Water levels might impact the future of European river cruises
Last year Europe faced a particularly hot, dry summer.
As a result, water levels on portions of the Danube and Elbe rivers were much lower-than normal. This was a real problem as these are rivers that are quite often frequented by cruise lines and many had to alter their itineraries in July, August and September.
Low water levels were a problem all summer for river cruise lines, with some avoiding the Elbe altogether due to the challenges presented by the route when the water level becomes too low. Most major lines still sailed the Danube, but lows waters in the 75-mile stretch between Regensburg and Passau in Germany were a cause of concern.
That being said, the handling of these problems by cruise lines has been for the most part admirable. Viking Cruises in particular managed to avoid many cancellations and itinerary alternations by implementing a “ship-swapping” strategy.
This saw vessels sail normal itineraries until they reached particular impasse points. From here passengers would be transferred (via smaller boat and buses) to an identical ship on the other side of the impasse, with the same cabin and tour director.
A spokesperson for Viking Cruises told Cruise Critic, “The water is fluctuating between passable and impassable through the shallow spot right there. Guests are being informed ahead of time, and we are receiving positive feedback from folks who have returned home after experiencing a ship swap – it was minimally disruptive to their overall experience, and they are coming back happy.”
Whether or not Europe will face similar conditions in the New Year remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure. Based by what happened last summer, the cruise lines will be well-equipped to handle the problem and you can expect your European river cruise to continue in style.
Related links:
8 reasons to go on a cruise by yourself
10 things cruise lines won’t tell you
10 funniest questions asked on a cruise