The cruise ship “Viking Einar” ran aground on a shoal in the Rhine River near Cologne, Germany. A few days later, a similar incident occurred in Bulgaria on the Danube – the ship “Viking Ullur” struck a sandbar, and 186 passengers had to be evacuated.
According to the company “Viking,” the incident occurred at a time when the water level in the river was particularly low.
Routes changed at the last minute
With no rain forecast in the near future, cruise companies have to adjust already planned trips. Some passengers are informed about changes just a few days or weeks before departure.
A woman who booked a trip with the company “Riviera Travel” wrote on social media that she received a notification that her cruise on the Rhine and in Switzerland would be rerouted. Instead of sailing to Switzerland, the ship was to head to the Netherlands and Belgium.
The passenger was offered the choice to accept the changed itinerary or cancel the trip, receive a full refund, and get compensation.
“Riviera Travel” warns on its website that the situation may change up until departure, and sometimes even after the cruise has started.
The company states that most trips are currently taking place, but if necessary, sailing schedules, excursions, or docking locations are adjusted. In some cases, passengers may be transferred to another ship.
The company promises to inform about possible changes up to two weeks before departure and provide the latest information 24–48 hours prior.
Similar changes were experienced by clients of the company TUI. One passenger shared a new route offered to her: instead of a trip from Basel through Germany to Amsterdam, a sailing from Zaandam via Rotterdam, Antwerp, Middelburg, Dordrecht, and Amsterdam was planned.
Passengers were offered a 15% refund of the trip price and travel vouchers worth 150 pounds. They could also choose another cruise or cancel the trip and get a full refund.
TUI emphasizes that most cruises proceed without major disruptions, but water levels in rivers constantly change and depend on weather conditions.
If a ship cannot reach the planned port due to shallow waters, docking locations may be changed, excursions shortened or adjusted, and part of the route covered by bus.
May have to transfer to another ship
The company “Emerald Cruises” confirmed that low water levels affect stretches of the Danube between Vienna and Budapest and between Regensburg and Passau.
If necessary, passengers may be transferred to another ship of the same company, and the start or end points of the trip may be changed. It is also possible that some nights will have to be spent in hotels.
“AmaWaterways” also reported that due to unusually low levels on stretches of the Rhine and Danube, some cruises require adjustments. Ports, boarding and disembarking locations may be changed, bus transfers offered, or ship schedules adjusted.
Travel companies emphasize that canceling cruises is a last resort. However, those planning trips on the Rhine or Danube in the near future are advised to closely follow company announcements, as routes may be changed right before departure.
Read more “Testing NATO”: Polish fighters intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea
