all high water occurs in the spring, spring rains and snowmelt are generally the culprits for most springtime high water events. If you look at the map I’ve included, you can see which areas of Europe are most prone to flooding.

And, oh look, there’s our Rhône river in France! It’s highly prone to high waters as the French Alps are nearby and shedding snowmelt into the river.

Now to make this even more difficult, we don’t know when this spring snowmelt is going to occur. We interacted with a couple on our Facebook Page who had taken our same exact cruise a week prior and had absolutely no difficulty. And, I suspect that the group behind us enjoyed smooth sailing as well.

Travel Tips: Best Time of the Year for European River Cruises

If you’re river cruising Europe in April, May and even early June, the rivers flowing through the darkest regions in the map above provide the greatest opportunity for high water levels. These include the Rhône and certain portions of the Rhine. We had clients sailing the Rhine while we were sailing the Rhône. They had to swap river cruise ships one afternoon, but other than that, the rest of their journey was just fine.
Alternatively, if you’re river cruising in the spring, the Bordeaux region of France, the Seine around Paris, and the Douro River in Spain might make good options for less high water probabilities. It looks like the Rhône is best in the late spring, summer and fall.
Predicting low water levels? No can do. It totally depends on the summer weather and each individual country’s management of the water levels.
Predicting broken locks? No can do. When we sailed the Danube, we sailed through 11 different locks. We encountered no problems, but it must happen on occasion and back up the river traffic for a bit.
European summers are a very busy time for travel and river cruises. Most of the river cruise lines completely sell out in the summer months, requiring that you book at least a year in advance.
European summers can be hot and posses very large crowds in popular cities. But, this is also the time of year when you find many fun festivals to visit. So, maybe hot weather and fun festivals are more your cup of tea.
Fall can bring beautiful foliage, lower temps, and again, the large crowds will be gone.
Christmas cruises on the Rhine and Danube can be wonderful times. The temps will be towards the cold side (layer your clothing), but the cities are absolutely beautiful all dressed up for Christmas. We did the Danube in very early December and completely loved the experience.

I know that this wasn’t a very definitive answer to my initial question. But the truth is, I don’t have one of those goofy hats (pictured at the top of our article), and therefore, I’m not a river cruise climatologist and don’t have a definitive answer.

Your best course of action? Be certain to include water level probabilities in your discussions and be aware of the possible risks. No one can ever promise you absolute perfection with every travel experience. Airline strikes, volcanoes, floods, and stifling hot weather are just a few of the things that can pop up to make a mess of your vacation. Do your best to contemplate the things that can go wrong, and then be flexible. You can’t predict all things, but you can decide to make lemonade out of lemons. Right? 🙂

How to Book a River Cruise?

Are you thinking about a fun European river cruise? Give us a call at (480) 550-1235 and we can help you sort through the options, discuss potential obstacles, and book a wonderful sailing. When you book with us, the price is never higher than doing it yourself, and many, many times we have special pricing options available that are not widely known to the general public.

If you prefer, you can also use our online information request by clicking here .

Category: Blog , Travel News & Tips · Tags: European River Cruise , Viking River Cruises

19 Comments on “ Best Time of Year for a European River Cruise ”

Interested in cruising September, October. My partner and I are looking for upper and a 2for 1 would be great. The route would be from Basel to Amsterdam. Wondering about weather and water levels, from your experience.

September is a very popular month for river cruising, and if you look, you’ll also notice that because of the demand, prices are generally the highest in September. Folks like September because the weather is still lovely and the crowds are gone.

Generally speaking, high water issues come with the spring snow melt in mountainous regions, and further high/low water issues are weather driven. For example, a few years ago, there was a drought in the Danube region which produced low water issues for the ships. Water levels are difficult to predict, but “generally” not an issue in September, October.

I will pop you an email, and if you like, we can take this conversation offline. Thanks for reaching out.

we have cruised with Viking river 7 times and have only run into one minor problem with high or low water. that was near lyon in the summer when a bunch of thunder storms dumped plenty of rain and guess where it went. to the river. by the way that is the only summer cruise we have taken. most of our cruises are around Thanksgiving time. tulip time in Holland we have found is the hardest cruise to time to predict.

We’ve been stuck in Lyon on a river cruise as well. With the French and Swiss Alps feeding The Rhône, it can be tricky in that area.

Leaving on Uniworls River Cruise Nov. 30 to Dec 7.. Austria and Germany.. Vienna to Nuremberg…. What do you wear on the ship and what coat should I bring? Can you give me an idea of the weather ? Thank you..

This will help you with your what to wear question: https://www.uniworld.com/en/faq/ And this should help you understand the weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/at/vienna/31868/november-weather/31868

I saw and appreciate your answer to Brenda, above. We are cruising the Rhine with Uniworld, from Amsterdam to Basel, on November 5 of this year (the last sailing for that itinerary of the season). Given all the water level issues right now, I was wondering if you have any info or experience with Rhine water levels in November on the Rhine?

Boy, I’d hesitate to give you an answer. River levels are difficult to predict. From our experience, we don’t generally see any issues at that time of year. But, the moment I say that they’ll have a colossal draught and you will be disappointed.

I just came off that river trip and the water was very low. We had to bus three hours to another ship waiting for us upstream. Beautiful trip even with that switch of boats!

Hi Claire, we’re glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip, in spite of the water issues. 🙂

We are planning on doing our first river cruise in 2019….Would June or Sept be the best for the Rhine or Danube? We prefer Viking and air fare included.

First of all, thanks for stopping by our website. While the Rhine and the Danube are two completely different experiences, we tend to prefer to do our river cruises in the less busy shoulder seasons. While all months are lovely, June will likely find large crowds in the cities and while September is a wonderful month from a weather perspective, it is also the most expensive month of the year for a river cruise.

I would recommend that you consider April, May, or early October.

Lastly, we’ve often got perks for you above and beyond Viking’s best offers. We’re the #2 booking agents for Viking in the world. When you book with us, you’ll get good advice, benefits from our backchannel access, and perks. If you like, give us a call at (480) 550-1235. Thanks! 🙂

We are thinking of a river cruise next May. We will be going to visit our son in Berlin and plan to travel for a few weeks while there. Possibly start a cruise in Budapest and ending in Berlin or the other way around..any suggestions? We’d love to visit Prague and Vienna as well.

There are quite a number of options depending on your preferred style of travel. Perhaps it’s best to give me a call and we can discuss. 480-550-1235. Thanks! 🙂

Great article thanks. Other issues to consider is rain potential and also whether you have seasonal allergies. I had a minor issue with cottonwood in the late spring during our river cruise.

Hi Chuck, Thanks for stopping by and sharing. 🙂

Can you recommend the best European River cruise line for me to take my 87 year young mom on? Limited bus tours, we prefer short shore excursions and /or a more ambitious walking excursion for me while she enjoys the amenities of the ship in port. Open to all European Rivers, but leaning towards Paris-Normandy or?

The Rhine is a great first-time river cruise. Lots of castles and very little time on a bus. We like the Paris to Normandy itinerary. Just know that when you visit the Normandy region, that day is a lot of time on the bus. 🙂 Please feel free to give me a call to discuss. We’re the #2 booking agents in the world with Viking and we can bring you a lot of expertise in the booking process. Plus, right now, we have some additional perks to share.

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European River Water Levels

One of the more common questions we get asked about when booking a European river cruise is, “Will high/low water levels affect my sailing?” Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer to assuage concerns about European river water levels when booking a cruise several months (or over a year) in advance. Changing weather conditions can impact sailings with as little as several hours of notice.

Let’s not mince words, though. Water levels can, and do, impact European river cruises every year. Overall, though, the number of sailings impacted each year is minor and fear of water level issues should never be a reason for you to not sail the wonderful rivers of Europe. The impact of high or low water often impacts certain sections of a river, not the entire length, so remedies are all about getting around the specific area(s) of concern.

Causes & Timing of Water Level Issues

Dealing with water level issues is a way of life for the cities and regions that rely on their rivers for everyday activities and commerce. Disruptions are typically only for short periods of time as specific weather events play out. Large snowfalls in the winter can create huge snowmelts in the spring. Prolonged, heavy rainfall can occur at any time of the year, raising water levels to the point where ships are unable to pass under bridges or safely dock at a desired port. Excessively long heat waves can dry things up and create the risk of running aground.

It's important to be aware that water levels are a natural phenomenon that can't always be predicted or controlled. While we can provide some guidelines on historic weather patterns, know that Mother Nature is fickle. There is plenty of proof that exceptions to historic patterns occur frequently. With that in mind, here are some general guidelines:

High water levels are typically more of an issue during the spring months, especially in regions where snowmelt from the mountains contributes to river flow. Heavy rainfall can also cause high water levels at other times of the year.

Low water levels are typically more of an issue during the summer and early autumn months. This is because decreased rainfall and increased evaporation can lead to reduced water levels in rivers.

During the transition periods between seasons, water levels can fluctuate as weather patterns change. For example, heavy rainfall in late autumn or early winter can cause temporary increases in water levels, while a prolonged period of dry weather in spring could lead to lower-than-average water levels.

Regional variations come into play, with the timing and severity of high and low water levels varying from one region to another.

Impact of Water Level Issues

So, what happens if there is high or low water issues on the river you are scheduled to sail on? Each cruise line monitors water levels closely, and has its own set of contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure passengers still have an enjoyable experience. Whatever their plan, you will not be asked to pay additional money – and if the disruption is large enough, some lines might even provide a future cruise credit or partial refund to make up for your disrupted sailing. Here are some examples of how cruise lines might address water level issues:

Adjusted itineraries that modify the start/end ports, the ports visited, or the timing of excursions.

Hotel stays and/or buses might be used for parts of your itinerary – or in rare instances, for the entire cruise itinerary.

For lines that have larger fleets, ship swaps could be used to address the problem. This is where ships sailing the same river, but in opposite directions both arrive at the impassable section and then crew and staff are transferred from one ship to the other, therefore bypassing the trouble spot and allowing them to sail the remaining itinerary.

In extreme cases, and as a last resort if the above options are not possible, cruise lines might be forced to cancel entire sailings.

Which Rivers & How to Monitor Water Levels

When comparing European river water levels across all itinerary options, the Rhine and Danube seem to suffer the most. The Seine, Rhône, and Saône might be in the next group of river itineraries impacted. The group with the least number of issues would probably be the Moselle, Dutch & Belgian Waterways, and Douro. But again, it can’t be stressed enough that water level issues can occur on any river, at any time.

There are numerous online resources that you can use to monitor the current water levels on specific rivers, though many may not be in English. Use your browser’s translation option to convert the website content. For German rivers, we have found the map on PEGELONLINE to be very useful. Markers on the map in green indicate normal water levels, blue indicate high water levels, and orange indicate low water levels. Consult your specific cruise itinerary and use the look up box (with the magnifying glass) to get the latest on your ports of call. Here are some common ports that you might look up:

Upper Rhine: Dusseldorf, Koln (Cologne), Bonn, Koblenz

Lower Rhine: Basel, Breisach, Speyer, Mannheim

Danube: Passau, Deggendorf, Regensburg, Vilshofen

Main: Mainz, Bamberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg

Moselle: Koblenz, Cochem, Trier UP, Wincheringen, Fremersdorf

Elbe: Pirna, Dresden, Meissen, Torgau, Wittenberg

While not quite as intuitive to use as the German website noted above, this French site provides a color coded map of current river conditions throughout France. You can drill down by region/territory to see specific station data.

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Europe's Drought Will Happen Again: Here's How River Cruises Are Preparing

Adaptability is the name of the game

You've likely heard the news: extreme drought in Europe this summer has drained rivers, and the low water levels have been causing some river cruises to alter their itineraries. Sometimes, passengers rode buses between specific ports of call rather than sail the river on the ships.

While such disruptions are a significant frustration for travelers, they are, unfortunately, a fact of life for river cruising. Ship traffic, including cargo traffic, is continually impacted by rivers' water levels. And while droughts like this one come and go, there is an overall trend toward droughts becoming more common—and more severe—as time goes on. Fortunately, river cruise lines are doing everything possible to prepare for ever-changing weather conditions.

"During the summer, droughts are common in Europe and many other places. Recent significant droughts in Europe occurred in 2003, 2015, 2018, and 2019," said Stephen Bennett, chief climate officer of climate impact consultancy Demex . He also serves as the American Meteorological Society's Financial Weather and Climate Risk Management Committee chairman.

But Bennett notes that this drought was particularly severe because it was so widespread. "According to the European Drought Observatory, 64 percent of the E.U. territory is under drought conditions," he said. "This is qualified as a one in 500-year drought, which means that it is so severe that it has only a 0.2 percent chance of happening in any given year. Scientists in France have declared this the worst drought since records began in 1958."

This is certainly not the last time Europe will face such conditions. "The frequency of droughts has substantially increased over the last half-century, and there are strong links between these droughts and climate change. Climate change is making droughts more frequent, severe, and pervasive," said Marty Bell, chief science officer at WeatherFlow , which provides weather data and AI-driven modeling for consumers and businesses.

To make matters worse, it's not just droughts that affect river cruises—the opposite conditions can impact them, too. "On the flip side, if there is heavy spring rain or unusually high temperatures that cause a drastic snowmelt—many rivers originate high in the mountains—or if there is torrential rain for a prolonged period of time at any time of year, the rivers may swell or flood, which could also cause problems by preventing ships from passing under the bridges," said Ming Tappin, a freelance cruise writer and founder of Your Cruise Coach .

Because river cruising is so dependent on water levels, whether in drought or flood conditions, cruise lines have come up with solutions to minimize interruptions. "River cruise lines always have multiple ships sailing on the same river from opposite directions. So in the event that a part of the river becomes impassable, a 'ship swap' is performed," added Tappin. In that case, both ships approach the troublesome point on the river, and the passengers transfer from one vessel to the other. Then the ships return to their point of origin, so the passengers get to sail the complete itinerary.

River cruise ships are also specifically designed to have shallow drafts, which means their keels, or the lowest points of the vessel, are not that far beneath the water's surface. That allows the ships to sail in shallow rivers. Some ships can adjust their ballast, making their drafts even shallower.

There are, of course, times when rivers become entirely impassable. "In extreme circumstances where the water levels prevent ships from sailing, and a ship swap is not possible, the river cruise will become a land-based holiday," said Tappin. "Guests will continue their tour on motorcoaches and stay in hotels along the way. Everything that would have been included on the river ship—meals, tours—would still be included on the land trip."

So, what if you're a passenger on an affected river cruise sailing? Are you entitled to a refund? "In all cruise contracts, it is written that the cruise line has a right to alter itineraries if necessary," said Nancy Yale, a travel advisor with Cruise and World Travel , a Virtuoso Agency. There's an argument to be made here for purchasing cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) travel insurance, which would get you your money back if you decide to back out of the trip before departure. (Bennet's company Demex has even started offering extreme weather insurance , though it's primarily for homeowners and business owners.)

But despite what's in the fine print, river cruise passengers are not necessarily out of luck for some form of compensation from the cruise lines. "I have seen them offer their guests a pro-rated refund or a credit towards booking a future cruise," said Tappin. "Some cruise lines may even offer a full refund of their current cruise in addition to a booking incentive for a future cruise."

If your trip is affected by water levels, remember that it's out of your cruise line's control—no one wants to change the itinerary. Your best bet is to take the trip in stride, as you'll likely still be visiting the same ports advertised when you booked the sailing. "They make every effort to fulfill the itinerary either by land or river," said Yale.

The New York Times. " Low Water Levels Disrupt European River Cruises, A Favorite of U.S. Tourists. " August 29, 2022.

Global Drought Observatory. " Drought in Europe ." August 2022, Page 1.

Record Low Water Levels Impact European Rivers

Sep 7, 2022 | 0

By Ted Scull

Sandy streams seen in this photo below of the Loire Valley make it impossible for river traffic to proceed.

Apart from most of the Loire, sections of the Rhine River have also been affected by record low water levels this year, though the deeper draft cargo barges have been disrupted more than the shallower draft riverboats.

The lower reaches of the Danube have been more affected than higher up.

The 2022 summer weather conditions reached extreme levels of both temperature changes and highly varied amounts of rainfall throughout most of the world.

For instance, while rainfall has flooded one-third of the country of Pakistan, drought has reduced European river passenger travel and cargo movements to some of the lowest levels in history.

While QuirkyCruise cannot provide up-to-hour bulletins, we can give you an overview and provide sources with up-to-date conditions, especially if you are looking to plan a river cruise or you are scheduled to take one soon.

Obviously, if you are booked and are soon to depart for Europe, the river line should be keeping you informed of any changes.

However, if the cruise is still on, that does not necessarily mean it will unfold as laid out in the perspective.

Record Low Water Levels — Various Scenarios

The water-level alterations may result in a change in itinerary to be able to proceed, with you remaining on the boat you booked.

It could also mean spending part of the cruise on the scheduled ship and then moving to another boat if the subsequent destinations can no longer be accessed.

While the water level is summertime low, this Slovakian stretch of the Danube is navigable for now. Normally sandy spit would be underwater.

Some lines, most notably Viking, have many vessels laid out exactly the same, and others with a few, so while it may be a nuisance to pack up, transfer perhaps by bus to another, the cabin may only vary by the picture on the wall.

If you can then complete the cruise as advertised that’s wonderful, and Viking’s duplicate itineraries operating in opposite directions are designed to do just that.

If the river is not navigable, your ship may serve as a stationary hotel, and you head off for your destinations by bus.

The drive may be partially along the river or via a scenic inland route. If your riverboat can’t move for a second day, the excursion’s drive may be longer.

Differences River by River

The most traveled European rivers are in alphabetical order — the Danube, Douro, Elbe, Loire, Main, Moselle, Po, Rhine, Rhone, and Seine.

Europe river cruise map from Ama Waterways

A map showing many of Europe’s major rivers. * Photo: AmaWaterways

The situation faced may be a lack of rainfall over a long period of time, and that may be at more distant water sources well upstream.

The virtually dried up Loire River in France. * Photo: Reuters

Another factor is extreme high temperatures causing increased river water evaporation.

For the Rhine , a major factor is the amount of snow that fell in the Swiss Alps during the previous winter.

In the spring, it melts and flows into the river north of Basel on the German-Swiss border to flow through Germany and the Netherlands.

Lack of snow or rain results in the same scenario for other rivers.

Normal river depths are a big factor. The Loire flowing past all those magnificent chateaux is normally shallower than most other rivers, and the upper Elbe is similar.

The specially designed low-draft paddle-wheelers for the Loire draw less water than stern propellors that dig deeper into the river. Hence, there is little wiggle room if the Loire’s river level decreases by several inches.

Europe river levels are low including in the Loire

The Loire Princesse. * Photo: Croisi Europe

A sidewheeler, such as this one above, has a shallow draft that allows it to proceed in more shallow conditions on the Loire River .

Some rivers, especially the Rhine and Danube, provide very important commercial routes for moving goods between European countries as does the Mississippi River and to a lesser extent the Ohio.

A single cargo barge can carry more bulk cargo at much lower rates than employing a whole fleet of trucks.

In some cases, Rhine and Danube barges drew less water by loading up only 25 to 50% of what they normally would.

While the cargo continues to flow but at lower levels than normal, that results in the need for extra cargo barge moves and more costs. With even lower water levels occurring, some barge traffic ceased altogether.

Moselle River barges transport building materials and agricultural products, and most of these commodities originate in southern Germany or the Ruhr, an urban and industrial area in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Moselle, a highly scenic tributary has its source in France, so rainfall there is crucial. River levels this summer currently only reached half the norm seen in the past two years.

Along the Loire, reports are indicating that some stretches allowed one to walk across the river from one bank to another.

Even though the riverboats may have some of the shallowest drafts in Europe, with these unprecedented low levels, no commerce can operate as seen above.

RELATED: “Could the Drying Up of Europe’s Great Rivers be the New Normal?” — a report by Yale Environment 360.

Rhine-Main Canal

Germany’s Rhine-Main Canal permits traffic to sail from Amsterdam all the way to the mouth of the Danube as it empties into the Black Sea.

The canal was largely destroyed during WWII. Since 1992, today’s rebuilt canal is much wider and allows more than one riverboat at a time to occupy some of the 16 locks speeding up transit times.

The waterway, 106 miles (171 kilometers) long, simply cuts through the undulating countryside providing a highly scenic passage.

Disruptions have taken place around Regensburg at the Danube end of the Rhine-Main Canal. Some trips have been interrupted and passengers have been transferred around blockages to another riverboat.

Sources for Checking on Water Levels

When researching river levels, centimeters will be used and to convert to inches, 2.54 centimeters = one inch.

Beyond checking with the specific river cruise line that you’re booked with, you can stay up to date on European river conditions by simply googling such, for example, www.rhineforecast.com.

The site offers the Rhine’s depth in meters over time for several locations. “ Rhine Forecast ” also includes figures on the Moselle, Main and Neckar rivers.

For info on water levels of the Danube River , visit: www.danubeportal.com

RELATED: Read more about the Rhine River HERE — its history and backstory.

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About The Author

Theodore Scull

I am happiest near water, over water or better still on a conveyance moving through water. When my brother Sandy and I were deemed old enough, mother took us to Europe by ship.

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River Cruising

What months should I avoid for potential low water levels - Rhine and Danube

By AtlantaCruiser72 , February 19, 2023 in River Cruising

AtlantaCruiser72

Trying to plan a Amsterdam to Budapest Rhine/Danube River cruise for summer 2024. While I know we can never predict the exact water levels at any one time, which months have typically suffered most from low water issues? We were looking to cruise late July - Mid August for me Mum's 75th if that helps in the discussion.

Sorry in advance if the topic has been discussed elsewhere but I am new to the River Cruising forum

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I'd say you may expect lower water levels from July onward.

@notamermaid has a depth of knowledge on this topic. Search out the member's postings.

notamermaid

Thank you for referring to the thread. We will cover how the river behaves throughout the year.

1 hour ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said: Sorry in advance if the topic has been discussed elsewhere but I am new to the River Cruising forum

Welcome to the river cruising forum. We have often talked about the levels, also a bit about statistics, but the topic will not leave us for some years to come (on the Rhine and Danube) so here we go: for your specific cruise, a long one, we have two problem areas. Those are the Rhine Gorge, from Rüdesheim to Koblenz, and mostly the Bavarian Danube, from Straubing to Vilshofen. In past years both rivers had been sort of okay in July and August but in 2022 both began to struggle in mid July. Generally speaking, the Danube begins with problems before the Rhine. For the "Grand European", usually Amsterdam to Budapest or vice versa, a passenger needs to be aware of the low water problems and how the companies deal with this. You may also encounter a heatwave. So in 2022 such a long journey could have been a less than optimal experience for someone who does not like bus trips or standing for a long time exposed to the sun. The roll calls can be very informative... Sorry, that was a long answer to expand on your question. Basically, July should be okay, but may not be, August is tricky on the Danube, less so on the Rhine, September tricky for both potentially. Problems may run into October. Last year, October was actually better than August, that was unusual.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the insight. We are considering cruising with Viking and it seems due to their large fleet they tend to move guests from one ship to another (luggage moved whilst guests off touring) avoiding intermediate hotels more than some others when water levels are low. Would that be an accurate assessment?

Would May or June have a better chance of “good” water levels on the Danube than October? We are planning way ahead for our 2025 river cruise on the Danube. Thanks!

4 minutes ago, puppymama1 said: Would May or June have a better chance of “good” water levels on the Danube than October? We are planning way ahead for our 2025 river cruise on the Danube. Thanks!

Probably, yes. Choose mid-June for longer daylight hours.

On 2/19/2023 at 5:04 PM, AtlantaCruiser72 said: Thanks for the insight. We are considering cruising with Viking and it seems due to their large fleet they tend to move guests from one ship to another (luggage moved whilst guests off touring) avoiding intermediate hotels more than some others when water levels are low. Would that be an accurate assessment?

Yes - though this is one of those things that people complain about a lot. I know someone who had an 8 night cruise and changed ships 3x. They also missed quite a bit of the port time due to this "convenience"

I would strongly recommend that you at least look at other lines. Other lines get great reviews and often include more (and are often the same price). Also, Viking requires payment much more in advance compared to other lines. I refuse to pay 1 year in advance for a cruise.

Viking has the name most people are familiar with. You should also look at Amawaterways, Avalon, Scenic and Uniworld. Probably a few others I left out.

10 hours ago, puppymama1 said: Would May or June have a better chance of “good” water levels on the Danube than October? We are planning way ahead for our 2025 river cruise on the Danube. Thanks!

Yes. There is little record historically of low water but you can experience flooding. However, that is normally shorter in duration. Overall, if you have the choice you may prefer to go in May or June. Also because you have more daylight in June, as suggested. Remember, low water is mostly a thing in Bavaria (but can happen along many stretches of the Danube when it is really low), so any cruise that avoids that stretch in Bavaria is more likely to be not impacted. Amsterdam to Budapest is a much "trickier" cruise than Vilshofen to Budapest for example.

I highly recommend looking at the roll call for the Viking Grand European 2022, where people have shared their experiences - not all of them good. Other cruise lines' roll calls are not as extensive but can be helpful, too.

For fairness to prospective cruisers, I would like to mention that I do not like the payment policies of Viking so with potential problems in mind for 135m ships, I would never sail with them. Being in Europe I have many choices of other cruise lines.

Having said that, so do you in the Americas to a great extent (I myself would be happy to sail on an English or German language cruise) and I thank @Coral for mentioning those. I would add Tauck to her suggestions.

You are very likely to have a great experience on Viking, just like thousands of passengers before you, or any other line. Have fun planning.

On 2/20/2023 at 12:04 AM, AtlantaCruiser72 said: Thanks for the insight. We are considering cruising with Viking and it seems due to their large fleet they tend to move guests from one ship to another (luggage moved whilst guests off touring) avoiding intermediate hotels more than some others when water levels are low. Would that be an accurate assessment?

I agree with Coral and hope have been able to expand a little with my comments made above.

I'm doing Germany to the Black Sea in June 2024 with Avalon. I originally was looking at August but due to being worried about water I moved to June. I prefer Avalon because I can book way in advance but don't have to pay until a few months before the cruise. I'd rather lose my small deposit than have to fight over a good chunk of money. This will be my 3rd cruise with them and I really enjoy their product.

I know I missed Tauck...! Early morning for me.

I agree with @notamermaid - I personally would not book with Viking unless it was a last minute cruise because I refuse to pay their pricing games. I will not pay for a cruise a year out.

Viking tells agents the benefits of booking with them because they have so many ships - they can move you from ship to ship. There was a video posted here a few years ago (before COVID) where someone did the Grand European tour and how their "cruise" turned into a bus tour where they literally had to pick up and pack so often. It really was no better than staying at a hotel as the ships they were on rarely moved. It was hilarious how the guy did it. I personally would not use this as a benefit to Viking.

I would encourage you to look at other lines, compare pricing, what is included (some lines include tips, more excursions, more drinks, etc....). Sometimes Viking can be more expensive than the lines that include more and are higher rated.

Host Jazzbeau

There is also the issue that Viking needs to be able to move passengers from ship to ship because their ships are always the first to stop sailing in any low water situation.

Canal archive

Low water situation a few years ago the captain at our port talk explained about the low water situation and as the the previous vessel in the fleet had done a ship swap they didn’t have another vessel for us to do one he said that with care he was sure he and his crew could get us through and did we mind a few hull scraping sounds on the way. Not one voice of dissent and none of the passengers realised we were successful until breakfast the next morning. It has a lot to do with the draught of the vessel (the shallower the better) getting rid of a lot of weight - water for instance, it weighs a lot, but in this instance following a heavily laiden cargo barge at the right distance, in our case we were followed by a lighter laiden barge at the right distance. So the three of us got through with an excellent Captain and crew. We passed the first barge later in the day with lots of horn and whistle blowing. And I thought Germans were reserved! Whoops forgot to say this was a Scenic vessel.

6 hours ago, Coral said: Viking tells agents the benefits of booking with them because they have so many ships - they can move you from ship to ship.

Yes, that is a selling point. It used to be more relevant when other companies did not do this, i.e. others have picked up the idea. As seen in Canal archive's post about her Scenic experience.

6 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said: There is also the issue that Viking needs to be able to move passengers from ship to ship because their ships are always the first to stop sailing in any low water situation.

May I refine? Always among the first to stop sailing. There are a few ships that appear to be "on a par".

I think it is important to note that Viking have stated in the past that they think they give you the best experience by not cancelling cruises and making sure you see all the ports. Which essentially means that in the end you can actually hardly claim you had a less than optimal experience and missed something. They do not cancel a cruise generally speaking, meaning a situation will have to be very dire for them to say they are not sailing in low water. Details to this will vary and - by the way - European consumer rights lead to contracts with the operator/booking agent being different from the US. You can see this by comparing the US and the UK Viking websites.

Again, you can have the most amazing experience on Viking but I would say that it is good to "shop around".

As this was originally about the months of the year, I would like to come back to that. On a 110m ship I would have no hesitation to sail in any month of the year. Perhaps avoid early March as it is just a bit cold and flooding may be a problem (less fun getting stuck in cold weather than in mild weather).

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River Cruises

15 of the Best River Cruises in Europe

See fairy-tale villages, iconic landmarks, and vineyards as you explore the continent's waterways.

Much of the appeal of European river cruises lies in the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry thousands of passengers, these vessels typically accommodate around 150 guests for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships. Many also include fitness centers, spas, and internet access.

Cruises usually offer several daily shore excursions with options based on interests and activity levels. Biking and walking tours are available in most ports. On boats traveling along rivers at all hours, collecting passengers from another port, guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.

While there are several famous rivers in Europe, the Danube and the Rhine are the most popular cruise options, according to River Cruise Advisor . The Danube River tends to be more scenic, studded with charming cities and the UNESCO-recognized Wachau Valley. Alternatively, the Rhine offers access to bustling metropolises and passes Europe's industrial hubs. Both rivers flow through excellent wine country as well. Whether you want to explore an iconic route or less-traveled waterways, these are the best river cruises in Europe.

Viking Cruises

Perhaps the best-known river cruise company, Viking Cruises promotes its “longships,” which are designed to deliver maximum space and comfort. There are ample staterooms with full balconies to choose from — including two-room suites. Guests enjoy Viking's destination-focused dining as well as the variety of itineraries.

Trip to Try: Portugal's River of Gold

This nine-night trip begins in Lisbon with a walking tour before heading to Porto, home of Port wine, to board the ship on the Douro River. Guests can explore baroque palaces, vineyards, and lush scenery along the way, arriving in the World Heritage city of Salamanca, Spain, on day six. The itinerary includes visits to Portuguese villages Pinhão and Régua to sample local food and wine before returning to Porto.

AmaWaterways

A family-owned and -operated cruise company, AmaWaterways focuses on excellent food and wine, tasteful decor, stateroom views, and innovation in its luxurious fleet. Fares include fitness classes, shore excursions, and all dining on board, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant. New ships debut each year, but the AmaMagna, which traverses the Danube, features the most spacious suites available. Rooms outfitted with full-sized balconies are worth the splurge on these small ships; it's like having a bonus room in your cabin. For a wider berth, book a part-charter to accommodate large groups.

Trip to Try: Taste of Bordeaux

Wine lovers will want to experience this seven-night journey with visits to iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings while cruising the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Excursions include a Saint-Emilion tour and tasting, a stop in the Medoc wine region, and a tasting of Sauternes in medieval Roquetaillade Castle. Returning to Bordeaux, guests will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of the wine world.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Chloe Rice/Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube rivers. In true Disney style, specially designed itineraries create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Entertainment for guests of all ages includes adults-only dinners and wine-tasting experiences, teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, and trivia nights.

Trip to Try: Danube River Cruise

The seven-night trip starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park, a petting zoo, and a goulash-making competition. In Bratislava, wander cobblestone streets on a walking tour. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, enjoy a marionette show, or learn to make strudel while in Vienna. In Melk, Austria, hike to a castle or bike along the Danube for an active day. Dock in Linz, then visit Salzburg to see famous film locations featured in “The Sound of Music.” A stop in Passau, Germany allows guests to walk among treetops on a high-ropes course or spend a more leisurely afternoon with a monastic brewery tour and tasting. Say farewell to the ship in Vilshofen, Germany, before transferring to Munich for the flight home.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld's one-of-a-kind vessels are inspired by the locations they visit, making them luxurious destinations in their own right. Amenities include in-suite butler service, world-class cuisine, and all-inclusive rates that cover premium spirits and wines as well as gratuities.

Trip to Try: Enchanting Danube

The seven-night Danube cruise aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa or the S.S. Beatrice begins in Budapest with a choice of tours, such as a food tour or a panoramic drive with a guided visit to the Franz Liszt Academy. In Vienna, walk between the city's best attractions or take an early-access guided tour of the Vienna Art History Museum. Excursion options include a vineyard visit and tasting or a saffron workshop in Dürnstein, or a stop at an abbey library in Melk. Dock in Linz for a full day of culinary exploration or transfer to Salzburg to visit music-themed highlights like Mozart's birthplace and "The Sound of Music" filming locations. The cruise ends in Passau after a walking tour of the city and a riverside stroll or a hike along the Ilz, a Danube tributary.

Avalon Waterways

When you cruise with Avalon Waterways, you can observe the riverfront scenery from the comfort of your bed. The line's spacious staterooms and suites boast wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious linens, and ample closet space. Large bathrooms include full showers and L'Occitane bath amenities. Avalon offers “Active and Discovery” river cruises with options for a variety of fitness levels, from traditional sightseeing to action-packed experiences like hiking or rail cycling, which is a bike fitted to a former train track.

Trip to Try: Active & Discovery on the Rhône

Southbound on the Rhône River, this cruise begins in Lyon and heads south through the French countryside with picturesque towns and villages. Throughout Provence, stops include Avignon, Port-Saint-Louis, and Arles. During the seven-night journey, Avalon Choice excursions include culinary walks with cooking classes, hikes with panoramic views, a painting workshop, wine tastings, classic sightseeing, and more directed by three available activity levels.

Started as a New England motor coach tour company, Tauck is a family-owned travel firm offering tours and cruises to destinations worldwide. Its award-winning European river cruises are praised for personalized service, exclusive destination experiences, luxurious cabins and suites, fine dining, and professional, caring staff.

Trip to Try: Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy

This seven-night round-trip cruise from Paris features stops in historic small villages and towns after sightseeing in the City of Light. In the days following embarkation, highlights include a guided tour of Versailles, Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens, Rouen Cathedral, and Joan of Arc Square. See the D-Day beaches of Normandy, and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. Art lovers will enjoy a private experience of Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and a visit to the Impressionist Museum.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Cruises offers both ocean and river voyages. Both feature its fleet of “Space-Ships,” which are meticulously designed for spacious quarters. Guests enjoy personalized butler service and all-inclusive cruising. Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, a gym, and onboard entertainment. Scenic's “FreeChoice” excursions offer something for all activity levels.

Trip to Try: Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

Board the ship in Basel, Switzerland. For seven nights, slowly sail up the Rhine to Breisach in the Alsace region of France. Stops include Koblenz, where guests can take a walking or e-bike tour. There's a private classical music concert and tour of Reichsburg Castle along the way, as well as optional visits to the iconic Eltz Castle or a walking tour of Strasbourg and its magnificent cathedral. Disembark in Mainz to conclude the trip with a transfer to Frankfurt.

Emerald Cruises

For its European river cruises alone, Emerald features a fleet of eight “Star-Ships” with stylish suites, first-class amenities, and room for 180 guests. Most carry bicycles, and all staterooms are equipped with hiking poles. Excursions include EmeraldPlus, a program of special experiences to connect with destinations, and EmeraldActive, which offers faster-paced guided tours, bike rides, hikes, and other activities.

Trip to Try: Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Travel from Lyon to Marseille on a seven-night cruise on the Rhône River. Overland to a quaint village before returning to Lyon to set sail. The ship cruises south toward Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Other stops include Avignon and Arles. Throughout the cruise, choose from optional activities such as canoeing, hiking through vineyards, walking tours of villages, or onboard wine tastings.

CroisiEurope Cruises

Established in 1976, Croisi holds a fleet of oceangoing ships, canal barges, and river cruise ships. The company's innovative approach stems from basing its ships' design on the characteristics of the waterways. This allowed them to be pioneers on several European rivers including the Gironde, Loire, Po, and Elbe.

Trip to Try: Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities

CroisiEurope's six-night cruise starts with guided tours of Hamburg and Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning cruise, the ship passes through the Scharnebeck twin ship lift. This industrial marvel vertically raises vessels to 125 feet where the River Elbe connects to a canal. An optional visit to the Autostadt theme park, dedicated to German car design, and an afternoon cruise fill day four. The next day, there's a tour of Magdeburg, known for its fascinating architecture and culture. In Potsdam, wander the Sanssouci Palace gardens before enjoying an evening gala. The boat then docks in Berlin, where guests can tour the city before disembarking the following day.

A-ROSA River Cruises

This German cruise company's distinctive ships are easy to recognize by the large red lips and rose on the bow. The 15-strong fleet includes a hybrid-powered ship, A-Rosa Sena , that cruises the northern Rhine almost silently and emission-free. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under.

Trip to Try: Highlights of the Rhine

This five-night, round-trip Rhine river cruise begins in Cologne, Germany, followed by stops in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Each city has a unique style of architecture and a thriving art scene. Sightseeing options include guided tours by bus, private car, or even pedal boats on Amsterdam's canals, each at an additional cost. Turning back toward Cologne, enjoy two days in Utrecht before disembarking.

Lüftner Cruises

Lueftner Cruises

This Austrian family business dates back more than 40 years and offers European river cruises on its fleet of 11 Amadeus ships. Five-star service, facilities, and cuisine are hallmarks, and the ships feature panoramic windows and a spacious sundeck.

Trip to Try: Saar and Moselle Fairytales

Board the ship in Cologne and spend seven nights cruising down the Rhine River to its tributary, the Moselle River, one of Europe's best-kept secrets , and the Saar River. The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour. Guests can tour the town of Bernkastel-Kues and enjoy a wine tasting. After a morning tour of medieval Saarburg, the ship cruises along the Saar with panoramic views of Great Bend, an impressive curve in the river. It then stops in Luxembourg and Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, before returning to Cologne.

Nicko Cruises

Plying Europe's rivers since the early 1990s, this German company has a fleet of over 20 river ships. Nicko Cruises focuses on giving guests a flexible itinerary to explore destinations in a way that best suits their tastes. While guests might have to pay more for a drinks package or additional excursions, this river cruise line delivers value.

Trip to Try: Renaissance and Reformation

The seven-night cruise sets off along the Elbe and Havel rivers from Potsdam, Germany, aboard the Katharina Von Bora . In Magdeburg, visit the Green Citadel, a unique space with shops and cafes designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The next stop is Wittenburg, home to the Castle Church where Martin Luther sparked the Protestant Revolution in 1517. From Bad Schandau, guests have the option to take an excursion by bus to Prague for the day. Having seen the impressive architecture, cathedrals, and Prussian fortresses, travelers sail back to Dresden to end the week.

Teeming River Cruises

Jeff and Gina Paglialonga/Teeming River Cruises

Founded in 2017 with the goal of making European river cruises more economical and personalized, this American company developed a different model. Teeming River Cruises offers a mix of programmed group activities and free time, and guests get a complimentary city tour app to explore each destination on their own. Passengers can also opt for excursions on top of the basic itinerary for an extra fee.

Trip to Try: From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

Set in northern Italy along the Po River, this six-night trip starts in Venice where guests can discover the most popular sites like St. Mark's Square. In partnership with CroisiEurope aboard the M.S. Michelangelo , the ship heads west to Chioggia. Join an excursion to Vicenza before boarding again in Porto Viro and cruising to Rovigo. After arriving in Torretta, spend time in Verona, with its ancient amphitheater and Giusti Gardens. The next days are spent in Cremona, with a visit to a violin workshop, and Mantua, where key properties of the House of Gonzaga are located. After disembarkation, take a bus back to Venice.

Les Bateaux Belmond

Belmond has another way to cruise some of Europe's rivers — on luxury barges with private chefs and excursions like truffle hunting, hot-air ballooning, canoeing, and wine tasting. Seven private charter barges make up Les Bateaux Belmond, each with its own style and size. The elegant barges cruise the waterways of Burgundy, Provence, Camargue, and Champagne. Each can accommodate four to 12 passengers, making this a personal experience.

Trip to Try: Les Bateaux Belmond's Napoleon

On the Belmond Napoleon , which runs scheduled trips as well as private charters, guests cruise the Rhône River past châteaux, rural river towns, and expansive vineyards. Begin the journey in Tain l'Hermitage and enjoy a wine tasting. After a stop at the medieval village of Viviers, the cruise continues to Grignan, where you can participate in a luxurious truffle tasting at a farm. Visit the palace where 14th-century popes lived in Avignon. In Arles, explore the surrounding landscape that inspired Van Gogh's work. Along the cruise, enjoy fragrant fields of lavender and wild roses, too.

Riviera River Cruises

WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES

United Kingdom-based Riviera River Cruises has four decades of experience traversing Europe's best-known waterways and lesser-visited regions. The ships, many named after British literary greats, feature standard amenities such as Wi-Fi, a fitness room, a pool, and a sauna. Staterooms have plush furnishings and balconies for outdoor lounging.

Trip to Try: Budapest to the Black Sea

While many European river cruises cover the most popular stretches of the Danube, this itinerary picks up where most end, in Budapest. The 15-day cruise follows the Danube through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania to the Black Sea. Along the way, passengers see pastoral lands and steep river canyons. Picturesque stops include Novi Sad with its beautiful baroque architecture, the Iron Gates Gorge marking the boundary between Serbia and Romania, and Oltenița from which guests can visit Bucharest. After reaching the Danube Delta, travelers return to Budapest for disembarkation.

Unlock the Best Time of Year for River Cruises in Europe: Insider Tips for Your Perfect Adventure

Imagine planning your dream river cruise through Europe, but you’re unsure about the best time to set sail. Have you ever found yourself pondering when to embark on this unforgettable journey to make the most of your experience? Picture this: the sun glistening on the water, charming villages passing by, and the scent of fresh pastries lingering in the air. Wouldn’t it be ideal to know the optimal time to witness all this magic firsthand?

In this article, you’ll discover the key to unlocking the perfect timing for your European river adventure. By understanding the nuances of each season, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences. Get ready to uncover the secrets that will enhance your cruise, ensuring a memorable and enchanting voyage through the heart of Europe.

Key Takeaways

European river cruises offer a unique way to explore the continent up close, providing intimate experiences in picturesque landscapes and historical sites.
Different seasons offer distinct experiences for river cruises in Europe, from vibrant blooms in spring to autumn colors and wine harvests in fall, and enchanting Christmas markets in winter.
Factors to consider when choosing the best time for your cruise include weather conditions, crowd sizes, pricing, and special events happening along the rivers.
Booking early for a river cruise secures preferred options and benefits, while last-minute deals can offer significant savings for flexible travelers.
When selecting a river cruise package, consider the itinerary, inclusive offerings like meals and excursions, special promotions, and the reputation of the cruise line for a memorable experience.

The Allure of European River Cruises

Why choose a river cruise in europe.

Embarking on a river cruise in Europe offers a unique and enchanting way to explore the continent. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises take you through the heart of cities and regions, allowing you to witness picturesque landscapes and historical sites right from the comfort of your cruise ship. The intimacy of a river cruise lets you experience the destination up close, with opportunities to dock in charming towns along the way.

Key Rivers for Cruising in Europe

Europe boasts several iconic rivers that are perfect for cruising adventures. The Rhine River, known for its stunning castles and vineyard-dotted hillsides, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. For those seeking a taste of France, the Seine River winds through Paris, offering views of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Danube River, flowing through multiple countries, presents a diverse tapestry of landscapes and cultures, making it a must-visit for any avid traveler. Whether you choose the Douro in Portugal, the Volga in Russia, or any other European river, each waterway has its own charm and attractions waiting to be explored on a memorable cruise journey.

Decoding the Seasons for European River Cruises

Spring cruises: blooms and mild weather.

Spring is a delightful time for European river cruises as the landscape comes alive with vibrant blooms along the riverbanks. The mild weather during spring creates a pleasant cruising experience, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque scenery without the intense heat of the summer months. In spring, you’ll witness flowers in full bloom, from cherry blossoms in the Rhine Valley to tulip fields in the Netherlands. It’s a perfect season for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts looking to capture the beauty of Europe in full bloom.

Summer Cruises: Peak Season Explorations

Summer is the peak season for European river cruises, offering longer days and warmer weather for extensive explorations along the rivers. During the summer months, you can enjoy a wide range of activities both on and off the cruise ship, from leisurely walks through quaint villages to visits to iconic landmarks and historical sites. While summer cruises can be popular and crowded, they provide a vibrant atmosphere with numerous cultural events and festivals happening along the riverbanks. It’s an ideal time for travelers looking to soak up the sun and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Europe.

Fall Cruises: Autumn Colors and Wine Harvests

Fall, with its stunning display of autumn colors, is a magical time for European river cruises. As the leaves change hues along the riverbanks, you’ll be treated to a picturesque backdrop of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a truly mesmerizing experience. Fall cruises also coincide with the wine harvest season, offering the opportunity to indulge in wine tasting tours and sample the finest local vintages. The cooler weather in fall provides a comfortable cruising environment, making it an ideal time to explore charming towns, vineyards, and castles that line the rivers of Europe.

Winter Cruises: Christmas Markets and Off-Peak Travel

Winter brings a different kind of charm to European river cruises with its enchanting Christmas markets and festive celebrations. Cruising during the winter months allows you to experience the magic of Europe dressed in its holiday best, with twinkling lights, traditional decorations, and seasonal delicacies creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. While winter cruises may have fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures, they offer a unique opportunity to explore Christmas markets, shop for handmade gifts, and savor warm mulled wine while cruising along Europe’s scenic waterways. Winter cruises are also an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter and more intimate travel experience away from the peak tourist season.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Cruise Time

Weather and climate variances.

When planning your European river cruise, the time of year you choose can significantly impact your experience. In spring, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, creating a picturesque backdrop for your journey. Summer cruises offer longer days with ample sunshine, perfect for exploring historic sites and quaint villages along the river. Fall brings a stunning display of autumn colors, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts. Winter cruises provide a unique charm with festive Christmas markets and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere onboard.

Crowds and Pricing

Another essential factor to consider when selecting your cruise time is the level of crowds and pricing. Summer, being the peak season, tends to draw larger crowds and higher prices due to the favorable weather and school holidays. If you prefer a more peaceful and budget-friendly experience, consider cruising during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall when the crowd sizes are more manageable, and prices are often lower. Winter, though less crowded, may offer special deals and a cozy ambiance for those looking for a quieter voyage.

Festivals and Special Events

To enhance your river cruise experience, take into account the festivals and special events happening during different seasons. In spring, you might catch colorful flower festivals or cultural celebrations along the riverbanks. Summer brings lively music festivals and outdoor activities for a vibrant atmosphere. Fall is synonymous with wine harvest festivals and cozy wine tasting opportunities. Winter cruises offer the magical ambiance of traditional Christmas markets and the chance to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Consider these factors when choosing the best time for your European river cruise to ensure a memorable and enjoyable journey tailored to your preferences.

Expert Tips for Booking the Best River Cruises

Early reservations vs. last-minute deals.

When considering booking a European river cruise, weighing the pros and cons of early reservations versus last-minute deals is crucial. Early reservations often come with benefits such as more cabin selection options, better availability for desirable itineraries, and potential discounts for booking well in advance. On the other hand, last-minute deals can offer significant savings for flexible travelers willing to wait until closer to the departure date. These deals can be advantageous if you have a flexible schedule and are comfortable with limited cabin availability.

If you have a specific cruise line, ship, or itinerary in mind, booking early is advisable to secure your preferred options. However, if you are open to various cruise options or looking for budget-friendly opportunities, keeping an eye out for last-minute deals could result in substantial savings. Remember to consider the trade-offs between booking early for peace of mind and securing the best choices versus holding out for potential cost savings with last-minute offers.

What to Look for in a River Cruise Package

When selecting a river cruise package for your European adventure, several key factors can enhance your overall experience. Firstly, consider the cruise length and itinerary to ensure it aligns with your interests and preferred destinations. Different cruises offer unique experiences, whether you’re interested in exploring historic landmarks, sampling local cuisine, or focusing on cultural immersion.

Additionally, look for inclusive packages that cover essentials like meals, excursions, and onboard activities to avoid unexpected expenses during your trip. Having these amenities included can provide a more seamless and enjoyable vacation without constant budgeting for extras. Keep an eye out for any special promotions or added perks, such as complimentary shore excursions or onboard credits, which can add value to your cruise experience.

Lastly, pay attention to the cruise line’s reputation for quality service, accommodations, and onboard activities. Reading reviews from past passengers can give you insight into what to expect and help you choose a river cruise company that aligns with your preferences. By selecting a package that combines the right itinerary, inclusions, and reputable service, you can ensure a memorable and enriching European river cruise adventure.

Choosing the best time for a European river cruise depends on your preferences and priorities. Spring and fall offer a balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and attractive prices. Summer brings vibrant energy but also larger crowds. Expert tips on booking early or opting for last-minute deals can help you secure the ideal cruise experience. Consider factors like cabin selection, itinerary alignment, and inclusive packages to enhance your journey. By planning ahead and staying flexible, you can embark on a tailored and unforgettable river cruise adventure in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best times to go on a european river cruise.

The best times to go on a European river cruise are in spring and fall. Spring and fall offer manageable crowds and lower prices, making it an ideal time for a peaceful river cruise experience.

How crowded are European river cruises in the summer?

European river cruises are more crowded in the summer season. Summer attracts larger crowds due to the warm weather and vacation periods, resulting in a busier cruising experience.

What factors should I consider when booking a European river cruise?

When booking a European river cruise, consider factors like cabin selection, itinerary alignment, inclusive packages, and the reputation of the cruise line. These aspects play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable cruising experience.

Is it better to book a European river cruise early or wait for last-minute deals?

It is recommended to balance early bookings for preferred options and last-minute deals for potential savings. Early reservations offer more choices, while last-minute deals can provide cost-effective opportunities. By considering both options, travelers can tailor their European river cruise adventure for maximum enjoyment.

Hi, I'm Richard, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. With over a decade of experience exploring the world's oceans, I've developed a deep love for all things related to cruising. Whether it's luxury liners or intimate river cruises, I enjoy sharing my insights and tips to help others plan their perfect getaway. When I'm not sailing the seas, you can find me writing about my adventures or planning my next voyage

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Extreme Heatwave Drains Poland’s Vistula River

Andrzej stanski, who manages a cruise company on poland's vistula river, has had to change his boat routes due to record low water levels caused by a severe summer heatwave. this hydrological drought is affecting water quality and energy production, with potential risks of flooding in the future..

For Andrzej Stanski, who manages a company organizing cruises on Poland's Vistula River, record low water levels have necessitated route changes. 'We're sailing off the route, because here and there you can simply hit a stone,' he told Reuters. 'The engines cost quite a lot, and it's about the safety of both the passengers and ourselves.'

A scorching summer across much of eastern Europe has drastically reduced the water level in Poland's longest river. In Warsaw, the water level was recorded at 20 centimeters on Wednesday, significantly lower than the previous record low of 26 cm in 2015. Usual depths range between 105 to 250 centimeters, according to data from Poland's Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW).

Hydrologist Jaroslaw Suchozebrski from Warsaw University indicated that Poland is currently in a state of hydrological drought, which has widespread implications. 'We have less and less water at our disposal, which means that water recipients have to approach it a little more rationally... mainly the energy industry. Our energy production is based on cooling processes using water,' he told Reuters. 'The second concern is the water quality, as lower river flow reduces the dilution of pollutants.'

Private Radio RMF reported the discovery of dozens of dead fish in the southern stretches of the Vistula River, highlighting the severe ecological impact.

Weather forecasts predict heavy rainfall in the coming days, which may cause the river levels to rise rapidly, posing risks of transitioning from drought to sudden flooding, as noted by Suchozebrski. Other central and eastern European nations, including Hungary, also face steep declines in river levels, presenting serious challenges for agriculture.

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Man arrested in poland for allegedly imprisoning and abusing woman for over five years, harvinder singh becomes first indian archer to win gold medal at paralympics, beats poland's lukasz ciszek 6-0 in men's recurve open final., record low water levels hit poland's vistula river amid severe drought.

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Low Water Levels Disrupt European River Cruises, a Favorite of U.S
Record Low Water Levels Impact European Rivers
Low River Water Levels in European Rivers Are Causing Cruise Cancellations
European River Cruises Hit a New Obstacle: Not Enough Water
Low Water Levels Are Affecting European River Cruises
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COMMENTS

Low Water Levels Disrupt European River Cruises, a Favorite of U.S
Rudi Schreiner, the president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, a river cruise company with a fleet of 26 ships, said that when water levels in the Lower Rhine are too low, cruise passengers are taken ...
Europe's drought could signal the death of river cruising
Prochilo says that many river cruise boats are specifically built with flatter hulls to deal with low water levels. If in difficulty, those with swimming pools on board can empty them.
Water Levels
Water Levels on the Rivers of Europe. When all is said and done, there is no way to accurately predict whether your river cruise will be affected by low-water or high-water. But in general, high water occurs in the spring while low water occurs in heat of the summer, usually August. The summer of 2018 saw record low water levels on the Danube.
Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise?
Historically low water levels on the Danube and the Rhine last year, caused by unusually warm and dry weather conditions across central Europe, disrupted hundreds of river cruise departures operated by AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking River Cruises and other lines. In most cases, the disruptions were relatively minor, affecting just a day ...
Low Water May Cause European River Cruise Disruptions ...
(Updated 3:08 p.m. EDT) -- River cruise lines are monitoring the Rhine as a record-breaking heatwave continues to sweep across Europe and create "unusually low" water levels -- an issue that began ...
Will the drought in Europe affect your river cruise vacation?
Related: Best river cruises in Europe. River cruise lines plan itineraries with water levels in mind. Pfalzgrafenstein Castle by Kaub, Germany, on the Rhine River. (Photo by Westend61/Getty Images) The river cruise lines will tell you that low water levels are rare, and that few sailings are altered due to water levels - but the truth is the ...
Low Water Levels Are Affecting European River Cruises
Experts warn that the river could reach critically low levels that might affect trade and cruising in mere days, potentially halting it completely. And the European Commission's Joint Research Center warned this week that drought conditions will worsen over the coming days. During normal weather conditions on the Rhine, about 2,100 gallons of ...
Rain in Europe washes away river cruising's low-water worries
Rain has arrived in Europe, much to the relief of river cruise lines that had been forced to disrupt dozens of sailings in recent weeks due to low water levels. A number of companies say that ...
European River Flooding Causing Multiple Cruise Cancellations
Multiple river cruise lines have been forced to change itineraries and even cancel sailings as higher than average water levels have created flooding on several European rivers. Portions of major ...
What to Expect On Europe's Rivers
What to Expect On Europe's Rivers. Play. Boppard, Germany. Although there's no better way to explore Europe's great cities, castle-dotted countryside and vineyards by riverboat, situations may arise that are beyond our control. In the event we need to modify your journey for any reason, you can trust that we will make every effort to ...
River Cruise Water Levels
Bad weather can ruin a river cruise, especially low or high water levels, high winds and dense fog. ... Typically, riverboats in Europe are safe in up to Level 6 winds on the Beaufort Scale, or ...
Record low river level in Poland hits tourism, environment
WARSAW, Sept 11 (Reuters) - For Andrzej Stanski, who runs a company that organises cruises on Poland's Vistula river, record low water levels mean he has had to alter the routes his boats take.
Best Time of Year for a European River Cruise
So, as you can see in this video, high water, low water, and broken locks can disrupt a river cruise. ... Are you thinking about a fun European river cruise? Give us a call at (480) 550-1235 and we can help you sort through the options, discuss potential obstacles, and book a wonderful sailing. ...
European River Water Levels
Water levels can, and do, impact European river cruises every year. Overall, though, the number of sailings impacted each year is minor and fear of water level issues should never be a reason for you to not sail the wonderful rivers of Europe. The impact of high or low water often impacts certain sections of a river, not the entire length, so ...
Will River Levels Be a Concern for European Cruises This Year?
Mar 21, 2023. River Cruise Western Europe. River cruise water levels can be a cause for concern. Credit: 2023 Tomas Marek/stock.adobe.com. It's that time of year again: Worries over river levels in Europe are beginning to creep into the minds of cruise planners and cruisers. In years past, either low or high waters have prohibited seamless ...
Europe's Drought Will Happen Again: Here's How River ...
You've likely heard the news: extreme drought in Europe this summer has drained rivers, and the low water levels have been causing some river cruises to alter their itineraries. Sometimes, passengers rode buses between specific ports of call rather than sail the river on the ships. While such disruptions are a significant frustration for ...
What to Expect on a River Cruise: Low River Water Levels, High River
Asia river cruising is more stable than European river cruising, primarily because the ships sail the countryside; there aren't a lot of low bridges to get in the way. Plus, the river cruising ...
Potential Problems for European River Cruises in 2023
Regrettably the following appeared in the Economist in a recent issue: "The Alps are Europe's water tower. They provide 25-50% of the water running through the continent's main rivers, the Danube, the Po, the Rhine and the Rhone. With so little snow to melt in the coming months, river levels are likely to be unusually low, and with them ...
Best Time for a European River Cruise: Your Month-by-Month Guide to
European river cruises have high and low seasons, each with distinct advantages in terms of weather, budget, and crowd sizes. ... Embrace the sun-soaked days and partake in various outdoor excursions and water activities. Explore charming towns, savor local cuisine, and engage in summer festivities as you make unforgettable memories. ...
Record Low Water Levels Impact European Rivers
The most traveled European rivers are in alphabetical order — the Danube, Douro, Elbe, Loire, Main, Moselle, Po, Rhine, Rhone, and Seine. A map showing many of Europe's major rivers. * Photo: AmaWaterways. The situation faced may be a lack of rainfall over a long period of time, and that may be at more distant water sources well upstream.
What months should I avoid for potential low water levels
Trying to plan a Amsterdam to Budapest Rhine/Danube River cruise for summer 2024. While I know we can never predict the exact water levels at any one time, which months have typically suffered most from low water issues? We were looking to cruise late July - Mid August for me Mum's 75th if that helps in the discussion.
15 of the Best River Cruises in Europe
Trip to Try: Saar and Moselle Fairytales. Board the ship in Cologne and spend seven nights cruising down the Rhine River to its tributary, the Moselle River, one of Europe's best-kept secrets, and ...
The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in Europe for Every Traveler
4. Best Budget-Friendly European River Cruise: Grand Circle Travel. River Adagio Activity/Entertainment. Grand Circle generally draws travelers aged over 50 and is a popular line for Americans ...
Unlock the Best Time of Year for River Cruises in Europe: Insider Tips
Discover the ultimate guide to the best time of year for a European river cruise. Unravel the seasonal charms across spring, summer, fall, and winter, comparing weather, crowds, and pricing. Gain valuable insights on securing the perfect cruise based on cabin choices, itineraries, and exclusive deals. Plan your journey wisely and embark on an unforgettable river cruise experience tailored to ...
Extreme Heatwave Drains Poland's Vistula River
Extreme Heatwave Drains Poland's Vistula River Andrzej Stanski, who manages a cruise company on Poland's Vistula river, has had to change his boat routes due to record low water levels caused by a severe summer heatwave. This hydrological drought is affecting water quality and energy production, with potential risks of flooding in the future.
8 Mistakes to Avoid Before a European River Cruise
Mistake 1: Not Prioritizing the Destinations on European River Cruises. Wooden booths offering souvenirs during Christmas Market in Prague, Czech Republic (Photo: Rostislav Glinsky/Shutterstock ...
Cruise Europe's Rivers and Travel Deeper Into Local ...
Dancing Horses and Harvest Wine Dinners on the Danube. By the river in Regensburg (Credit: Viking) The Danube River courses through the heart of Europe, and the route features famous history and ...
European River Journeys with Viking Unlock Exclusive Experiences
Europe's extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites are brought to life on a Viking river cruise. Effective July 1st. Due to new regulations, prices now include all taxes and fees.