10 August 2026, Rhineland-Palatinate, Koblenz: Boats at the recreational marina in Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein are sitting on dry land.

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Low water levels on some of Europe’s busiest rivers are forcing several cruise lines to adjust or cancel their summer itineraries. The Rhine, Main and Danube are all affected.

The disruption is already affecting passengers who can expect ship swaps, changes in embarkation points, coach transfers and, in some cases, hotel stays.

Here is what major European river cruise lines have announced so far about how they are responding to the low-water conditions.

Where Low Water Is Affecting River Cruises

AmaWaterways posted an article on its website saying that Europe is experiencing "historically low water levels" this summer following hot, dry weather.

According to the cruise line, the Danube in Romania has fallen to its lowest level in about 30 years, while the Rhine, Main and Upper Danube are running below seasonal norms.

Emerald Cruises has identified several problem areas in its travel alert, while Scenic has issued a similar alert.

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On the Upper Danube, reduced water levels are affecting journeys between Regensburg and Passau, around Dürnstein and Melk, and between Vienna and Budapest.

On the Main and Rhine, affected areas include the stretch between Koblenz and Rüdesheim and the area near Maxau, where some sections are currently unsuitable for navigation.

Both companies announced that adjustments may include moving passengers to alternative ships, changing embarkation or disembarkation points, arranging hotel overnight stays or transferring guests by coach around portions of the river that cannot be sailed.

Viking River Cruises issued its own update on July 30, describing water levels on sections of the Rhine and Danube as "exceptionally low." The company says some itineraries may be modified and, in some cases, it includes ship swaps.

Cruise Lines Are Rerouting Rather Than Canceling Where Possible

According to AmaWaterways’ website, the cruise line has not canceled a single departure because of this summer's low-water conditions.

Uniworld is also reviewing its August departures individually, but says that most sailings continue as planned with adjustments.

For example, Uniworld has already announced that for its August 16 ’Castles Along the Rhine’ departures, Uniworld is swapping ships. Amsterdam passengers will now board the S.S. Elisabeth, while Basel passengers will board the S.S. Antoinette and not the other way around.

For September and October cruises, Uniworld says it is still too early to determine whether changes will be necessary.

Reuters reported on July 16, 2026, that Avalon Waterways had been forced to cancel a small number of upcoming departures on the Danube and Rhine because of low water levels. László Somodi, chief executive of Hungarian sightseeing operator MAHART-PassNave, told Reuters that several cruise ships were stranded or waiting at ports around Budapest and Mohács.

At least one Riviera Travel passenger, reported by The Sun, was notified that her Rhine and Switzerland sailing had been rerouted away from Switzerland to the Netherlands and Belgium, with Riviera offering the option of a full refund.

According to Riviera Travel’s website, the cruise line is still selling its 'Rhine Cruise to Switzerland' with an August 21 departure.

The Sun also reported two additional incidents. On the morning of June 29, the Viking Einar ran aground on the Rhine River near Cologne, Germany. Days later, the Viking Ullur ran aground on the Danube River in Bulgaria, prompting the evacuation of 186 passengers.