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 were a day or two behind you on Tialfi. River is rising in general. Monitoring rivers is what I do professionally. Other than the reality that the season is now about cold and rain coming on, the cruises should be in good shape. We extended to Lucerne and saw snow on the hills around.
Hi Pat, we are taking our first River Cruise, Viking, November 18th. It will be cooler for sure. What do you wear on the ship?
Thank you so much!
We appreciate the update. We are scheduled for the same trip Starting Oct 7 in Amsterdam.
We are currently on a Viking cruise from Amsterdam to Basel beginning Oct 2nd. We are on the Rhine currently with sunny sky’s and temps in the upper 60’s/ lower 70’s at 2 pm viewing the beautiful castles! No water level issues and no rain during our trip so far! Very chilly in the mornings with temps in the 40’s and low 50’s. Wearing layers is very comfortable. Morning excursions I have been wearing a light puffy jacket. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The staff is excellent! The food is delicious! We are having so much fun! Great experience!
Just returned last night from Budapest and was on Gate1 river cruise on Danube from Sept 22-Sept 29th ( Ragensburg Germany to Budapest). Since there was a fair bit of rain in the preceeding weeks, there were no issues with water levels, they looked quite high to me and no delays or portaging!! We were very fortunate with very little rain, monings only for an hour or so then mainly sunny afternoons 13-18 celcius. Its an amazing experience have fun!
HI Michael,
I just returned from Budapest last night after a 1 week Gate1 River cruise. Some locations show pricing in Euros, but most smaller convenience store locations only take the Forints and not Euros. I just used my Visa for all purchases in the city for large and small purchases and had no issues.
Great news. Enjoy the trip! Looks like everyone should be good to go from this point on. I am been checking the weather reports, and it will continue to rain in the Black Forest region in Germany, and that area feeds the Danube.
Hi Dennis, we are sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam on 19 October this year with APT. I will post how the weather conditions are for us at each port.
We are sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam with Travelmarvel 21st October
We are sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam with Travelmarvel 21st
Steve, we just left Regensburg heading to Passau. The water levels have risen so much that it will now be a challenge for our captain to navigate under the low bridges even with the sun deck collapsed. Our cruise director said we may have a short delay waiting on the river to lower but we have a very experienced Captain who is confident that we will arrive in Passau as scheduled. Weather has improved this week with sunshine and comfortable temperatures. All should be good for your upcoming trip! Enjoy!
Also left Amsterdam September 24 on Tialfi, following Skadi up the river. Issues as noted above at Cologne, but saw rising river levels all week. Docked next to river gage at Kehl and saw the river come up 0.5 m in the morning. Some rain here and there, but generally decent weather.
Thanks for your updates. We are sailing in a couple of weeks and good to hear of your trip experiences. From the lack of posts it appears that maybe cruises aren’t having problems. Connie, thanks again to you and all the others who posted. It was appreciated. Happy Trails to all. 🛳
Just traveled on the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam. No problems with water level. 9/16-29.
We started this same journey on September 26th. Smooth sailing all the way to Nuremberg ( day 8 ) entering the Danube this evening. Due to recent rains our cruise director doesn’t expect any problems all the way to Budapest! Wonderful cruise and staff!
Touring Nuremberg today. Day 8 on Viking Modi Amsterdam to Budapest. Water levels are fine. We will enter the Danube this evening. Other than a cold rain while touring all is wonderful! The rest of trip looks like sunny and warmer. Should be smooth sailing for anyone sailing the month of October.
We currently on Viking’s Budapest to Passau cruise. We are on day 4, so just left Krems and are headed to Linz. No issues with the water level and I have seen Uniworld and other cruise lines operating also. It has rained all afternoon today, and has drizzled off and on on prior days, so I think you should be OK.
Hi Dee, I just completed the that cruise on Viking from Bucharest to Budapest. The only change in our itinerary is that we were bused to a different point of embarkation outside of Bucharest. There were no disruptions on the trip. Have fun!
Yes, on the Budapest to Passau leg on that same Viking cruise (Viking Kadlin boat) starting 16 Oct. A buddy who lives in Germany told me this morning that it’s rained a lot in the area over the last month or so. Hopefully enough water in Danube to avoid any busing between stops.
Did you have to bus to any port, or any ship swap as you got close to Budapest?
We’re on the Viking cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam starting October 16th (2022). Anyone else on the south to north cruise? What’s the latest regarding the water levels in the Rhine and the Danube? Anyone currently on either river? Any problems?
Hopefully Bronwyn and Connie will provide an update as they get close to Budapest. I know of some recent Viking cruises in which the passengers had to bus into Budapest.
Would love to hear how the Danube water level is doing as you approach Budapest. Had two friends do the trip and both got bussed when the got close to Budapest.
Left Amsterdam on Sept. 26 on Viking Modi heading to Budapest. Water levels are fine but it has been cold and rainy. Just had a lovely day with some strong fog in the morning but lifted just before we traveled through the castle area on the Rhine. Absolutely stunning! We will enter the Mein River this evening and it looks like smooth sailing all the way to the Danube. More rain predicted this week so water levels should not be an issue for those departing within the next couple of weeks.
We are sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest on Viking Skadi. Left Amsterdam Sept 24 and we are currently in Wurzburg on Sept 29. The water levels are good except we couldn’t dock in Cologne and had to bus in from 15 minutes away for tours. Another Viking ship was docked in Cologne but there were 5 in town on the same day so 4 of us were docked outside town in an industrial area. Other than that, everything has been good and looks good to the end of our voyage. It has been cold and rainy for most of the trip.
Which ship were you on? We are on the Eir from Amsterdam to Basel starting Oct 7.
Water levels good, weather cold.
We just returned from our Viking Basel to Amsterdam. No issues with water levels. It was an amazing journey. Great ship, staff and tours. Everything was wonderful.
No problem with internet or cell service. We had Verizon international package.
We just returned from our Viking Basel to Amsterdam. No issues with water levels. It was an amazing journey. Great ship, staff and tours. Everything was wonderful.
Budapest uses the Forint. We were there in 2014 and that was all it would take.
We are taking that cruise again soon.
We completed two cruises with Scenic this summer. One was on the Douro and the other was on the Rhone River. We did not have any baggage issues on Scenic at all. Scenic is a fantastic
company to travel with.
Nevermind. I think I found out how to post. Question about Viking Amsredam to Basel: How is internet? And cell phones. I have Sprint cell service. TIA
Can somebody help me with info on how I can post on this site? I can reply to posts but can’t figure out how to originate a post.
Hello fellow travelers! Anyone booked on Scenic’s Danube Delta Discovery cruise with Turkey land tour October 06 – 28? We’d love to make acquaintances ahead!
I am sure you will enjoy that ship. I. I cruised that ship 2 different occasions in 2018 and in 2019….. specifically the same crew was on there and they even remembered my name. They’re really a great crew there……Enjoy
Thanks Fred, I’ll have to go to the bank and get some.
It looks like 400 HUF is equal to one dollar US
Thanks for the update Cathy as we will be leaving on that same voyage Sunday! Keep us posted also with any tips!
We were in Budapest a couple of years ago. You will need Forints. We just used an ATM as soon as we got in.
Sounds great and you are having a good time.
Quick question about currency needed.
We are leaving with Tauck in two weeks Budapest to Amsterdam.
Since we are staying 2 extra days in Budapest before the river cruise I am wondering if they take Euro dollars, or do I have to purchase their Forint (HUF) dollar to even buy a coffee?
I had to purchase Korunas, while staying in Prague, Czech before a river cruise.
Sounds great.
We are leaving with Tauck in two weeks Budapest to Amsterdam.
Since we are staying 2 extra days in Budapest before the river cruise I am wondering if they take Euro dollars, or do I have to purchase their Forint (HUF) dollar to even buy a coffee?
I had to purchase Korunas, while staying in Prague, Czech before a river cruise.
leaving Oct 19th Amsterdam to Budapest…appreciate any info for westher snd water levels
We are leaving Amsterdam to Basel on Viking Oct 2. From this website it looks like water levels won’t be a problem. Excited about our trip now!
Thank you to everyone for the posts keeping us informed of the trip progressions on the rivers.
Thank you for the update. 10 days and counting down!
Just completed part of this leg on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Budapest. No problem with water levels the whole way. More rain too, so should be all good for you.
On the Viking Eir Amsterdam to Basel, approaching Speyer Tues 27 Sept.
No problems encountered (possibly also due to the fine efforts of our captain) and we have been assured that we will not need to change ships etc.
Enjoying the cruise hugely!
Hello,
Been to Amsterdam twice – these are some of our favorite restaurants….
Casa di David @ Italian
Ristorante Savini @ Italian
Full Moon Garden @ Asian
Radisson Blu Hotel was nice
Take an evening canal cruise……
Basel is much smaller and more quaint.
Stayed at the Gaia Hotel (near the train station) in 2019 and loved it. First time we stayed near the convention center and we didn’t like that side of the river as much…..
A few yards from the Gaia Hotel was a casual restaurant with fabulous schnitzel and other food…..and German beer. Loved that little place but I can’t locate the name – Hotel referred us there……
If the weather is nice, an open-top bus ride around Basel is nice….
Find a Laderach Chocolate shop – best in the world! But now also available in the US…..
Thank you to everyone writing about their river cruise and keeping us informed. We don’t leave Amsterdam until October 9 traveling to Budapest. Appreciate your time and efforts in our behalf. Keep sailing and enjoy your cruises.
Hi, we are on the Viking Cruise: Passage to Eastern Europe sailing from Budapest to Bucharest soon. Anyone know what the current water levels are on this stretch of the Danube?
I am currently on the Rhine from Basel to Antwerp. No issues, water levels are fine. They do not anticipate any departure from the schedule due to low water conditions.