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.
Thank you. Hopefully next week things will change. Passau isn’t far from Regensburg, but would really want yo enjoy the entire length of the cruise.
bduggar,
Are you traveling on Viking? If so, have you contacted them regarding possible disruptions in travel?
Margaret,
So you did not do any ship swaps the entire journey?
Jill,
Which cruise line were your with.
Rob,
Have you had any replies to you inquiry. We are departing Budapest on 8/28 to Regensberg on Viking. We can cancel by tomorrow, 8/12 with full refund. Thinking about cancelling. Don’t feel good about the vague info we are getting from the Viking sales person.
Wow. Sounds difficult. I wonder if Viking might cancel our cruise which is a week out. Thank you for your update. I hope it goes well for you the rest of your trip.
I will try to do so. I just don’t know what to expect. I am not pleased with the prospect of being on buses. I was told by Viking today that it would only be one bus trip to change ships one time. If that is correct I can live with that.
Well, it has started. I was going to say the wheels are coming off, but it’s the wrong metaphor. The wheels are actually coming on. We are motor-coaching! We are not boarding a ship until Frankfurt, a new stop. Low water levels on the Rhine have prompted this. Viking has us staying the first night in an Amsterdam hotel, then motor coach to Cologne hotel for 2 nights, stopping along the way for the Kinderdijk tour. We will do any scheduled Cologne shore excursions. Day 4 is motor coach travel to Koblenz for shore excursions, and then to Frankfurt to embark on a sister ship Viking Balder (originally Viking Magni). That’s all we know so far. There is the possibility, and I would guess high likelihood, of ship swaps further along.
Scheduled for same cruise in early Sept. Would very much appreciate a recap of your experience!
Us too – I’m following
Hello , we are taking Viking Sept 4th Budapest to Regensberg , when you topped in Passau did you get to spend your time rather and attend tours.
We did the Viking No Risk guarantee like Ken said that they offered during Covid – I talked to Viking yesterday and we will get 100% back to put onto another Viking cruise within 24 months (sign up during that time, not cruise). The agent said “since you’re iffy this might be a good time to use it.” We are on the Oberagammau to Budapest on the Danube and he did say that the Romantic Danube and Danube Waltz were affected by the water levels. We are set to leave the 31st and have until the 28th to cancel so just trying to get as much info as possible before deciding!
Brian, we left Amsterdam on 8/9 to Basel on Viking Hermod. Day 1 and 2 in Kinderdjik and Cologne have been unaffected. Tonight we learned that the ship can’t go much further south than Koblenz. Therefore tomorrow we will do a ship swap. Everyone must pack bags and have them in the hall by 8 am. The morning excursions in the Koblenz area are unaffected. However, the afternoon/evening excursions, including the dinner in Rudeshiem are canceled. At noon Viking is putting us on a smaller river boat for lunch and to cruise the Rhine River gorge. At 4 pm we exit the river and take a 3 hour bus ride in the evening and then board the Viking Sign at 7 pm in time for dinner at Strasbourg. Our luggage will be delivered to our staterooms which should be the identical rooms we currently occupy on the Hermod. This effectively skips the scheduled stop at Speyer and we were told the excursion to Heidelberg was also canceled. So it seems the River is impassable between Koblenz and Strasburg. We are unsure what Viking plans to do about the now seemingly canceled day in Speyer. Perhaps they will bus us back on Saturday. Perhaps we will get two days in Strasburg, or they will add another stop that is a currently not scheduled. Not sure. The cruise has been great, and you should look forward to it.
following. reverse itinerary two weeks later. thanks for posting.
Rhine. 47cm….and dropping on 8/11
cancel…no water and no rain forecast
Just canceled our 8/27 Grand European yesterday…water levels will not improve over the next 2 weeks for sure. No rain forecast. German observers said they need 2 weeks of torrential rain to bring levels up.
RLW – There are 4 of us scheduled for the same Sept 15t Elbe cruise. I am researching as much as I can, trying to determine whether this will be a cruise or a bus trip. If you hear anything of substance please post. I will do the same. I called and a Viking rep explained that “if it is decided that your trip will be DRASTICALLY affected, then we will let you know either before or after the issuance of documents.” Huh? Hope to see you on the Elbe with satisfactory water levels. 🙂
Leaving on same European grand tour on Viking on 8/12/22 and just got a notice that we will have to coach from Amsterdam to Frankfort.
Hopefully it won’t get lower once we’re underway.
What line were you on?
Thanks Matt for the updates. Keep them coming we are doing this same cruise at the beginning of September.
We just got back from Regensburg to Budapest on Viking cruise. Because of low water level we did not get on ship in Regensburg, we embarked in small town in Austria. There was a bus trip that took those who wanted to go to Regensburg for the tour. We remained on our ship the entire way to Budapest. The crew was very nervous that we wouldn’t make it the whole way but luckily a day of rain made it possible.
Just canceled our 8/27 departure Buda pest to Amsterdam. Took voucher to reschedule. Water levels will turnout into a bus trip
Brian, Please keep us posted on your trip regarding water levels. Thx!
I just returned last night from the Viking Budapest to Amsterdam cruise. We had to do the ship switch at Passau. That went just fine. However we had to leave the cruise ship and travel by bus the last three days. The river was so low you could see the bottom, and probably could have walked across it. Viking did their best by providing good accommodations and meals along the way. Of course a relaxing sail beats a bus ride any day. Hope you are able to complete your journey!
Thank you! We are looking forward to our Danube A-Rosa River boat trip (postponed since 2020) departing 28 Aug 2022. Your wonderful positive outlook is great! We will be going and will make the best of what ever happens. 🙂 Round trip Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Wachau, Krem, Melk, Passau. Will watch the posts for news. Best to all due to travel soon. Have FUN.
We travelled on the 8th and only made it to Passau. We went on to Regensberg by bus.
Very interested in your experience. We are doing same trip but not until Sep 9th. I’m doing rain dances for Europe!
We are traveling Sept 3 Budapest to Regensburg and are also concerned. Would love info
Would love to hear about levels…scheduled for 9/4
That’s a great attitude……. I love hearing that. I did not mind sitting on the bus for 3 hours. The experienced in Europe every minute is just so enjoyable. The people are fantastic…… Enjoy your cruise
Nice news…..Enjoy
I am also a river cruiser going on my 6th Viking cruise in November. I experienced all the low water during 2018 which was worth it .. We did a ship swap which was seamless. Viking gave us a bonus lunch cruise on a very beautiful boat going Through the middle Rhine. I would never cancel…. never cancel… it’s too much experiences that change as you take different cruises why not enjoy it changes . Please keep me In tune because I will be leaving to Amsterdam for November 3rd to November 14th vikings sail to Switzerlandi…..
Thanks Peter. We will be watching. We are sceduled on Viking Basel to Amsterdam 8/19.
Brian
The Rhine also has locks. We went through many, many locks on our Grand European on the Rhine last year.
Peter, it will be good to see your updates. We did that cruise last year and it was wonderful. Of course, they had a flood two months before so water was in no danger of being too low. Plus, it was just after they started sailing again from Covid so the ship was not completely full. We are scheduled this year from Zurich to Paris in late September. We scheduled just in time to have Viking’s risk free guarantee and can reschedule as long as it is more than 14 days out so we will be watching these postings carefully for the next couple of weeks.
Thanks David. We’re coming from Canada for Basel – Amsterdam on Sept. 26. Your comments are really helpful.
Update please?
Flying to Amsterdam tomorrow for the same cruise. Please keep us posted on events and thanks for doing so so far. We had a similar similar problem on the Elbe with a ship swap- Bussed to Dresden from Prague and then bussed to Wittenburg. Neither ship sailed at all. Very disappointed!
We are leaving on 20.8. On Croisicruice Amsterdam – Basel and im little worried 😥 sure these are the ”first world problem” but when you are waiting your only long vacay from work so loooong and planned all this trip and stuff, this makes me sad. Very boring if they just tranfer us by bus, cos that’s not what i pay for 😕 specialy if you dont get to visit in every town you suposed to. Would be nicer that they makes the decision to call this off and pay money back, or you got change to reschedule.
We tried to cruise Danube in August 2018 – water levels so low the ship could not reach Budapest from Austria, so first night in a hotel instead of on board, then 4 hour coach journey to finally get to our first boat in Austria, missing the best bit of cruising on the whole Danube. Cruised till near German border then boat swap to far side of Passau. The first lock we came across was in Germany – water levels on main Rhine were fine – so if the Rhine is now so low (we were there 25 July to 1 August this year and on one of the last boats to make an uninterrupted trip) I’m not optimistic about the Danube, but really hope I’m wrong.
We too are traveling Basel to Amsterdam August 16. Looking forward to it, come what may. As Gabriella said above “first world problems “
Thanks so much. We sail 9/12 from Amsterdam to Budapest. Very concerned. Waited 3 years due to Covid and if bus trips are the option will find another.
From our experience that means you are starting on a sister ship of the one you booked on, they are in the wrong locations because of low water and you could well do a ship swap which will result in you joining your original ship at some point. We did the Trier to Basel cruise 25 July on the sister ship to the one we were booked on and were extremely lucky to be able to cruise the whole way. I suspect we were probably the last Viking cruise ship to manage the full trip in current circumstances.
Peter, please let us know how your trip is progressing through these low river depths. Has it become a bus tour versus river? We are scheduled for the Grand European 8/26 from Budapest to Amsterdam. May cancel.
were you on Rhine or Danube?……….did you have any diversion to a bus?
We’re going on the Romantic Danube- departing August 26. Very Interested on how your trip goes.
Update on Aug. 10: Despite having the smallest draft (160 cm) of all the cruise ships AMA was unable to navigate the Rhine gorge on August 8. We bused to Rudesheim for day then back to Koblenz for the night. Boarded buses the next morning for Heidelberg and on to Strasbourg where we boarded a sister ship to continue to Basel, to arrive tonight. Rumors that Viking and others are canceling trips for foreseeable future but, no one is sure. Water levels are now lower than 2018 when AMA was only company able to cruise the Rhine. Very frustrating, but nature is in control.
Good point, RDVIK – but if you read some of the comments and reviews of Viking customers (not just here but on other web sites) the fact there are lots of boats and people can be bussed to them is not necessarily a good thing.
They are saying they would rather have it cancelled and get a full refund or a full value voucher and NOT be bussed. You can read about how miserable most of them were as a result of these alterations.
Remember – tours that are designed to be bus tours are very different from an emergency last minute reroute of a cruise tour.
Richard is right.
For the Viking Longships, the draft can vary from 1.50m to 2m.