The waters of the popular Rhine and Danube rivers have fallen to record lows, leaving boats stranded and forcing cruise specialists to introduce emergency intineraries. Holidaymakers now face long coach journeys between European capitals and then staying on a different boat in each destination because the rivers are to too low for the cruise ships to navigate. Many tour companies have issued warnings on their websites about the impact water levels could have on Christmas cruises.
Viking, one of the biggest river cruise operators, said in a statement: “As a result of this season’s historic drought in Europe, low water conditions on the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers have persisted longer than expected.
“In order to minimize the impact to each sailing, Viking has several contingency plans to bypass those areas where water levels remain too low.
“We always want our guests to feel that they have the most current information about their journey, so we will continue to directly contact all guests on itineraries affected by residual low water conditions until levels return to normal.”
Scenic said in a statement: “Parts of central and northern Europe have experienced hot and exceptionally dry weather conditions.
“As a consequence, the water levels in sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers and their tributaries are low and are impacting navigation of all river vessels.
“Therefore, it is possible that unavoidable impacts to the safe navigation of vessels on the rivers will continue, and may require Scenic to modify ship deployments, to enact ship swaps or to amend or cancel itineraries on short notice.”
Uniworld said: “Select itineraries may be affected in the coming weeks.
“If deviations are necessary on an affected itinerary additional motor coach travel or other tour adjustments may be required.
“Due to the unpredictable nature of river conditions we are actively evaluating the situation and developing contingency plans at all times.”
Europe’s inland waterways have been badly affected by the summer drought which saw river levels fall to record lows and at one stage prompted German authorities to issue warnings of unexploded Second World War munitions being exposed by receding waters.
Heavy autumn rainfall failed to materialise over northern Europe and the river levels have continued to drop.