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 levels for river cruises in Europe. 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 for river cruises in Europe on the Danube. However, contrary to the conventional wisdom, I saw record lows on the Rhine in November of 2015. While high or low water can impact your river cruise, in 50+ river cruises, I’ve never experienced a major disruption because of high water or low water. I should add that I did not river cruise in the summer of 2018. In the comments below, some readers say their dream vacations were disappointing because of low water levels for river cruises in Europe. Others had their trips scuttled altogether because the river cruise companies could not operate due to high or low water levels for river cruises in Europe. My hope is that this page will serve as a useful forum for sharing information about the conditions on the rivers and how the cruise companies are handling adverse water levels for river cruises in Europe.– Ralph Grizzle
Whether a river has high or low water levels is something you’re unlikely to consider when planning your river cruise – until it happens to you.
Unlike ocean cruising, river cruising is all about narrow margins. Low bridges make the air draft of a ship – how much of it sticks out of the water – critically important. Most river cruise ships have collapsible upper deck railings, removable furniture, and even navigation bridges that lower completely into the floor.
Being aware of water levels for river cruises in Europe can greatly enhance your travel experience.
Understanding water levels for river cruises in Europe is vital for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Monitoring water levels for river cruises in Europe is essential for a trouble-free adventure.
What’s under the keel – or hull – of your river cruise ship also makes a difference. In some cases, there can be less than a foot of water under the keel. River cruise ships have incredibly shallow drafts to begin with, and river cruise operators construct their ships as efficiently as possible. They’re the high-performance sports cars of the cruising world.
Understanding Water Levels for River Cruises in Europe
Understanding the significance of water levels for river cruises in Europe can help travelers make informed decisions.
Unfortunately, low water and high water conditions can exist – and they can throw a real wrench into an otherwise flawless cruise.
For current updates from river cruisers currently on the rivers (or from those who have returned recently) be sure to see the comments at the bottom of this post.
In fact, keeping an eye on water levels for river cruises in Europe could save your trip.
The Rhine is perhaps the most dependable river when it comes to being able to continue navigation due to low water. I felt the boat scraping the bottom of the Rhine in Rudesheim in November of 2015, but we made it past. See Is AmaWaterways The Champion Of Low Water?
Water levels are unpredictable. In many cases, the cruise line may only find out on your actual sailing, or a few days beforehand, that a particular stretch of water isn’t navigable.
See related article: Low Water Levels Continue To Affect River Cruises; Plus Why This Happens In The First Place
Water levels aren’t uniform. That is to say, if there’s low water on the Danube, the entire Danube isn’t affected. In 2014, water levels were too low for many ships to pass between the German cities of Passau and Regensburg. In past years, the stretch heading across the Austria-Hungary border has been problematic.
History isn’t a good indicator of high or low water. In June of 2013, Passau was hit by the worst flooding – and the highest water levels – since the Middle Ages. In 2018, the Danube was so low that many cruise ships terminated their journeys in Passau.
What happens if high/low water levels affect my sailing? River cruise lines will typically attempt to keep your itinerary as operational as possible. Generally, when high/low water levels hit, three options are available to cruise lines:
- Continue the affected itinerary by having guests ‘swap ships’ – typically, being bussed from one town to the next, where you will embark a sister-ship or similar vessel to continue the rest of your journey. Read about our ship swap on Viking.
- Complete the itinerary as far as possible aboard your ship, and then transition to hotels (on the company’s expense) to complete the remainder of your itinerary.
- Outright cancellation. This is the rarest option, exercised when no other options are available.
I’m not sure if I should cancel my river cruise because of high/low water levels. What do I do?
Unless you have travel insurance that covers cancellation, do not cancel your river cruise over high/low water. Wait for the cruise line to either pull the plug or offer alternatives. If your sailing commences in a few weeks, cancelling your sailing will result in you losing all monies paid. If you wait for the cruise line to pull the plug, offers typically include the ability to switch to another sailing at no cost; the offer to complete your cruise as scheduled at a discount or rebate; or the offer to cancel with minimal or no penalties. Of course, such offers are determined by the cruise line, but typically favor the guest.
Curious as to what the current conditions on the rivers of Europe are? A reader has provided us with a map showing the water levels on rivers in Germany. From reader “Sabine” see this link: https://www.wetteronline.de/pegelstaende?gid=HES
We have found the Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde (BFG) to be helpful. The organization published maps like the one below and forecasts. Find BFG’s 14-day water levels forecasts here and the six-week forecasts here.
It’s advisable to check the latest updates regarding water levels for river cruises in Europe before you travel.
To see what our readers had to say about how their trips were impacted by low water levels, click here.
Additionally, understanding how different seasons affect water levels for river cruises in Europe will enhance your planning.
In summary, staying informed about water levels for river cruises in Europe is crucial for a rewarding travel experience.
Hi Phil. We are on Scenic Crystal at Passau. Have just been informed that water levels have fallen very low in the last 24 hours and we are unable to sail to Nuremberg. Will bus it there and swap ships and board Scenic Ruby. Situation has been very well handled by the crew. 125k drive and expect to sail to Amsterdam without any other issues.
So glad to hear this! We sail the Rhone October 28- Nov 5. From Lyon to Marseille. We had a low water “ bus” cruise last November on Viking on the Danube. I am hopeful to not repeat same. Anyone have any water level updates?
Grand Circle Tour boats sailed easily from Vienna to Amsterdam August 25th to September 7th. There was no discussion of low water. Actually, the top deck was closed for a few days in order to get under bridges.
Cruised on Grand Circle Tours from Vienna to Amsterdam August 25th to September 7th and all was just fine. I was worried for us too and appreciated this blog.
Currently on the Danube at Vienna having come from Budapest. I asked the captain about water depth and he indicated there was plenty of water for our cruise through Nuremberg and on to Amsterdam.
We are on Viking Vili currently on the middle Rhine. Water is low but passable. We just passed a group of rocks in the center of the river that the cruise director pointed to as he was discussing low water. They are not making any commitments yet on the Danube.
Correction my parents are sailing Avalon
Cruise 9/25 to 10/7 …Nuremberg to Budapest. Anyone recently sailed Danube between these cities, please let us know if they should be concerned. Thanks!
My parents are sailing Avalon
Cruise 9/ 25 to 10/7
Itinerary…Prague to Budapest. Dad is losing sleep that the cruise will get cancelled due to low water at the last minute. Anyone sailing Danube between these cities, please let us know if they should be concerned. Thanks!
Janelle, We are doing this same cruise Nov 9th. It would be appreciated if you could comment on water levels. We love Grand Circle! Enjoy your cruise. Tina
We depart October 1 from Basel on the Rhine to Amsterdam. Any water issues.?
*UPDATE* Presently on the Embla in Vienna. This ship is going into maintenance on Sunday for 2 nights. There has been a generator problem for several weeks. There is an auxiliary generator mounted on the sun deck in back of the wheelhouse. This generator is scheduled to be removed by crane on Sunday. Apparently there is no direct access to remove/replace generator. The repair shipyard will cut a hole in the ship to remove/replace generator. That should be interesting with a timeline of ship returning to service on time. This is affecting our cruise and the cruise coming from AMS. This is a huge inconvenience for the passengers (paying guests). To be continued….
Possibly someone on the Aegir involved with this delimma, can provide what is going on with your cruise change.
Our AmaWaterways cruise on the AmaViola began in Budapest Aug 25 and ended Sept 1 in Nuremberg. No problems at all with water levels along the way and a few evenings there were rain showers. Enjoy your cruise in that beautiful area.
Yes! Viking’s strategy is to advice customers at the last minute. Our cruise is Sept 23 & we still have not been notified. We have done our own research on water levels, ship locations, etc. The Elbe ships have not moved since June & there will not be enough rain to make a difference. We will probably not cancel because we are meeting friends who have already left for Europe. The bus trips will most likely be short. You will be in Wittenberg on one ship for 3 nights & Dresden for 2 nights on the other ship.
I am on the same cruise leaving Oct 23rd. I just called Viking stating I can’t wait until 2 weeks before my cruise to know if we can go (don’t want to do the bus tour) and the gal put me on hold for a bit and went and found out that “they had rain the last two days with more expected, and even with that the river levels ARE FINE NOW and should be great when we go because they are expecting a bunch more rain”. Do you think Viking is feeding me a line???
My husband and I are excited to be going on the Viking “Romantic Danube” cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, embarking on the 13th! Has anyone else been on this itinerary recently or have any info on the trouble areas around Passau and Regensberg? Hoping for smooth sailing all the way!!
Disappointing
We are scheduled with Viking Sept 15th-22nd
Are we going to be disappointed?
Thanls Gary for getting back. John will be happy with that. I just might take a posh frock. My daughter and her husband have E.bikes at home so will be pleased for the info. Not long now.
vesselfinder.com If you are on the Elbe cruise, look for either the Viking Beyla or the Viking Astrild. Sometimes the ships don’t show up on the website, but then check again another day and they do show up. I’m not sure why.
How do you find out that the ships have not moved or the current conditions? I know that Viking just says that the water levels are low but that we would be notified if our sailing has been affected.
Going to concert tonight. They have told us to dress up but nothing really fancy. Cocktail style is what they would like to see. For men, nice shirt and slacks will suffice (as it is all I have with me). Jeans, shorts and sandals for men are discouraged. Did the bike ride from Melk to Durnstein yesterday. Around 20 miles with about 90% flat. Had a great time so if you are physically able to handle it I would recommend it.
Interesting – we were scheduled to leave Amsterdam to Budapest on the Embla on Sept 25th and now we will be on the Aegir??
We just received a notice today Sept 9, that due to previous low water levels we will be boarding the Modi in Budapest and not the Skirnir as planned. It looks like there may have been a boat swap at midway point around Bamberg and the boats were turned around.
Hopefully water levels go up.
Just returned from 16 days on Grand Circle River Concerto from Vienna to Amsterdam – no issues with the water levels, however, the Captain said they were a bit low. Viking ships, AMA, and Avalon were travelling along with us, and no one seemed to have any issues. Weather was very, very hot and humid. Only issue we had was getting to the Amsterdam airport extra early as the baggage handlers were going on strike for 2 hours – Grand Circle Program Directors are the best, and kept of informed of what we needed to do, and assisted at the airport as well.
Just arrived in Amsterdam on Sunday from Budapest on Scenic Ruby. Great cruise and we made it through no problems.
I hope you have a better experience than we had several years ago. We had just completed our pre cruise 2 day extension in Budapest when we and and our fellow cruisers were gathered in a large hotel meeting room, provided a luncheon that didn’t have enough food for all, and told that our ship could not reach Budapest do to water level problems and that we couldn’t stay in our hotel as the rooms were rented to incoming guests. They put us is up in another hotel in what looked like attic rooms, bused us all over town the next day, which we had already toured for two days, took us on a lengthy bus ride to another ship where we could only stay one night. Then a long bus and transfer to another ship for the rest of our trip. They offered a discount on a future tour, which was no more than the promotional discounts that are offered in their brochures. Needless to say this was the worst of our 7 river cruises. The others were quite enjoyable.
Just returned on 9/5 from a cruise up the Rhone and Saone on Avalon Poetry II and then the Seine on Avalon Tapestry II. Both were wonderful cruises, with no water level issues on either.
I agree I was just notified also. I can understand water levels but scheduled maintenance???
We are on the same itinerary, Sue Ann, so we would also like to get as much info as possible. This trip has been in the works for 5 years, so I hope everything goes well!
Hi! Had a wonderful week of sailing Viking Atla from Budapest to Nuremburg. No problems at all. Beautiful weather every day despite weather reports that it would rain every day. Water levels were great and no issues. It was a great trip! Best of luck and safe travels for all of those departing soon!
We embark on the Embla on Sept 11 and will be getting swapped out with the Aegit as PJ previously mentioned. Embla has had major issues in July and August with generator/engine. We will be in a hotel for two nights and bused to our ports of call and then embark on the Aegir. I believe the reason for the swap is that it would put the Embla two far off schedule to make up time. Hope there are no issues with the Aegir as it was without AC for a week in the heat of summer. I have to say I am disappointed with Viking.
Much appreciated, we are scheduled to leave budapest-amsterdam on the 11th so any notifications appreciated
Frankly, I’m disappointed in this ‘swap’ for what appears as scheduled
maintenance. The inconvenience of packing up and going to a hotel for two nights is not worthy of a 15% voucher for a future trip I will never use. I’d rather receive a 15% cash refund!
It would help if they advised us of what hotel we will stay at as well…
Hi, just posted comment about ten down from this one that we are going to be swapped onto the Embla from the Aegir on Sept. 18th in Passau. Why are they doing the swap if the Embla will be back from repair on the 18th when we are to swap to it and you to our boat the Aegir? Doesn’t make sense..
We are leaving Amsterdam on Sept. 11th on Viking Aegir for Budapest arrive Sept. 25th. We just received an email telling us we will have to do a ship swap at Nuremberg to a new ship the Embla in Passau. I am wondering why the change when I know other Viking boats are getting through that area now and there’s rain and cool temperatures predicted for several days in that area next week. Does anyone know any other reason for our swap?
Updated info received today from Viking regarding Grand European Tour (Sept 11)… So, “scheduled maintenance”has already interrupted the trip! ?? Two nights in a hotel!! Why not have the Aegir for the entire trip? Something doesn’t smell right. Maybe water levels are the real issue??
Due to a technical issue, Viking Embla will need to undergo maintenance in Linz from September 16 – September 17, 2019. In order to ensure you are able to visit the sights you came to see while the ship is being worked on, we have arranged for you to spend two nights in a hotel in the Passau region, then embark identical sister ship, Viking Aegir, to complete your journey.
In consideration of this change, we will be extending to you a future cruise voucher for 15% of your paid cruise fare.
Enjoying reading comments from river cruisers!
Thanks Gary, we are joining Scenic Amber at Nuremberg on 16th. Travelling to Budapest. I will be watching for any posts of yours.It has been an anxious time.. Also do I need to nag hubby about his dress at the concert in Vienna. How formal is it?
Just got underway from Nuremberg to Regensburg on the Scenic Amber. No issues on the Main-Danube canal. As other posts have reported do not expect problems as we travel to Budapest. Will update if something unexpected comes up.
Hi Walt, You can scroll down to more Viking Elbe info. One traveler said they are using 2 ships…one in Dresden & one in Wittenberg. So you will have 2 days on one & 3 on the other.
Hoping for good sailing starting Sunday the 15th on Grand Circle Rhine and Mosel tour. Thanks for posting that things seem to be good in that area.
On the vali in Budapest leaving tonight to Vienna. Crew does not indicate there is any water level issues heading towards Amsterdam. Will advise as we proceed.
We are leaving koblenz on the Rhine, heading to the Main and to Budapest. So far, everything has been great.
Hello. We just left koblenz on our way to Budapest. Wonderful sailing on the Rhine thus far. The crew is amazing! The trip is memorable. We even had a private concert on board in Cologne.
Hi Louise. Yes it is extremely disappointing. I am unsure if there is a price difference though. I have been asking Scenic since last week about the change in vessels. Up until early this week, they assured me it was still Jasper. After a few emails and documentation on GPS positioning, they finally replied yesterday with a standard letter saying there had been a change and that an email blast would be sent out. They have had this information for a few weeks but have held off till the last minute to advice us. Bad move as it means unhappy customers before we board. I have read some good and bad reviews on Crystal so let’s hope we experience the good ones. Regardless, I look forward to seeing you on board. We leave Brisbane tomorrow for Prague and then on to Budapest. Safe travels!
On Viking Lif, Amsterdam to Budapest. Just left Regensburg heading for Passau. Water levels are good. No issues to get to Budapest. Also rain in area for next few days which should make even better.
I’m on that same cruise – VIking Belya on 11/2 starting in Prague heading to Berlin.
I assume if the ship can’t move, it is used as a hotel and your are bussed to different destinations each day (this saves the packing/unpacking each day) Correct?
Does anyone have any updated info on the river levels on the Viking Grand European tour, we leave Amsterdam on Viking Modi 9/16, Amsterdam – Budapest.
Hi Xerxes
We are also boarding the Jasper on 11th September to Amsterdam arriving on 25th September,
I received email this morning 5th September, currently in Prague, saying Jasper is not sailing due to low level water and will now travel on the Crystal.
This is extremely disappointing as we only wanted the Jasper being the new ship and might end up with Crystal that is 7 years old.
I hope we receive a refund for the difference in price from Jasper to Crystal.
How is your cruise going? Any low water issues? We are starting our cruise next week.
Thanks for solving the mystery Terry. Glad you had a great trip!