Are Recent Low European River Water Levels a Bellwether For Future River Cruising?
For travelers who have for years enjoyed unfettered vacationing on the rivers of Europe, low and high-water levels have only infrequently caused interruptions to travel plans. However recent drought conditions in Europe, have caused greater concern regarding river cruising. What makes these tributaries so vulnerable to water shortages and what can be done to remedy this situation?
River Cruising and Water Levels
River Cruising, with its ever increasing popularity, especially in Europe, can be susceptible to changes in river water levels. This problem becomes more pronounced when ships need to navigate under bridges. If the water is too high there is an inadequate clearance causing the ship to have to end its journey. Low water levels can also cause ship stoppages. The Elbe River (which is not fed by glaciers from the Alps, mainly traversed by Viking River cruise ships) followed by the Rhine and the Danube can be susceptible to high and low water levels.
Low Water Levels Affect More Than River Cruise Travelers
Although we as river cruise enthusiasts, are greatly affected by changes in water levels on such tributaries such as the Danube, it is the Rhine where this dilemma has greatly hampered general commerce. With its source high in the Swiss Alps, the Rhine snakes more than 800 miles through some of Europe’s most important industrial zones before emptying into the North Sea at Rotterdam. Shipping heavy goods such as steel or oil drums by barge remains vastly cheaper than road or rail alternatives.
The 2018 impasse on the Rhine has put a dent in German economic growth and shows the increasing impact of climate changes. These changes caused production to come to a falter in many and raided manufacturing costs and disrupted supply chains in the industrial heartland of Europe.
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Current Climate Trends Portend More Low Water Conditions
While scientists say the prolonged 2018 heatwave was exceptional, the chances of another drought are rising and can’t be excluded for future years. Low Rhine river levels are expected to happen more often as regional glaciers continue to shrink. Recently there have been more shrinkage of the glaciers in summer than new snow falls in winter.
If these weather conditions persist, it is possible that half of Alpine glaciers will be gone in about 30 years’ time and almost all could be history by 2100, leaving the Rhine all but entirely dependent on rain during dry summer months. Although Germany is discussing plans to dredge the Rhine to make them more navigable, it could take 10 years or more.
Taking a river cruise? Read my tips on how to pack for your river cruise.
What you can do to protect your next river cruise vacation.
As a river cruise traveler, you must manage your expectations when it comes to river cruise plans, an activity at the mercy of mother nature. Perhaps, for now, it might be best to reconsider modifying your plans, accordingly, avoiding the late summer, and fall months on the tributaries most susceptible to low water levels like the Elbe, Rhine and Danube. Consider river cruising in France or even the Douro which may fare better for travelers.
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.
Travel Insurance suppliers normally do no compensate for low water levels unless there is a loss due to cancellation. In most cases you will receive adequate compensation for cruise interruption by the cruise line concerned. In the case of complete cruise line cancellation, they will try to compensate you accordingly for your loss of the cruise and any related travel expenses such as air and hotel costs, and, in some cases, credit trwards a future cruise.
Which cruise lines are more favorable for changing water levels?
Certain River Cruise lines are better adapted for changing water levels than others. Viking Cruise Lines features a preponderance of vessels allowing for ship swaps to maintain passage through problem areas. Viking has also, historically, been more generous in trip interruption or cancellation compensation. AmaWaterways feature ships with lower drafts allowing for less low water situations. Use this website, RiverCruiseInfo, for general information on water levels.
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To stay up to date on current river cruise water level conditions by joining one of our ever popular Facebook Groups such as Friends Who Like Viking Cruises or AmaWaterways Cruisers. Like my Facebook Page for river cruise enthusiasts, Cruisin’ With Ted for news on river levels during critical low water seasons. Subscribe to our river cruise and small ship ocean travel newsletter for regular updates.
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. Contact Cruisin’ With Ted, 954-290-8626, hello@cruisinwithted.com, Facebook Message Ted
