Exceptionally low water on Europe’s Rhine and Danube continues to disrupt river cruises, with new itinerary changes reported September 28 and little near-term relief expected. Travel Market Report reports that the Rhine gauge at Kaub fell to roughly 2 centimeters on September 28, while Cologne also reached a record-low reading.
Gauge readings are reference levels rather than the literal depth of the navigation channel, but conditions are restricting river-cruise operations. Riviera Travel is rerouting some Rhine guests toward the Netherlands and Belgium or offering refunds, while Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has used hotel stays, transfers and ship swaps on affected Danube and Rhine departures. Germany’s Federal Institute of Hydrology provides official monitoring of low-water conditions.
