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.
Thanks Gary
We sail Amsterdam to Basel on 10/25. Hoping water levels continue to improve. Glad you had a successful trip
So sorry to hear your luggage problems, that is so upsetting, thought the airlines had improved. What is the airline you flew with and from where?
Hope you get your luggage and have a fantastic rest of cruise!!!
Thank you, Rob.
Just arrived in Amsterdam from Basel on Viking Mani. No problems at all. Slowed down at Kaub but no buses or boat swaps, or changes to our itinerary.
CJ, we are on the same Viking cruise as Allen leaving on 10/22. Thank you for the updates. Good to know there has been some rain. Have a great trip!
I’m so sorry you are having to go thru this. It happened to me a few years ago on a Viking cruise, but I did get my luggage in 3 days. Angela, this doesn’t help you now, but I take a picture of my luggage before I check it in. The reason being when I filed my claim they asked me the color and brand. I knew it was blue. I hope you get it back quickly and please enjoy your trip.
Thanks for update. That is great news. Enjoy the views and sightseeing
Looks like we are continuing through to Budapest as planned. No bussing or ship swaps. Very happy.
Thank you!
when you were bussed did you have to pack up and move to another boat?
9/15. Baldur sailing Budapest to Amsterdam. Dep. Budapest on 12th water levels good. Cruise Director just advised tonight we have clear sailing from Passau to Ams. We arrive Passau tonight. We have had some rain showers today, earlier in the week Munich and Nuremberg looked like they had some good rain. Hopefully signs of good things to come.
Thanks!
Just came up from Budapest. Left the 12th on the Viking Baldur to Amsterdam. All fine so far time …heading into Passau tonight.
I think it depends who you are sailing with. We boarded Scenic Opal on Sept 5th. We went from Amsterdam and are currently sitting in Durnstein heading towards Budapest. We have been successfully able to navigate the rivers with little to no disruption.
We did have to change a drop off point on one of our excursions because a Viking ship had hit a sandbar and had blocked the river for a period of time. Other than that just some time adjustment disruptions, but not spending hours on a bus or having to change ships.
Apparently our ship will be one of the first ships to successfully travel from Amsterdam to Budapest
We just left the Mosell and are on the Rhine just past Koblenz heading to Basel and the water levels are high enough for a normal cruise! Enjoy!
Allen, it has been raining on and off this week. We just left Koblenz for Mainz and are currently enjoying the castles of the middle Rhine. We are told that the river levels continue to rise with no anticipated issues all the way to Basel.
I’m so sorry this is happening. We are traveling Amsterdam to Basel on Viking Egdir and leave on Monday the 19th. We have had several issues with Viking also. Reading your post kind of scares me. We will definitely not take our eyes off our luggage. I am also concerned that you had to be bussed at one port. Can you please keep us updated about your trip and your luggage? I hope your trip improves and you get to relax and enjoy it.
On this trip now. We have made it all the way. Today, we are in Strasbourg. We cruised a little more slowly than scheduled, but only bused 1 day for about 30 minutes. The first few days were sunny, but there’s been rain this week, so I expect you will be fine.
Update September 15 A to B. Heading to Melk then Durnstein. Happy sailing no issues at all. Fantastic cruise.
On scenic Jade left ams on Tuesday. Entering Rhine Gorge this morning. No problems as yet.
We sailed on Viking Atla on 9/4 R to B. Did P to B instead as passage between Regensburg and Passau was not navigable. All fine east of Passau. Regret if this is a duplicate. First post was wonky.
Thank you CJ, we are on same Herja itinerary 10/22 , looking forward to your posts, have a great time ,Allen
Leaving on 9/18 upstream Amsterdam to Basel on the Rhine.
Should we expect some busing or are water levels stabilized enough with recent/fcst rain?
Just seen this , Stacy.
Thank you for the update . As long as we have a ship to board next week I don’t mind which one !
Have a great trip !
Hello Bill and Louise
Very pleased to hear that the water levels seem to have improved.
However, we are very confused that you are taking Scenic Jade to Budapest as we are expecting to board Jade in Basel on 21 September!
Enjoy your cruise and we will just be pleased to board a ship next week whatever her name !
We are on Viking Herja sailing from Paris to Zurich on Moselle river then the Rhine tomorrow at Koblentz. No issues with Mosselle water levels. We were told that they do not anticipate any ship swap on the Rhine. Will update if this changes.
What you’re experiencing has to be so frustrating and disappointing. I’m so sorry to read that you’re having to go through this ordeal. I hope you will receive your luggage today.
Watching the river levels before an Oct. 7 – 13 (cruise portion, not hotel) Viking Cities of Light journey from Prague to Paris. Hoping the rain forecasted is helping. Anyone been on this itinerary recently? Any issues/swaps/coach substitutions?
Thanks for your update. We are going Budapest to Amsterdam with Scenic from 12 October, starting to fell more confident
Sorry to post this as a comment, but I can’t figure out how to post a new topic.
We are currently on The Viking Tialfi from Amsterdam to Basil. Our entire trip was booked through Viking as well as the airfare. We paid extra to be able to select our flights; however, they were changed twice. The second change occurred less than 24 hours before departure. The time between our connecting flights was 1 hour. When we arrived in Amsterdam, our luggage was not there. All the info given to us when we filed our claim—phone numbers and e-mail—has been useless. Viking has not been helpful in resolving this problem. We know that our luggage arrived by Sunday. Here we are on Wednesday still with no luggage, and no assurance that we will EVER see it again. If you are traveling to Amsterdam, DO NOT leave the airport without your luggage. Viking will not help. In fact, their “party line” is that the airline is responsible, not them. My contract and all payments were made to Viking. Viking should deal with problems caused by their contractors! I WILL NEVER GO ON
VIKING TRIP AGAIN.
As to the water level, we have been able to travel from Amsterdam to Speyer on the ship. We have traveled a little more slowly than expected, resulting in less time in the cities, but have only experienced a 30 minute bus ride in one port.
Again, I repeat, DO NOT LEAVE THE AIRPORT FOR THE SHIP WITHOUT YOUR LUGGAGE.
VIKING CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE WORST I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED OF ANY COMPANY.
I HAVE SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE DURING THE PAST 4 DAYS TRYING TO GET MY LUGGAGE!
Thank you for your updates
Ann, we’re currently on the Scenic Jade, Amsterdam-Budapest. We arrive in Cologne today and disembark in BUD on Sep. 26. We were supposed to be on the Jasper but had a last minute change due to earlier ship swaps. You may get Jasper since she’s not on her normal itinerary. Scenic will have a boat to meet you, but may not notify you ahead of time. Check the ship tracker sites (marinetraffic.com, etc) to see which ships are in the area closer to embarkation. Enjoy your trip!
Thanks Maj, appreciate the update.
Dede:
We are headed Budapest to Amsterdam, we are currently in Vienna Melk tomorrow and Regensburg on Saturday. will let you know how it goes.
Maj, thank you for the update! Very interested in the sail from Regensburg to Budapest.
https://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Scenic-Jade-1086
Did you make it from Budapest to Degendorf by boat all the way
Thanks for the update MaJ. If you can please continue the updates as you approach Budapest. Worried about reported low water levels there. thanks. Have a great trip!
Steve
Thanks! Please keep us posted when you have time!
Thanks again, Marylou! Your post have been very helpful! We are getting excited to leave Amsterdam to Budapest in 2 weeks. Looks like some more rain for the next week. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!
Update. Viking ship apparently got stuck on a sandbank before Passau (A to B) , ship was moved but river closed until inspection of riverbed completed. Looks like once reopened tomorrow we can continue as planned.
Hi – You can each take a carry -on and a suitcase. We had no problem fitting our suitcases under the bed ! As a matter of fact they sent us 4 luggage tags Have a great trip!
On a Scenic Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Cruise has gone ahead as per itinerary and no ship swaps or bussing. Leaving Regensburg tonight, 13 Sept, heading to Passau, no talk of any issues going forwards.
We are on Scenic Jade and just left Amsterdam today travelling to Budapest. Originally we were booked to be on Scenic Jasper but that was not available due to ship swaps on cruises in the last few weeks.
At the first briefing last night whilst still in Amsterdam the cruise director assured us that water levels will not be a problem for at least the first week and he is optimistic about the second week, but cannot give a guarantee just yet.
This is the first fully occupied boat for Scenic Jewels of Europe since pre-pandemic.
Leaving on Sept. 29th for the Romantic Danube. Are the ships making it all the way to Regensburg?
We are on Scenic cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Left on Sept 7. River levels are good right now but change fast. No ship swap expected but heavy traffic because the rivers are open. Arriving late in Regensburg today.
We are now sailing towards Kinderdijk and the water is clearly very low. A slow sail but no problems. Other traffic on river including lots of freight. A note on ship swapping (something I dreaded ahead of time). While I’m sure all the lines are great, Viking has a big advantage of having so many ships so you don’t get stranded. We just had the one swap which I reported earlier. What I cannot stress enough is how much the situation can change in even a day or two. Therefore, it’s virtually impossible to predict even a week or two out. What helped us was a huge storm that came across the region just as we were entering. I’m really happy I didn’t cancel but it is always a gamble when there are climate issues like we are encountering. We get off in Amsterdam tomorrow when I will rent a car and see a bit of holland and Belgium. Best of luck to all planning the journey. Lots to see along the way.
Sept 13, We left Budapest enroute to Amsterdam aboard the Viking Baldur. Water levels in Budapest were approximately 4.5 feet. According to Viking the rivers are passable but day to day. I will keep you updated as we sail through Bratislava today and arrive Vienna tonight. We had good rain on Sunday all day in Munich while we waited at the airport and also Budapest. Yesterday, Sept. 12 was clear in Budapest but threatening weather loomed all afternoon and may have rained farther south toward Bucharest.
Hello Steve,
Just observing that Marylou has been a huge contributor on this site (thank you Marylou for taking the time out of your vacation to brief us!). If you scroll through past postings, she does detail the ship swap process.
Thank you so much for your help and providing input on this blog we are scheduled to be from Budapest through regensburg nov 13
We have never visited this area our concern is not as much that the boat might have more water coming over the next 45 days what were concerned about is we’re looking for a picture ask for wide river and that’s what our concern is could you comment on that