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.
Wayne, we are on the Artistry II leaving from Amsterdam on 11 October heading to Budapest. Any idea whether you will get through Passau and Regensberg yet? Praying for rain!
I’ll be on Viking’s “Frances Finest” cruise in November, sailing on the Rhone and Seine rivers. Any idea whether these rivers are currently having low/high water issues?
Found a great website… you can track your boat, as well as see others. I’ve watched it the last few days, and do not see boat movements between Regensburg and Passau, so am assuming ship swaps and bussing are still occuring for most cruise lines between those ports.
https://www.cruisemapper.com/?mmsi=269057499
Enjoy!
Hi Carol Ann,
We just finished our Scenic Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Had to swap ships and were on a bus from Passau to Regensburg. It was absolutely seamless and professionally managed. All free choice schedules maintained, bags delivered to cabins before we arrived, personal preferences communicated etc etc. In Amsterdam we met people who were with “another” cruise company and they had been in a bus for 7 days from Passau to Amsterdam. Scenic will take care of you. Enjoy
We just finished this cruise – disembark in Budapest today. We did swap ships. It was a bit of a hassle to pack up but was handled well and at least the busses were comfortable and the countryside beautiful. After Regensburg we docked in Straubing instead of Passau. From Straubing they bussed us to excursions in Passau or Salzburg. The next day we bussed from Straubing to another ship in Grein. At some point people had to decide whether or not to bus to Gottweig Abbey tour in Kremsvor stay on ship to sail Wachau Valley. We stayed on ship as did most. The valley was gorgeous and there wasn’t much other daytime sailing on this cruise with all the changes. The rest of the cruise times were modified some but we fit most everything in. The crew has communicated well and has been fantastic I hope the river levels improve and others can sail without modifications, but we still had a great trip!
Thanks Karen. Just want to add that my strategy is exactly the same. For the minimal cost of upgrading to 1st, you eliminate many hassles – and possibly stolen luggage. I’ve seen it happen.
My family on same cruise as you. Just heard from Viking that there is possibility of low river water but nothing definite. I understand that they go overboard to help if adjustments in the itinerary are necessary . (Pardon the pun)we are just going with the flow and hope for no disruptions.
suzyqnelson@hotmail.com
Good morning from Budapest. Looks like a nice day. Arrived yesterday. Changed planes in Amsterdam, had rain and fog there, warm ( 70s ) and sunny in Budapest.
We booked on Gate 1 Monarch Dutchess but due to low water Gate 1 and Royal Emerald did a swap. We are on the Emerald, beautiful ship. It has a balcony that you can sit out on, love it. So far we are very impressed with what Gate 1 has worked out.
I would difinately reccomend upgrading to the second floor on a river boat. Love being able to see out when in the room. Lower level, you can only see out when your standing up.
Again, amazing job Gate 1, we are scheduled to board the Monarch dutchess in 8 days.
Has anyone been on the Romantic Danube Viking River Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest in the last few weeks? We are scheduled for October 13-20.
Just received notification about the low water levels and the possible alternate scenarios. No refund offered yet.
Thank you.
We are on Scenic starting in Nuremberg on September 30th. I really appreciate you taking time to give an update.
Just completed the Viking Grand European (Budapest to Amsterdam). Did NOT have any water issues, however, we were interupted mid cruise to stay in a hotel for 2 nights, because our ship Embla required maintenance (generator replacement). We continued our cruise in Nuremburg on Aegir, to Amsterdam.
Another problem we experienced was that many passengers were sick (coughing, sneezing etc) on Aegir. The ship need additional hand sanitizer stations throughout the ship. Only had two at entrance to restaurant.
I think so. Our ship was changed to the Artistry II this week. I’m thinking the Tranquility couldn’t make it back to Budapest, so we will swap ships down river. We sail from Budapest sat too. Flying out tonight.
Thx Wayne! We leave Budapest sat. Does it still look ok like you’ll need tg off and bused???
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:15.1/centery:48.3/zoom:10
That’s a link to marine traffic on the Danube. It gives you up to real time info of where the ships are sailing. We leave today for Budapest, heading west to Amsterdam and it looks like we could be bused for a bit of the trip/
Hi we are going Oct 15-26 with Avalon Budapest to Nuremberg, how is the water level for the Danube ?
Are you on a Viking ship? If so, which one. We are on the Viking Tor and we leave Nuremberg on Nov. 1., Romantic Danube. Thanks.
We are following these posts closely also. We are scheduled to sail Sept 29 from Amsterdam to Budapest- Viking Grand European also. Hoping for some rain!
My wife and I are taking the grand tour on Viking from Amsterdam to Budapest, departing on October 5. Has anyone heard anything about rain in the forecast that may help water levels. Sounds like many are having to get on busses between Nuremburg and Passau. Any word on water levels through that stretch improving. Thanks, Keith
Yes! We are now on the Egil.
The rest of the trip has been slightly modified to catch up for lost sailing time. We had a 3.5 hour bus ride this morning to do the swap.
We are still very happy that we came on this trip! The boat is fantastic, the ports interesting, and we are enjoying what cruising time we have.
We always travel in Europe by train. We always book through Deutche Bahn (check their website). They book train tickets pretty much throughout Europe. There will be schedules on-line on their website for where you want to go. We pay by credit card for 1st class tickets, but you can’t book your seat until a month or two before going on your train, but you can reserve your lst class seat. Only first class has reserved seats. 2nd class is fine except the trains are crowded in Europe and you don’t want to be sitting on your suitcase in the aisle. I have witnessed this in France and also in Germany. Check the website seat 61 and his u-tube channel. He has great advice for first time Europe train goers. Remember two things that are very important: you are responsible for your luggage –no baggage cars and storage isn’t the greatest on some trains. Plus, when the train says it is leaving at a certain time, it leaves and it doesn’t wait for you. Good luck and have a bon voyage…..
Thanks Bill for the good info. We postponed last December thinking it wouldn’t happen two years in a row. Due to booking everything separately and being offered an alternative, we were left scrambling to reorganised at late notice. Final offer received Friday, rebooked Saturday for a Tuesday departure because we initially had 3 nights in Amsterdam precruise.
It was extremely expensive travelling from Australia with business class airfares and now doing it again so soon.
I have to say Switzerland in winter was amazing as was our travel agent Patricia.
Hope to catch a break this year as we’ll have to accept the offer. Will be totally devastated if we don’t cruise the Rhine to Budapest.
Wonder if we are swopping with you. Told today on Viking Egil we leave tomorrow Weds at Linz instead of sailing straight to Passau as planned. From there bus to Passau with excursions proceeding as planned, then bus to join Viking Gullweig at Staubing. A hassle packing up but like you, staff have been excellent.
Thank you very much for your update!! I am warily watching, as we are on the Viking Grand European tour Sept 30-Oct 14th, and have been notified of possible low water issues, but not yet confirmed impact. Hope you get good rain tonite and tomorrow evening!
I had the same issue for clients that I booked. I am thankful I booked the air with Viking as I assume that even if they had insurance, it would not have covered the air for a modified schedule. Something to keep in mind for future river cruises.
Not sure this helps but we docked in Vienna this morning. We left Vilshofen on the 20th and had no issues going east on the Avalon Visionary. What a wonderful cruise!!!
I think it all depends on the weather. If they start getting rain, everything could turn out for the better. We were on the Rhine River mid November 2018. We had to do a ship swap when we got to Cologne, Germany. From there we were on buses most of the time, for the excursions
We are currently (Tuesday early) in Straubing (unscheduled stop) (spent all day Monday is Regensburg) on Viking heading from Nuremburg to Budapest. We were told on the first night that if we have to do a ship swap it will be Wednesday (tomorrow). It was supposed to rain all day yesterday but most of the day it just sprinkled. No more rain expected until tomorrow (Wednesday).
Last night (Monday) we were told that the water is 15 cm too low between Straubing and Passau and that overnight we would sail to Straubing unless miraculously there was more water
to continue to Passau.
They will bus us to all excursions today (to Passau or Salzburg) and bus us back here this afternoon to pack for ship swap to occur tomorrow morning, (unless ship can move to Passau while we are out. )
Today’s excursions will be slightly modified due to the commute.
I feel that Viking has kept us informed and is going to accommodate us the best they can to keep as close to the original itinerary as possible. The staff has been wonderful and we realize this is a day to day decision and beyond their control.
Thank you for this information. That’s exactly what Viking told me. We are leaving mid October for this trip and I hope to hear from them soon. I also will take the refund.
Betty Moore – I wish you have a wonderful and safe trip !
Kathy M – Thank you. We’re home now and those 11 days flew by! The only port that we couldn’t reach was Regensberg so it wasn’t too bad. If you intend to do all the optional tours, comfy shoes are a must. I hope you have a fun, safe trip and great weather. 🙂
Does the river flow continue to decrease as we approach December? We are scheduled to sail 11/29 from Basel for the Christmas markets.
We are scheduled to leave from Nuremberg Saturday Sept. 28, Romantic Danube. It doesn’t seem like it’s going to be as we expected. How was your cruise overall?
How did your cruise go on the Romantic Danube. We are scheduled for that trip leaving on Saturday, sept. 28. We have been reading about being bused & ship swaps. We’re not looking forward to that.
Elegant Elbe Cruise on Viking Astrild
Low water level on the Elbe caused our October 6-11 Berlin – Prague sailing to be modified from cruise to bus trips, so we opted to accept the full refund that was offered instead. We didn’t expect to be traveling again in the next 12 months, so the 50% voucher that was offered if we accepted the revised itinerary would be of no value to us.
Consistent with what I’ve read elsewhere, Viking waited until 2 weeks before our departure date to notify us. The notice came two days after I had called Viking and was assured, absolutely, that there was no problem on the Elbe, and the cruise portion of the trip would go as planned. I had called because a friend we were to meet in Berlin had asked for details about our time in there, and I wanted to make sure the trip would not be modified.
I learned from this experience. It is good that we scheduled the complete package through Viking including air and insurance. The refund will cover every penny we paid. That made me glad I had not arranged air and insurance on my own as I usually do. Several components of the trip were modified since our initial deposit, including two hotels, four airline reservations, and ultimately the cruise itself.
I am so sorry to hear this. So you are not sailing at all? How is Avalon handling this for you? How disappointing. I sure hope you are able to at least sail for a portion of your trip. Good Luck. Liv.
Thank you Peter.
Good to know. Thank you Gail.
Thank you Gail for taking time out of your trip to update us all. I the rest of your trip is smooth sailing.
Thank you Tito. Hoping thing improve for all of us. A previous post sated rain was in the forcast. Here’s to hoping!! Good Luck to your parents.
Than you for the update Mary.
Thanks, Gail. Hopefully there will be enough water to cruise.
Hi Mike, how did your ship swap go? Where did it happen & what was the experience like? We leave in a few days from Amsterdam & have been emailed by Viking to give us a heads up we may need to expect the same.
Betty – we just returned from those areas. The beginning of our trip started in Budapest where it was shorts and short sleeves. Into the high 70’s during the day. Finishing in Passau / Regensburg required sweaters and jackets. It was 43 one morning but it did warm up for the afternoon. Your best bet is to google the weather there for the week and to be able to layer your tops with a sweater.
Thank you! Hope that you enjoy the rest of your trip! We are so excited about ours!
Gail you have been the greatest with the updates. Loved it when you called out a captain for saying there was plenty of water and saying he had fibbed. We are sailing with Scenic on the 30th. Fingers crossed for rain.
you may want to look into a travel pass ahead of time for the dates you be traveling so you can utilize the trains less expensive than out-of-pocket as you go.
What are the temperatures in the Passau, Nuremberg, Budapest area? We are scheduled on the Viking Grand European Tour starting in Budapest on October 1st.
Hello Sue Ann J… We boarded the Aegir as planned after the 2 hotel nights. We heard the Embla was back in service, but there is (was) a low water level issue. Are you underway on the Embla to Budapest? Crews on both ships are awesome. We are now docked in Koblenz.
We are also on Avalon and just talked to people on the Viking ship and Scenic ship that are also stuck here in Regensburg. Both those companies are having their people pack up but have a sister ship waiting for them past Passau so they can continue their cruise. We are quite disappointed that Avalon is not doing that since that is one of the reasons we picked them. Their marketing presentation said that if levels were low they would transfer you to another ship.
We are in Regensburg now. Water too low to go through to Budapest…transfer to bus 2 days time. They are hopeful of rain. Good luck