Europe’s water levels are receding is good news for river cruise lines who have been using innovative ways to keep their guests cruising.
In an update from Budapest, where floods have kept movements to a minimum, said today: “The official predictions about the length and height of the Danube flood water levels in Budapest are even more optimistic, now that the flood is receding in Budapest, without major hiccups, gushes or complications from large debris carried by the river.
“The Danube is currently at 719 cm. After the riverbanks are cleared and the pontoons, docks and ships are also cleared for safe and healthy use, Budapest visitors can enjoy the sightseeing city river cruises again. Some docks and several cruises are expected to get back into normal operations on the evening of Sep 24, 2024.”
Cruise lines have been using some nimble ways to keep sailing and keep their passengers happy.
High water levels, driven by relentless rains and low-pressure systems, had prompted route deviations and ship swaps. Coaches are keeping passengers moving while crew move them to new vessels not caught up in the floods.
It’s a military style operation that keeps the system operating. It may not be quite what was expected, but it means passengers can continue to enjoy the journey.
Who is doing what? Here’s our roundup:
AmaWaterways
Angela Smith, Head of Marketing, Australia & New Zealand, for AmaWaterways told Cruise Passenger, “Higher than average water conditions are impacting access to certain docking locations along the upper Danube River (between Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen, Germany); however, our experienced operations team has been adjusting itineraries, using alternative docking facilities and arranging convenient ship swaps to ensure guests are still able to enjoy the excursions planned.”
“High water conditions tend to arrive and disappear very quickly therefore it is essential that guests (or their travel advisors) ensure contact information (email) is within the online “Cruise Check-In” as well as having “push notifications” activated within the AmaWaterways “myAmaCruise” app should we need to advise of any last-minute changes to docking locations. In any event, a representative of AmaWaterways will be at the original docking location to provide assistance if needed.”
“With our large fleet of company-owned river cruise ships strategically positioned to facilitate convenient ship swaps if required, plus 22 years of operating experience on the rivers of Europe, AmaWaterways is well equipped to adapt and minimise any impact from these unforeseen events and ensure a safe and enjoyable river cruise vacation for our guests.”
Scenic & Emerald cruises
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and its sister company, Emerald Cruises, have also felt the impact of Europe’s high waters, particularly in the upper Danube regions around Vienna and Budapest.
A spokesperson for Scenic noted that guests have been informed of itinerary changes, which include ship swaps, alternative embarkation and disembarkation points, and adjusted tour schedules. This combination of solutions is designed to minimise guest disruption while keeping their experiences as close to the original itinerary as possible.
Flexibility is a key part of Scenic’s approach, with their River Cruise Cover program offering compensation for significant itinerary changes and disrupted days. For Scenic and Emerald, the focus is clear: deliver a great vacation, no matter the hurdles.The company’s website is advising, “Due to a low-pressure system called Storm Boris, parts of central and eastern Europe are currently experiencing very high winds and unusually heavy rains. Forecasts suggest these conditions will persist over the coming days.
“This has caused water levels in sections of the Danube River to be higher than normal, impacting navigation of all vessels in this region and this will require modification of ship itineraries and schedules frequently and on short notice.”
“Where possible we will reschedule our fleet of Scenic Space-Ships and Emerald Cruises Star-Ships to allow us to enact ship swaps. However, we are restricted with the current rising water levels, specifically around the upper Danube River areas of Vienna and Budapest. We are working closely with our team on the ground in Europe and are contacting as a priority all guests and their travel advisors if their river cruise is impacted.”
“If you have questions regarding potential impacts on your upcoming departure, please contact your Travel Advisor, or our reservations team on +61 2 4925 9112.”
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways is changing two current sailings, communicating those changes directly with guests and travel advisors. It is also cancelling two future sailings.
A statement by the company said, “While we do everything we can to create contingency plans that offer Avalon guests incredible experiences when Mother Nature intervenes with record rainfall in a short period of time, it becomes increasingly difficult to deliver an elevated cruising experience.”
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Riverside Luxury Cruises, operating the luxurious Riverside Mozart, faced its own set of challenges as the high water levels grounded their vessel in Vienna, Austria. Originally scheduled to continue to Passau, Germany, the voyage was forced to conclude prematurely due to the extreme conditions. Riverside Mozart’s September 19th voyage was also cancelled.
Riviera Cruises
Riviera Cruises has also had to adjust its operations due to the high water levels, though the company has been able to mitigate much of the potential disruption. “A small number of Riviera’s scheduled itineraries have been affected,” a spokesperson confirmed to TMR. “In these situations, the line has an experienced team focusing on making itinerary and excursion amendments to ensure any guest disruption is minimised.” Communication has been a top priority, ensuring that passengers are fully aware of any changes to their itineraries well in advance.
Uniworld
Uniworld has also been impacted, with both Danube and Rhine sailings temporarily affected. A spokesperson for the company acknowledged the disruptions, noting that their operations team is actively monitoring the situation and keeping passengers informed.
“We are not always able to provide specific details in advance,” they admit, “but guests can be assured that the operations team is working diligently to provide them with alternatives that meet Uniworld’s strict standards for quality and service.”
“We are actively monitoring the situation and communicating any program adjustments with impacted Uniworld guests and their Travel Advisors,” a Uniworld statement said.
“Guests can be assured that the operations team is working diligently to provide them with alternatives that meet Uniworld’s strict standards for quality and service, delivering the 5-star experience that they know and expect.”
Viking
Viking River Cruises told us: “Currently, a small section of the Danube River near Budapest and the mid-river region of the Elbe River are experiencing high water levels. To varying degrees, these conditions may affect select itineraries. Our Switzerland-based nautical team is continually monitoring the situation and will make any necessary adjustments to accommodate the conditions.
“Guests and their Travel Advisors will continue to be notified directly if we think that their itinerary might be impacted.
“Viking has two key advantages with regard to handling water level disruptions. First, we own and operate our ships. We have a Switzerland-based nautical team and a network of local partners and authorities that are focused on monitoring and adapting to current water levels to ensure our guests experience the least possible disruption.
“Second, we strategically launch sister ships on the same itinerary, but sailing in opposite directions. In the event of high (or low) water, this tactic allows us to implement a ship swap that is typically seamless for guests – both they and their luggage are able to be transferred to their exact, identical stateroom on a sister ship that was purposefully sailing on the other half of the river in preparation for such a disruption.
“These advantages allow us to minimize the impact that water levels can have on itinerary, which means our guests are better able to focus on enjoying themselves and having a great journey, rather than worrying about potential changes or cancellations.”
Advice for Aussie travellers
If you’re booked on an upcoming river cruise in Europe, the key takeaway is to stay informed and prepared for potential changes. High water levels can cause itinerary deviations at the last minute, and flexibility is essential. Most cruise lines are working closely with guests and their travel advisors to offer alternatives, such as ship swaps, rescheduled itineraries, or the option to postpone travel altogether.
For now, keep an eye on your inbox for updates from your cruise provider. Lines like Scenic and AmaWaterways are giving as much notice as possible, often up to a week before departure, so you’ll have time to adjust your plans if needed. Always check with your travel advisor for the latest information or visit the cruise line’s official website for updates.
