What The 2026 Drought Taught Us About Choosing A River Cruise
Europe’s 2026 drought changed the way travelers should choose a river cruise. Beyond the itinerary and stateroom, consider the river, ship draft, fleet size, ship-swap capability and what the cruise line promises when low water prevents the original itinerary from operating.
The Rivers Are Changing. River Cruising Is Changing With Them
Europe’s rivers are changing, and the river cruise industry is adapting. From smarter ship swaps and shallower-draft vessels to hybrid technology and changing cruise seasons, here’s how river cruising is evolving for the future.
When Low Water Disrupts A River Cruise: Which Cruise Lines Protect Passengers Best? And Can Travel Insurance Help?
Low water may be beyond a cruise line’s control, but its response is not. We compare ship swaps, bus substitutions, refunds, credits and passenger protections—and explain what travelers should ask before booking.
APT Brings Its River Cruises To The U.S. Market
Australian-owned APT Travel Group is making its river cruises available to U.S. travelers for the first time as the nearly century-old company expands its presence in North America.
Viking Says Low Water Affected More Than Half Of Its European River-Cruise Days
More than half of Viking’s European river-cruise days were affected by low water from mid-July through mid-August. Most guests continued traveling, but new details raise a bigger question: When a cruise operates through severe low water, how much of the river-cruise experience remains?
Low Water In Europe: It’s Not Just The Rhine & Danube — What River Cruisers Need To Know
Europe’s low-water story extends well beyond the Rhine and Danube. We look at record-low gauges at Kaub and Pfelling, the notoriously shallow Elbe, drought-related closures on French canals, and how river cruise companies are using shallow-draft ships, ship swaps, buses and alternate ports to keep travelers moving.