The damage is severe as torrential rains from a storm called Boris that had the Danube peaking at a 10-year high and saw water lapping at the steps of Hungary’s Parliament building in Budapest. It’s meant there’s not enough space for ships to sail under bridges on the central part of the river.
A few river cruises were cancelled in the days after the storm, but Europe’s river cruise companies are experts at adapting to both high and low water. They’re finding ways to keep sailing and say they’re expecting things to be back to normal soon.
“High water conditions tend to arrive and disappear very quickly,” AmaWaterways is assuring guests scheduled on fall Danube cruises. In fact, heavy rain in the spring of 2024 led to cruise disruptions as well. “Our experienced operations team has been adjusting itineraries, using alternative docking facilities and arranging convenient ships swaps to ensure guests are still able to enjoy the excursions planned.”
Ama advises guests or their travel advisors to ensure e-mail information is on their online check in, as well as activating the MyAmaCruise app to be advised of any last-minute changes to docking locations. “In any event, a representative of AmaWaterways will be at the original docking location to provide assistance if needed.”
A few cruises have been cancelled. Avalon Waterways said it cancelled two Danube cruises and is making major changes to two existing trips and has communicated the changes to guests and travel advisers.
Three Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ships were unable to reach Budapest for itineraries the third week of September. In a statement on the line’s website, the company said that instead passengers would be put up in hotels before being transferred to the ships to continue the sailings.
Scenic Luxury Cruises and sister company Emerald Cruises said passengers had been informed of itinerary changes, including ship swaps, alternative embarkation and disembarkation points, and adjusted tour schedules which had been designed to minimize disruption and keep as close to the original itineraries as possible.
Tauck reported that two of its river cruises had been affected, with guests moved by motor coach and hotel stays around affected areas, adding: The first will operate until its scheduled conclusion, and the second will conclude earlier than planned.
And Viking, the largest river cruise line is telling passengers the high water affects only the Danube near Budapest and a mid-river area near the Elbe and itineraries will be adjustmented as required.
Viking points out that because it has so many ships, it can strategically launch sister ships on the same itinerary, but sailing in opposite directions. “In the event of high or low water, this tactic allows us to implement a ship swap that is typically seamless for guests- – both they and their luggage are able to be transferred to their exact, identical stateroom on a sister ship that was purposefully sailing on the other half of the river in preparation for such a disruption.”
Fortunately, all the lines are pointing to weather forecasts that foresee drier weather and smooth sailing ahead.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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