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.
Just Google Rhine River levels, there is a website. Levels seem to be increasing. We cruised Basel to Amsterdam on Amadeus Imperial 25/8 to 2/9 with no problems.
No problem. We had a very interesting chat with our captain today, who said he had been concerned we may not get all the way to Strasbourg, but he’s confident now we have had a bit of rain. The level changed 50cm in 3 hours! We’re in Frankfurt now.
Great info – thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the update!
Thank you for your updates. They are very helpful.
Marylou,
Thank you for the update. How was the ship swap process? what did you do on that day?
I travel the same route on Viking in mid October. Please update when you can.
Steve
where is this sailing going? we are booked on castles of the rhine amsterdam to Basil and Uniworld saying A -ok at present time. ty
We are schedule Oct 15 on Uniworld on the Rhone from Lyon to Avignon…can’t find any info on the water levels…has anyone cruised the Rhone recently?
Thanks so much for all your updates. Hope the rest of your cruise is smooth.
Further update on our Budapest to Amsterdam journey on Viking. This morning we have reached Cologne. The middle Rhine was low but we got through as there has been some rain. We have now been told we will make it to Amsterdam 👏👏. The water is low here with a steep gangway but we made it to this point with only one ship swap (Passau to Nuremberg).
We are in Nuremberg today as scheduled. Tours cut short because we have to bus to Passau this afternoon to swap ships from viking idun to gefjon. They say it will be 2.5 hrs bus trip. We will then bus back to Regensburg tomorrow for tours then back on schedule Wed at Passau. Weather has been great and trip smooth so far until this. They are taking us to lunch today at German restaurant in Nuremberg since we can’t come back to ship. They say this is not due to low water but to another ship breaking down near Regensburg and closing of the danube but I am not so sure it doesn’t have something to due with water level.
How were your water levels? We are doing the reverse itinerary on October 3 rd. Is scenic well organized ( ie airport transfers , boarding etc)
Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to post the update – much appreciated!
Thank you
Debbie.
Did your trip go as planned or were the bus days? if so, where and how many?
Steve
Hi Susie and Steve
Wer’e scheduled for the Oct 12 viking cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Would love information on adjustments to the plans. Ship swaps and hotel – Bus trip modifications. Please post what is happening on your cruise. Have not been able to get Viking to say what modification are in place for current cruises underway.
Steve
Left Koblenz this afternoon and have just come through the Rhine gorge this evening fairly slowly but with no problems. A few little islands visible in the middle of the river which shouldn’t be there and some fairly narrow channels but all fine.
Flying to AMS early Monday morning, we will see what transpires. We are determined to have a great trip.
Not Heard anything from Scenic, flying to AMS early Monday morning, so will see what transpires then. Determined to have a great Trip.
Did you get to tour Regensburg?
Hi Steve we are doing the same cruise the beginning of October. Would really appreciate knowing how much, if any you spend on a bus. Too much money spent for a bus tour when you pay for a river cruise. Best of luck hope all goes well
If you have a Facebook account join Viking Danube River Cruises – 2022 and beyond. The site has pictures and lots of information concerning the water, attire, food, and much more. Enjoy!
Thanks Greg. Await your news eagerly as I sail on 28th Sept
We are booked on Scenic Jade leaving Basel to Amsterdam on 21 September . Does anyone know where she is at present?
First time I’ve ever hoped for rain on a big vacation! We leave for our pre-cruise extension in Prague in 9 days, so we are a “GO” for this trip. Fingers crossed🤞
https://rivercruiseadvisor.com/water-levels/#comment-31044
You’ll be fine. That’s what we took on Scenic and had plenty of room to store them.
Thanks! We appreciate all updates!
The weather forecast shows Passua will begetting alot of rain before we get there.
Your ship has been changed to the Jade. Could have water problem around Passau. I’m in Paris now and will join you on Sept 12 on Jade. Maybe we get lucky on water kevel.
We got as far as Passau ( on Viking Budapest to Amsterdam). Did day trip by bus to Regensburg. Took bus from passau to Nuremberg and sailing towards koblenz now. A fair bit of rain in area so we are good at the moment.
We are now sailing to Koblenz from Wertheim with no drama. Captain left Wertheim ( tour group left and joined up with us further down river) early to get through a “ touchy” area which experienced heavy rain today. He wanted to take advantage of slightly higher water. This is on Viking.
We are now sailing to Koblenz from Wertheim with no drama. Captain left Wertheim ( tour group left and joined up with us further down river) early to get through a “ touchy” area which experienced heavy rain today. He wanted to take advantage of slightly higher water.
I’ve been on the river duchess. I remember the captain saying that the ship had a low/ shallow draught and had better luck getting through in shallow water. Fingers crossed it’s the case for you guys.
We are on an Emerald ship mid October. 🤞🤞🤞🤞🙏🙏🙏
Smart casual only.
Thank you. Is there a site for the Dordogne & Garonne rivers through Bordeaux? I can’t seem to find any info. I am surprising my husband for his 70th birthday.
Fingers crossed! Uniworld has assured us that the sailing is planned to operate as scheduled. Bruce and Becky and Ken and I will see you there … and we won’t complain about the rain!
Thank you, we are scheduled on the Viking Baldur leaving Budapest to Amsterdam on 9/11. Any updates on Danube, Mainz and Rhine are appreciated, as well as how Viking is handling the low water. Plus any rain updates would be appreciated.
Yes, you’re right, Scenic Amber is stuck in Passau. It’s been unable to get to Nuremberg because water levels around Regensburg are about 4 feet and the ship’s draft is 5 feet. As such, Scenic is bussing people to Nuremberg and Regensburg. We should be departing Passau this evening and will then be back on schedule.
Hi Stacy,
Have not been contacted by Scenic at all. We spoke to them a few days ago and were told no problem with water levels???. Its a pity these company’s are not open and honest with the customers as for warned is for armed. Will post if I get any info.
We have just come off a Scenic river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. No luggage restrictions.
We are currenty docked at Giurgiu, Romania on Tauck Esprit with remainder of group taking a bus to Black Sea with overnight hotel with bus return tomorrow to Bucharest due to lack of navigability. Some of us have elected to remain on the ship for a relaxing day and massages instead of taking the 4 hour bus ride because the room, food and service are just so outstanding on the Tauck Esprit.
We are currenty docked at Giurgiu, Romania on Tauck Esprit with remainder of group taking a bus to Black Sea with overnight hotel with bus return tomorrow to Bucharest due to lack of navigability. Some of us have elected to remain on the ship for a relaxing day and massages instead of taking the 4 hour bus ride because the room, food and service are just so outstanding on the Taucj Esprit.
We are on a viking boat on the Danube. We are traveling from Budapest to Regensburg. We are finishing in degendorf today as the water level is too low in Regensburg. The crew has handled things very well and there has been little disruption.
Hi, Ian – we’re also supposed to be on Scenic Jasper Sep. 12th, but AIS says the boat is arriving in Budapest tomorrow. The only Scenic boat near AMS is Jade. Have you heard anything about a possible boat change at the start of the trip? We just need to know as we’re getting ourselves to the dock. Thanks for any info!
Interested if anyone has updates regarding the Elbe river levels? We are scheduled to go on the Viking Elegant Elbe trip starting on September 24, 2022 on the Beyla.
Hi, River Duchess still hasn’t progressed passed Regensberg.
They have 1,000km to go and 50+ locks.
We are in a nice Sheraton hotel in Frankfurt after a long bus journey. Preston (tour manager) is fantastic, but with 80 passengers initially on the cruise, 10+ are now ejected off of the (now bus) tour with COVID.
I am going to guess on Sat or Sun you will get an email stating a deviation has occurred due to water levels (which is beyond their control). The Duchess can only make Frankfurt or Cologne, you will arrive in Amsterdam and get a free transfer from the airport to a posh hotel, after a day visit in Amsterdam you will be bused to the Ship (Cologne/Frankfurt). That fact the river levels are unpredictable is true, Uniworld knew this on 3 Sep when the Capt told us we couldn’t reach Amsterdam on time.
When you get on the ship, where ever, it is lovely and the crew are great.
Hope this helps
We left Amsterdam on Sept 6th. We are now Sept 9th – just passed Mittenburg with no issues through the Rhine Gorge. Rained today and a little bit yesterday. So far smooth sailing with no issues. We heard there might be some issues on the Danube, but will wait and see. We are on Scenic Opal.
Left amsterdam on September 6th headed for Budapest. Been great so far. Went through middle rhine valley yesterday . Awesome views. On main river now. No ship swaps and all tours have been as scheduled. Will be on Danube in a couple days so will update then.
Thanks for this info, we are joining Scenic Jasper in Amsterdam on 12th Sept and wonder if the low water levels are going to cause us any problems, I have spoken to Scenic and they said all river levels were OK and no disruptions??????.