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.
Their focus is on making money. Terrible customer service. They should be refunding clients. Bussing and ship swaps. No thanks. Also their boats are among the biggest on the rivers ( more passengers more $$$) that’s why they bus and ship swap so often. Do your homework. Viking is the worst among travel agents. Only refer if that’s all the client can afford. So many better lines.
Thanks Susan T. for the update. Looks like we’ll probably be doing some ship swapping along the way with our Viking trip on the 27th.
( B to A ). At least we think the temperature will be nice.
Are you on Viking?
We’re on an upcoming Basel to Amsterdam Rhine cruise and have only 4 days left to cancel without losing all our money. We will be disappointed not to go – but concerned about missing out on the chance to cruise vs buses and hotels. Any advice appreciated by those on the Rhine.
We just got back from a Rhine cruise on Uniworld and we only had a foot below the boat. They handled it beautifully, no interruption. I have to, I would be very worried. If cruising in August. I sure wouldn’t want to do the boat swamp. Just my opinion.
Current River level in Budapest 3’ 6” Viking has sent out an update on low water levels. We have canceled our August 11 trip on Viking due to low water levels and hearing that it’s mostly a bus trip.
We are scheduled to leave the 10 th. Below is from Viking. We are going to cancel. Did not pay for a bus trip
The Rhine and Danube Rivers are currently experiencing unusually low water levels, and our nautical team is monitoring the situation minute-by-minute. To varying degrees, these low water levels will affect select river itineraries. Guests and their Travel Advisors will continue to be notified directly by Viking Customer Relations if we think that their itinerary might be impacted.
P.S. today after calling Viking we were told the excursions will not be affected. Duh! They’re on land, so of course not! Sad, sad, sad.
No, just that “they’re monitoring” water levels. We are assuming we’ll have to switch ships at some point. Has anyone asked if the low river has a stench??
Would love to hear an update on your cruising situation.
This is what I was predicting. We start the Grand tour on Aug. 14 in Amsterdam. Looks like you will be on at least 4 ships. Hope you make it to Budapest.
As a 45-year luxury cruise agent veteran, when it comes to low or high water conditions you want the cruise line with the most identical ships. That line is Viking with multiple ships on all European rivers. If needed they will move passengers easily from one ship to the identical cabin on another ship. Other than the name of the ship – nothing changes. If you are booked on a cruise line with only 1 or 2 ships on an entire river and your ship is unable to move – you will spend long hours on a bus.
Water levels are changing day to day. Viking ships have far less than 2 meters draft. And how do you interpret the water levels you get via the internet. Not a single waterlevel is indicating the water depth, they are all just showing the variation towards a point ficed to a certain sea level. Its all really complicated!
As of late yesterday (Aug 3), Viking posted “they are monitoring” low water levels but since they own there ships are planning to use them as hotels and bus people from one to another/ship swapping up and down the Rhine and Danube. No mention of canceling any upcoming cruises. I know they’ve struggled significantly with COVID-19 stopping business for 2 years but they won’t have many happy customers if they’ve paid for a cruise verses bus trip! Many river cruise customers have some mobility/endurance issues and paid not to pack up daily and be forced to live out of a suitcase to see Europe.
There is no rain forecast more than a 45% for .03” in 3 locations along the Rhine for August. I hope Viking makes some wise decisions sooner rather than later.
Thank you, Matt! We all will greatly appreciate your taking the time to update us on your experience. Good luck in your travels!
We leave for Amsterdam in two days for the Viking cruise (now likely a bus tour) to Basel. I will try to update here with details of the busing adventure.
We are booked on a Viking Danube cruise (Budapest to Regensburg) on Sept 9. We booked in July 2021 and had to pay in full at that time….. well over a year ago. I have booked many cruises over time, not Viking, and never had to pay up front. I would say that the previous post about paying 2 years prior to sailing could be a distinct possibility.
Which river boat line?
Thank you Ellen, greatly appreciated. Please keep me posted.
Dale, we’ve gotten no news at all. On Viking Tialfi from Amsterdam to Basel w Oberammergau August 20 and keeping fingers crossed!
We are sailing August 24 Amsterdam to Budapest and just wondering what you are now hearing and experiencing from Viking about river levels
We are currently on the Grand European tour so I can give you an update. After transferring to three ships and one hotel, we arrived in Passau yesterday. Due to the low water levels our ship can go no further. This morning we were bussed 1.5 hours to and from Regensburg. We are moving to another ship tomorrow and will be bussed somewhere near Nuremberg to board. It is after 6pm and we have no details about tomorrow’s schedule or packing requirements.
Any update to your cruise?
What is your cruise line?
Hello Susan, have you heard any news regarding your Aug 20 Viking trip Basel to Amsterdam?
We would be very interested in what Viking is communicating to you.
Did you get a reply regarding your Aug 20 Viking trip? We’re going a week later.
We are to do the same cruise on Viking Magni starting Aug. 14, but have not heard a word from Viking. The draft for that ship is 2 meters. Checking current water levels at several of the ports tells us levels are less than 2 meters. When will Viking pull the plug?
Martin,
Who told you this? We are on Basel to Amsterdam on Viking embarking Aug. 6 and have not been told this.
Hi Martin,
We are going Basel to Amsterdam on Viking on Aug. 6….we have not heard anything other thanthe water is low. Your entire cruise is cancelled?
We did a 2019 Viking cruise Amsterdam to Budapest. River levels were low and they bussed us to another boat, which was annoying but they did offer us half price on a future cruise which hopefully we are doing next month on the Rhone river in France. Had the trip canceled/postponed twice bc of Covid. Now looking for info on Rhône levels.
We did the Scenic Basel to Amsterdam arriving there on July 27th. The Rhine was drying up behind us all the way. The ship we were on was unlikely to make it back to Basel, without significant rain, which wasn’t happening.
We are on a Viking Basel to Amsterdam, embarking on Sept. 16; concerned about water levels also. R U on this same tour? Viking Alruna?
We have not heard a word from Viking, have you?
What line has cancelled this cruise?
No word of cancellations from AMA Waterways’ Aug. 4 departure from Amsterdam (yet).
Not looking good for August.
Reaally. We are too. No notice yet.
Please share any current information available about the Elbe River. A friend and I are scheduled to sail with Viking on the Prague to Berlin itinerary, departing on September 15th. As many know, the Elbe is normally much more shallow than the greats — the Danube and the Rhine. Unlike last year, rainfall in Europe this summer has been scarce. The previous time I was to sail the Elbe, in 2018 if I recall, I was able to cancel and receive a refund when, one week before embarking, Viking emailed that we’d be busing between ports. We river cruise aficionados know that the whole point of paying the high prices is to travel on the river. I’m concerned about a repeat of this experience, but it’s not ending happily.
Viking did an incredible job swapping out ships on our July 2022 Grand European Cruise. We started on the Modi and swapped ships with no issues at all. Go Viking!
Susan, we are also on this cruise from A to B, first time river cruisers. I’m trying to stay positive! Will keep watching posts…
Is that on viking? I am going from Amsterdam to Basil on the fifth haven’t heard anything.
What cruise line? We are on Tauck Amsterdam to Basel on August 10 and are worried
We just got notification that our Rhine Scenic Cruise Basel to Amsterdam starting Aug 5 has been cancelled due to low water levels.
How about the Rhine?? Is it affecting Viking cruises between Basel and Amsterdam? Our cruise is scheduled for August 20th and we are terribly concerned
What river boat of Tauck was this? We are scheduled on MS Inspire from Amsterdam next week.
We are on Aug 6 as well… we are nervous
The ms Rotterdam was to dock in Amsterdam on July 24 and we were informed Saturday night that the ship was being directed to Rotterdam. Holland America had to scramble to move departing and newly arriving passengers in Rotterdam. Keep an eye on your luggage! We received ours at 7:00 pm Sunday night.
Which cruise are your parents on? We are going from Budapest to Bucharest the end of August…concerned… not interested in a bus trip. Any updated would be appreciated
We received this message 22 hours before our outbound flight tomorrow:
“This message is to update you with a further change in your embarkation. Due to unavoidable scheduling changes as a consequence of low water levels on the Danube River, your ship has been changed to an identical sister ship, Viking Vali.”
No further explanation
Which River did you cruise? I have a Viking Rhine cruise 9/14 and am starting to watch the water levels
Problem is.. most if us book a river cruise… not a coach holiday so i dont care how well viking handle transferring people from one boat to another if it means i gotta be on a coach on the autobahn fir 4 to 6 hours instead of the rhine. ..boat was what i have booked not escorted coach tour
Where was the swap? We go from Basel to Amsterdam next week (August 5). Thanks!
Well said Johannes. We have done six Viking cruises, both river and sea and have found them to be generally outstanding as compared to the other cruise lines we have used. As for river cruise water levels, we traveled in the fall to ensure no problems. Spring and summer are a recognized roll of the dice.
We are going on the Amsterdam-Budapest cruise departing Aug 2. I just contacted Viking to attempt to change this to a 2023 trip. They would not allow it. When I asked why we weren’t notified 2 weeks ago when we still could have changed at no cost, they said the water levels change daily and that it could rise. This is very unlikely given the current forecast in Europe. They quoted the contract stating that “itinerary changes may be made in the event of low water levels”. When asked why they are just contacting people 2 days prior, they said it is a day by day thing and our cruise is currently not on the problem list. However based on what everyone is saying is happening and the official water level reports, there is no question that Viking River cruises departing in the next few weeks will be heavily impacted. It is clear that Viking knows that water levels are extremely low, and that they are not telling customers until it’s too late that they will be having a less than desirable experience, and that they are refusing to allow changes without large penalties.