As another busy summer gets underway in Europe, river cruise
passengers could once again face itinerary alterations due to high or low water
levels.
Thus far, river cruise lines are reporting that water levels
are a bit high on the Danube, Rhine and Rhone rivers, and a bit low on the Elbe.
Viking River Cruises has reported on its website
that the Danube, Rhine and Rhone rivers currently have high water levels, which
may result in delays, itinerary adjustments, and alternate embarkation or
disembarkation points.
The high levels on the Danube are occurring near Passau,
Germany, and the high levels on the Rhine are concentrated around southern
Germany, Viking reported. Meanwhile, limited rainfall on the Elbe River has
disrupted sailings between Melnik in the Czech Republic and Bad Schandau in
Germany, as well as the stretch between Wittenberg and Magdeburg in Germany.
Avalon Waterways on Monday updated its Facebook page to
alert passengers that “due to increased rainfall this spring, water levels on
some of Europe’s rivers are higher than normal.”
Avalon noted that there are cases where adjustments will be
necessary, mostly affecting embarkation and disembarkation locations. “On
occasion, when waters have been too high to navigate, we’re making alternate
arrangements, which may include transferring guests to hotels. When this
occurs, we offer our travelers complimentary accommodations, excursion choices
as well as compensation for missed sailing days,” Avalon stated on Facebook.
“Weather forecasts look favorable this week,” the company
stated, adding that “we ask that our guests understand that water levels change
hourly, so much can change daily. In the meantime, we’re just ‘going with the
flow.’”
Severe flooding on France’s Seine River caused river cruise
disruptions there earlier this month.