Question about water levels on the Main and Moselle rivers in summer

[Moonlion]

We're considering booking the Viking Cities of Light cruise for next summer. Unfortunately, the only time we can travel next year is July or August. I know that it's impossible to predict water levels, but from previous years how susceptible are the Main and Moselle rivers to low water levels, enough to cause ship grounding? This cruise boards at Bamberg, cruises along the Main to Koblenz on the Rhine, and then down the Moselle to Trier. Thanks!

[OneSixtyToOne]

I would not worry about it. The Moselle and Main are heavily lock controlled and the water levels are pretty consistent. If you do need to transfer ships, Viking has the process down like a well oiled machine. You'll go out on day trip and come back to an identical state room on a different ship.

[notamermaid]

As OneSixtytoOne has said, both rivers are controlled by locks. Nevertheless they can still get low. The depth of the navigation channel is crucial in times of drought. I am not familiar with the details on the Main and Canal, it appears the effects are not felt that often as it is not metioned much on cruisecritic by past cruisers. The Moselle is fine as the navigation channel is deep enough. A problem could arise in the section of your cruise on the Rhine. When the river gets low large cruise ships (135m) can meet with difficulties sailing. This does not happen every year. We are currently heading towards such a situation (for the second time this month) as the river is close to 100cm. Rainfall could ease things again quickly but not for a long time. If and when sailing stops is down to the company and the captain in particular. There is no official river closure.

 

notamermaid