How to deal with varying water levels on a European river cruise.
European river vacations have generally been consistent in terms of water levels. However, recent changes in weather patterns are leading to more frequent disruptions.
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River Cruising and Water Levels
River cruises in Europe are growing in popularity, but water level changes can disrupt these trips. High water can limit bridge clearance, ending the voyage early. Low water can also stop ships. The Elbe, Rhine, and Danube Rivers are particularly affected.
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Low Water Levels Affect More Than River Cruise Travelers
River cruise enthusiasts often experience disruptions due to water level changes on tributaries such as the Danube. Nonetheless, commercial activities are predominantly impacted on the Rhine. The Rhine, which flows over 800 miles from the Swiss Alps to Rotterdam, serves as a cost-effective route for transporting heavy goods by barge compared to road or rail.
The 2018 impasse on the Rhine significantly hindered German economic growth, leading to production delays, increased costs, and widespread disruptions to Europe’s supply chains.
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Do recent past climate trends portend future high or low water conditions?
Scientists state that while the 2018 heatwave was unusual, the risk of future droughts is rising. Shrinking regional glaciers could lead to more frequent low levels in the Rhine River.
Increased glacier shrinkage during recent summers suggests that half of Alpine glaciers may vanish within 20 years, and nearly all by 2100, leaving the Rhine reliant on rain in dry summers. Germany’s plans to dredge the Rhine for better navigation will take decades to resolve.
Travel insurance providers typically do not cover low water levels unless it leads to cancellation. Cruise lines may give some compensation for delays or interruptions, and if the cruise is canceled, they may reimburse you for associated expenses like air and hotel costs, and sometimes offer credit for a future cruise.
Try this website for gauging European river water levels.
Which cruise lines are more favorable for changing water levels?
Some river cruise lines excel in handling water level variations. Viking Cruise Lines offers vessel swaps and compensates generously for interruptions or cancellations. AmaWaterways uses ships with lower drafts to reduce low water level problems
What you can do to protect your next river cruise vacation.
As a river cruise traveler, it is necessary to manage expectations regarding river cruise plans, an activity affected by natural conditions. It may be advisable to modify plans accordingly, avoiding late summer and fall months on tributaries most susceptible to low water levels like the Elbe, Rhine, and Danube. Consider river cruising in France or the Douro which may have better conditions.
Do not cancel your cruise if you don’t have to.
Commonly cruise lines do not cancel river cruise sailings unless necessary. And when they do it may be at the last minute. In many cases the cruise line may bus passengers between areas where the river is impassible.
We recommend going on your cruise unless canceled by the cruise line. To stay up to date on current river cruises and luxury travel in general follow Ted’s ever popular Facebook Group, CruisinWithTed.
As weather conditions continue to change, we must be patient and adapt our travel plans accordingly. Be sure to contact me directly, at the beginning of the travel planning process and take advantage of our in-depth knowledge and advice to ensure you have the most favorable vacation experience.
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