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.
We have just cruised on the Rhine with Avalon Basel to Amsterdam. Fantastic cruise. Water levels were low but improved enough to avoid any disruption. Hope all goes well for you
We are taking the opposite route beginning Sept.29. If you hear anything we would appreciate it if you would let me know.
We are boarding the Uniworld River Duchess on Sept. 14 Amsterdam to Budapest for 16 days. So far, I have not seen anyone else mention being on a Uniworld ship. We will be traveling on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Our friends who are going with us called Uniworld and asked about the river levels and they said so far they aren’t experiencing any problems.
Hi all, this site has been awesome with such great, timely information! I’ve been stalking the Viking Gersemi on its voyage down to Basel (we leave Amsterdam on it September 15) and was wondering if anyone checking this site is on it. I noticed it was docked in Braubach today rather than Koblenz. Does anyone know why? Water level problems? Port problems? Thanks!
Thanks for keeping us updated Bob. Please bring that boat safely to us : ) We board on Weds. and yes, they changed our embarkation to Turnu Măgurele but seems like a minor change so far.
We have finished the cruise and are home now. We made it all the way through with no itinerary changes, bussing or ship swaps. In talking to the cruise director, she said it is usually a day to day decision as the levels can change quickly – up or down. She said they sometimes don’t know what Viking corporate decides until last minute. I used some of the resources on this site to track water levels with one of the best being the map showing all the gauges (the Kaub gauge is important because that’s the critical section) and the 14 day forecasts. We’re glad we didn’t cancel now but it was sure stressful in the days leading up to our departure.
Had a similar question. Have a Viking B-A cruise departing 9/23. Looking at Cruisemapper it does not appear that much traffic is making passage between Regensberg and Nuremberg along the Main-Danube canal. Our ship, the Vili appears to have made the southbound trip to Nuremberg and then returned along the back course, suggesting to me a ship swap?
Anyone successful transmitted this section in the last week? Thanks SO much to all for your time n providing these updates
We are booked on Scenic Jade from Basel to Amsterdam on 21 September . We were hoping for a leisurely cruise down the Rhine with a few stop offs in interesting towns , some good food and company. Certainly not a glorified coach trip with all the COVID implications! Praying that the itinerary sticks to schedule and we are not required to swap ships or expected to endure long coach trips.
We did an Emerald Rhone cruise a few years ago and it was exactly what we expected taking us into the heart of some beautiful towns with no need for coaches. I realise that these are exceptional circumstances and we need to go with the flow ( hopefully) . We will watch with interest any posts from Scenic Jade passengers in the next couple of weeks.
Is anyone on the Viking Tialfi or Viking Aruna this week—September 3-10. We are scheduled to cruise next week from Amsterdam to Basel, and I’m wondering if our ship has changed. It appears last weeks cruises from A-B and B-A were able to make the entire trip without busing or ship swaps. Please update on water levels, rain, and temperatures this week. Thank you.
Boarding Uniworld River Queen on Sept. 12 for 12 days (hopeuflly) cruising the Rhine and Moselle. Any comments from those who have been on Uniworld in the last few weeks regarding the river levels?
We are booked on Viking Aegir from Budapest to Amsterdam about the same time – and in our mid 80s are also not eager for bus trips. Been many time to Europe so could easily skip some scenic tours (can you stay onboard during the day ?) but have been looking forward to our first river cruise. Fingers crossed for early fall rains. Closely reading all the river updates – thanks a lot for the feedback.
We are officially docking for Bucharest about 80 kilometers short of Ruse but has no real impact other than juggling shore excursions so you’ll be fine boarding near Ruse to head for Budapest. Have a great trip.
We are currently sailing on Viking Lofn Budapest to Bucharest. All going great. We have been told that our last stop will be 80 kilometers short of the planned stop but really has no impact on our cruise and just a minor change are related to shore excursions. Happy sailing.
A correction: I interpreted Avalon’s statement as a probable ship swap, but I was wrong. I’ve been following their ships on CruiseMapper, and the Vista and Panorama seem to be completing their cruises without a swap.
The Avalon statement only indicates that – because of swapping that occurred in mid-summer – the two sister ships have ended up on each other’s itineraries. So, for example, the “romantic Rhine” cruise leaving Amsterdam on Sep 17 will be on the Panorama, instead of the originally planned Vista.
Charlie says
We are supposed to be in Budapest for the weekend of Sept 10-11, boarding the Amawaterways Ama Bella on Monday, Sept. 12. Ama has not updated its Travel Update page since August 25, and I am hoping that the Lower Danube will be navigable to the conclusion of the trip in Romania. Does anyone have any info on the Ama cruises on the lower Danube? I would hate to have to move about any more than originally scheduled by bus, since there is already a fair amount of that on this trip.
We put off getting our shots because I got very sick after my second Pfizer shot. We are sailing on a Uniworld River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest leaving September 14th. We are also required to be vaccinated between the time frame you mentioned. After doing some research I opted to get a Moderna shot this time. I had no reaction at all! I don’t know if the same would be true for you, but you might consider switching brands of vaccinations. It is allowed. Talk to your doctor.
Sailing the lower Danube from Budapest to the Black Sea and back, no problems in Budapest now heading to Belgrade on Riviera William Wordsworth, river low but “No” problems anticipated according to cruise director. Great ship and staff very good. Will keep you all posted
Anxiety aside about the water levels, our next concern is the booster shot required for the Budapest to Amsterdam trip with Tauck.
Our initial shots were over a year ago, we both got real sick.
From what information we get from Tauck your last shot cannot be more than 270 days old and administered not less than 14 days old.
If they are going to cancel the trip we would rather postpone the shots.
We have 3 trips planned for Europe and the boosters would cover all in the 270 envelope.
After checking it’s the cruise line Tauck that requires the booster not the European countries.
Anyone have any thoughts or same concerns?
Thank you Joanne
Is the weather cool?
We are on Scenic Pearl and had to wait just south of Regensburg for a “wave” to come down the river to get to Passau. Our Cruise Director showed us the graphs they use to determine river levels. Our captain had a very small window of opportunity to get through before they closed the river again. We were able to reach Passau with 30 cm to spare under the ship so the river levels change on an hourly basis! Good Luck
Hi Sandy, we are booked to leave Budapest on 19th October with APT to travel to Amsterdam. Hopefully our boats will pass each other at the halfway mark.
Fingers crossed for rain over the next few weeks, as we definitely don’t want a bus trip around Germany.
Thank you to all the reports that keep coming through. I really appreciate them.
The euro is the lowest it’s been in years so I bought some from the bank.. I’m from Canada so I used Canadian dollars..
How is your cruise going, Iain? Would appreciate any updates if you have time to post! Thanks! Enjoy!
Awesome 👌 Keep on enjoying 😉
Susie and Mac, Please give updates on your progress along the river when you have time! It looks like Biking ships are off schedule as they have had necessary ship swaps. We are on Viking Sept. 26 departing Amsterdam and arriving Budapest on the 10th. Praying for more rain!
My husband and I are booked on the Viking Magni, leaving Amsterdam October 9, to Budapest – 15 day trip. The recent article in the NY Times (Aug. 29 by Jenny Gross) left us feeling concerned. At ages 76 and 80, we DO NOT want to be bused around Germany. We want a River Cruise…a relaxing trip! Right now we are monitoring the water levels and hoping for the best, although my husband’s least favorite word is “hope.” Good luck with your Tauck Trip. My sister just returned from a Tauck Tour of England and Scotland; she said it was hot.
Thank you Monica!
Hi there! Did you make it along the Danube? We are leaving on the Jarl Oct 1 in Budapest to Regensberg. First river cruise….did not
know about the risk with the water levels.
Michael we are booked to leave Amsterdam on 19th October with APT to Budapest so understand how you are feeling. I guess we have to hope that more rain falls during the next 6 weeks!
I think most companies only cancel a few days beforehand, most travellers who book a river cruise want exactly that not a hotel/bus trip.
Let’s all hope for good outcomes in the coming weeks and thank you to everyone for your reports keep them coming!
Thank you, David!
We sail 9/28 Budapest to Amsterdam and also hoping for some rain before we get there….not enough to disrupt anyone else’s trip…..
Thx for the update Bob. I saw Lofn on cruise mappers.com and thought it looked like you were moving fine along the Danube. Here’s to hoping the water levels near Ruse rise with the rain that is predicted for this weekend. Best!
Hope the remainder of your trip went well, Kevin. Were you able to sail all the way through? Any speculation as to whether water levels on the Rhine will be adequate for the next two weeks?
Just returned from a Rhine cruise 24/8 to 1/9. No problems with water level Basel to Amsterdam, cruised all the way. Cargo ships are light loaded but cruise ships in the main seem ok.
Still on the Scenic Pearl. Left Regensburg yesterday, sailing to Passau today. Small change in itinerary for those wanting to do the Salzburg Sound of Music tour. They left early on the bus and will be meeting us in Passau. Crew wanted to make up some time. Didn’t bother me as I hate the Sound of Music (the film, not the sound of music). No mention of ship swaps, beautiful sunny day. Drinking wine on the top deck after lunch.
On the Rhine, Riviera G Chaucer arrived in Basel Aug 31st.
Captain said that there will be no changes to Itinerary.
Wonderful day yesterday in the Swiss Alps. Absolutely priceless. On the cog railway. Wish I could show a picture. Weather wonderful.
Hi Colin,
Have you been able to sail the whole way? We are leaving on the 18th September, Amsterdam to Budapest. Flying from Australia after having to cancel in 2020.
Kathy
Have you heard anything new? We were just informed we would be in a hotel at least thru the 4th and possibly the 5th with a ship swap on the 14th.
Thanks Monica!
We are on the Viking Ve from Sept 13th -28th leaving from Amsterdam. I’m confused, when do you arrive in Budapest? Can they get the ship back to Amsterdam for that quick of a turn around.Thank you, Bruce
Can you share.more about what this means exactly? Where you supposed to start in Budapeat, and now you are finishing there inatead?
We are currently on the Emerald Sun. We left Budapest August 27 and will arrive in Passau on September 3. We docked next to the Luna in Vienna on August 30th and I spoke to some passengers on the shuttle to our ship. The Luna had made it through from Amsterdam to Vienna without a hitch and they were having an awesome time. I can say the same for our trip travelling in the opposite direction. No issues with water levels, no ship swaps. The crew is amazing and everyone is happy to be here.
Brian, we’re on a Sept. 6th Rhine cruise as well. Viking Gymir is our ship; Basel to Amsterdam. Like you, we’ve been following the Rhine water levels and comments about possible ship swaps and bussing. We received notification that the cruise is set to sail as scheduled, but we are preparing ourselves in the event the itinerary changes. Best to be prepared. Anyone else going on this cruise?
I find that interesting as well…keep us posted! We will depart B to R Oct 1
We are supposed to be in Budapest for the weekend of Sept 10-11, boarding the Amawaterways Ama Bella on Monday, Sept. 12. Ama has not updated its Travel Update page since August 25, and I am hoping that the Lower Danube will be navigable to the conclusion of the trip in Romania. Does anyone have any info on the Ama cruises on the lower Danube? I would hate to have to move about any more than originally scheduled by bus, since there is already a fair amount of that on this trip.
We are booked with Tauck on the Budapest to Amsterdam Cruise leaving on the 16 of October. We’ve had 2 trips canceled due to Covid and I’m 74 with the concerns about being bused everywhere, was looking forward to a relaxing cruise not sitting on a tour bus for hours looking out a window.
Been watching water levels rise and fall weekly.our cruise line, Tauck, has been somewhat informative.
However my concern is, even though I’ve purchased travel insurance with them, their spokesman said if I cancel I get only 50 percent refund, if they cancel it’s 100 percent.
They can cancel up to the last minute, leaving us in limbo up to the last minute.
We’ve been on 5 river cruises so far, and love them, just don’t want to pack and unpack, have done that on various other tours, it’s a hassle.
Anyone else in the same “Boat” as far as being undecided what to do?
Thanks for the update on your trip.
We are currently stopped just past Regensburg waiting for water to rise sufficiently to get to Passau. Not sure yet what will happen if river doesn’t rise!!! I imagine ship swapping
We are booked on the same cruise leaving Basel Oct. 4. Keep us posted!
You may have read my other comments. We left Budapest last evening on the Viking Lofn and all looks like an unrestricted cruise with the exception of perhaps not being able to make it all the way to Ruse (the Bucharest disembarkation point.) From what I hear the only impact is disembarking a bit up river from Ruse but no real impact on the itinerary other than perhaps longer excursion bus rides. It’s raining all day today so that bodes well.