Danube water levels 2019 and similar topics - plus tips and info

[djh1959]

Well, the person has posted again that they decided to stay in Passau, at least for the time being.  While they were out wandering, staff from the ship rounded everyone up and said that there had been a slight rise in water and that the captain thought that he could get through.  This proved to be correct so that particular Scenic ship at least is continuing on its journey.

[pully8]

Did they mention which ship was being impacted?

Noticed the scenic crystal is due in Amsterdam on December 4.

We have been in this situation, not with scenic so know how difficult it can be both on board or watching before travel. Last year and low water has been well documented here and elsewhere. 

Cruise lines differ in how things are managed and how information is disseminated.

On one occasion a few years ago we were handed a letter on board of pending plans and conditions related to high water and interruptions.

We could hear an animated phone call by the cruise director and about an hour or so later she requested we return and discard the letter because other plans were now to be followed. Another letter was issued. 

Our travel agent negotiated with the cruise line reps after our return to achieve promised terms related to the interruptions. The process took many weeks.    

Most know river levels can mean interruptions and it seems to be an increasing issue in recent years. Timely info is appreciated.  

[notamermaid]

This morning Pfelling gauge is at 275cm. The forecast shows a slight rise for today. There is a chance that tomorrow will see a figure near 290cm, but treat that prediction with caution.

 

notamermaid

 

[Ethel6666]

We’re currently on the AmaVenita (APT). Made it through from Passau to Regensburg last night. Just arrived a little later than expected due to going a bit slower with the low water levels. We were bussed from a little downstream while the boat continued to Regensburg so still had a nice amount of time there. Hope others make it through too 🙂

Edited November 28, 2019 by Ethel6666
Typo

[notamermaid]

Nice to hear from you. And good to read that you have made it through the stretch. Are you on the Budapest to Amsterdam itinerary? I love that one for its unique excursions only offered with APT. And the Ama ships are lovely to look at on the river.

 

It is a magical time to travel right now, have fun.

 

notamermaid

 

[Ethel6666]

Thanks @notamermaid. Yes we are travelling from Budapest to Amsterdam. Certainly we are kept busy with many options, visits to beautiful towns, palaces, concerts and of course Christmas markets. I loved all of the shop windows in the old town area of Regensburg exquisitely decorated for Christmas. 

[pully8]

Good to hear you are enjoying your cruise without major interruptions.

Was the bus travel just for a short distance to join tour options in Regensburg?

Agree river cruising can be a lovely way to travel and experience parts of Europe. 

 

 

[Ethel6666]

@pully8 yes we just stopped close to Regensburg about 20 mins by bus for those who wanted to meet the walking tours or have more free time in town. The ship continued on to meet us (about an hour I think) with those who preferred to stay on board - they would still have had some time in town.

[pully8]

Great that does not sound too onerous. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. 

 

[notamermaid]

A promising start to the day at Pfelling gauge. At 294cm it is a little above the forecast. Rest of the day, not sure what it will bring but for tomorrow the experts indicate a nice rise.

 

Off to work.

 

Enjoy your day.

 

notamermaid

 

[notamermaid]

The indicated rise has not materialised and Pfelling is now at 288cm. The weather forecast has changed a little. Little rain for the Danube, only in the Bavarian area that does not really help Pfelling all that much, better tomorrow in the Upper German Danube valley (Ulm), Monday mostly the Southern tributaries but drizzle over the whole valley.

 

notamermaid

 

[notamermaid]

Thankfully, the levels in the Upper Danube valley in Germany have risen enough and some of that water has arrived in Pfelling. The gauge there says 314cm, having risen above forecast figures. Although we might see a drop in the next 48 hours chances are it will stay just above 290cm.

 

It is getting colder with the potential for snow reaching the valley not just the hills.

 

If you are on the long itinerary towards Amsterdam, rest assured that the Rhine in your part of the journey will be at a decent level due to rain with no flooding in sight.

 

notamermaid

 

[G.M.T.]

Don't forget, if you are in Vilshofen on 1st. Dec.,  6th. - 8th. Dec. and 13th. - 15th. Dec. the Floating Christmas Market is open:

 

https://www.vilshofen.de/index.php/events/schwimmender-christkindlmarkt

 

PS. If you think the boat starts to rock, don't worry it's not the boat but your intake of glühwein.☕

[notamermaid]

A look at the weather forecast shows no rain for the Danube in Germany before Friday. Rain will come on Friday with only small amounts, but will increase at the weekend. A risk for Pfelling to drop significantly in the meantime?

 

Next week is tentatively forecast to bring much rain with some if it coming down as snow.

 

Current level at Pfelling is 308cm.

 

notamermaid

 

[stmartins]

We left Vienna about 4 hours ago and have been advised that it’s possible that we won’t be able to make it completely to Nuremberg as scheduled because of water levels.  They asked us not to panic “yet”..We’re on the monarch empress.  This is the second time we’ve had an interruption because of water levels on the Danube.  Last time was July 2017.  Gotta make the best of what we get..Vilshofin was beautiful last and with their Christmas market could be better!  

[notamermaid]

Hello stmartins,

Sorry to hear that. But good of the company to give you a "warning". It is unfortunately justified. Pfelling is at 298cm at the moment. Fluctuation during the day always happens, but the trend is downward.

 

Enjoy your cruise despite the unfortunate prospect. Vilshofen from what G.M.T. has posted does indeed look charming.

 

notamermaid

 

[G.M.T.]

The Pfelling measuring station hit 290 cm this morning.

 

Must say it's not looking too good for the next two days, no rain in sight.

[notamermaid]

Thanks G.M.T. You have preempted me. Smile. I was just about to post that Pfelling is struggling.

 

Whereas last year both the Rhine and the Danube were low into December, the Rhine has been doing so much better.

 

notamermaid

 

Edited December 5, 2019 by notamermaid
Technical issue

[notamermaid]

Nuremberg Christmas market, or to give it its real name Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt

 

World famous it is and here is a short photo gallery of what it looks like: https://m.dw.com/en/lets-go-to-the-nuremberg-christkindlesmarkt/g-51433479

 

notamermaid

 

[notamermaid]

It is tight. Pfelling is at 287cm and the graph of the forecast only minimally pointing upwards. Question is whether the river will stick to that or decide to do otherwise.

 

notamermaid

 

[notamermaid]

@stmartins

How are things? Are you in Nuremberg yet?

Hope you enjoyed all of the stops after Vienna.

 

notamermaid

 

[stmartins]

We did make it!

we didn’t dock in Passau as planned but docked just beyond and bused in.  Then the ship navigated the trouble area and we met up with it later that day.  Our sister ship the countess hosted us for lunch and a place to get out of the cold in Passau. They came from Amsterdam and said that you could hear the boat scraping bottom in a few places.  
In Linz our boat  had to go into dry dock for the day to have a broken propeller repair.  Then when we left Regensburg we had a 5 hour wait at the lock.  Lots of traffic there.  So all in all guess we were lucky...the markets were beautiful...busy but beautiful.

Edited December 8, 2019 by stmartins

[notamermaid]

Oh, good! They do this occasionally, sail without passengers and have them catch up with the ship on a coach, when low water is a problem. Glad to hear it worked for you.

 

This morning Pfelling gauge has decided to not react favourably to the rain there was yesterday - I suspect there just was not enough, meaning a slight change to the weather forecast compared to earlier this week. The level is now at 281cm. The forecast points upwards, but I am sceptical about it. Current weather forecast suggests moderate amounts of rain scattered across the valley in Germany throughout the week, with a bit of snow thrown in for Regensburg for example.

 

If you are on the Budapest to Amsterdam itinerary or are generally heading North towards the Rhine: storms are battering the valley this morning, drizzle to good amounts of rain will make sure the river level stays up, with the Upper Rhine valley going over the mean level. Flooding is not indicated.

 

notamermaid

 

[notamermaid]

The gauge at Pfelling is now at 278cm. Trend is for it going up late tomorrow evening but could still struggle to reach 290cm before Wednesday evening. Hope the river decided to do better than that.

 

notamermaid

 

[notamermaid]

Well, the river does as it pleases. Which is good in this case as the night has seen a nice rise and the level at Pfelling is at 298cm now. With a further rise likely, is this the end of the low water worries for this year?

 

notamermaid