European cruise water levels

[SKPrescottonian]

I am investigating a Danube river cruise, and given the level of cost, we are quite concerned about cruise interruptions due to water levels. We understand you can't fight Mother Nature, but does anyone have a handle on the frequency of these interruptions?

We have cruised many times, but this would be a first for river cruises. Some people may have no issue with this occurrence, but to us it would put a damper on the "unpack once" attraction of cruises.

[Kenster]

Read through the threads. There is a lot of current info out there.

 

The condition of the Rhine and Danube, especially the Danube, is getting really bad. Several ships are having interrupted service. Viking seems to be really taking it on the chin requiring many ship swaps. One Viking passenger reported having to change ships TWICE between Nurnburg and Budapest, requiring four hour bus rides each time to get to the new ship. That was just a few days ago. Avalon has newer ships specifically designed for shallower draft and, as of a few days ago, have been getting through all the way without interruptions. We just came off Avalon' Illumination from Vienna to Amsterdam and the only issue we had was having to skip Passau. We were given a free "optional" to Salzburg to make up for it. The ship sailed past Passau with no problem and picked us us that evening somewhere above Passau.

 

River conditions can change pretty quickly but if there is no major rain over a widespread area to run off into the rivers, cruises for foreseeable future are going to have major problems. Keep researching and watching the weather. Some of the cruise lines, and travel agents, have not been very forthcoming with honest updates. Viking seems to be the worst about giving honest advance info-maybe because they are having the biggest problems with their ships getting through.

 

If conditions don't improve very quickly, ALL of the lines are going to have problems, but in general, Avalon seems to be the way to go with their specially designed ships.

Edited November 9, 2015 by Kenster

[Host Jazzbeau]

If conditions don't improve very quickly, ALL of the lines are going to have problems, but in general, Avalon seems to be the way to go with their specially designed ships.

 

AMA's ships are also designed to handle low water conditions. These two lines (AMA and Avalon) seem to have faired best all year.

[SKPrescottonian]

Thank you! At this stage we have been looking at Viking, Tauck, and you just mentioned Avalon.

Viking seems to have the least positive press about their forthcoming comments about this issue. We have always been enamored of Tauck as a tour company from years ago, and will consider them seriously. Maybe it would be best to investigate the ships themselves (draft, etc.) before narrowing down to an option of cruise line. We would be looking likely in the September timeframe ideally, but will adjust to whatever time of year is conducive to a better experience overall.

[steamboats]

This year has been pretty bad regarding the river cruise levels.

 

As for the draft of the river cruise ships... Viking has the ones drawing the most water (1.90 m). All others draw less.

 

steamboats

[SKPrescottonian]

Can't thank you enough. More research!!:rolleyes:

[hugueys]

Does anyone know how Grand Circle has fared this year?

[Kenster]

Does anyone know how Grand Circle has fared this year?

 

I don't recall seeing any of their ships between Vienna and Amsterdam, unless they are branded some other way.

[hugueys]

I believe they are designate M/S River.....(something). Our boat is the M/S River Melody and I think the M/S River Harmony is also on the Rhine. According to Marinetraffic the draught(?) is 1.5m. Hope this info helps and thank you.

[dan4182]

Suggest you consider Ama also. Their ships have low drafts and their food and wines are excellent.

[CPT Trips]

Does anyone know how Grand Circle has fared this year?

 

They have done well on all the rivers except the Elbe. You can find descriptions of their dozen (give or take) River ships here https://www.gct.com/about/why-grand-circle/our-fleet?icid=global:smallshiprivercruises:ourprivatelyownedfleet