Less rainfall and soaring temperatures are causing near record low water levels along stretches of the Danube and the Rhine—and agents continue to work with the cruise lines to minimise any disruptions.
It’s not the first time low water has led to cruise cancellations and agents who contacted Travel Today on the issue say the cruise lines have contingency plans in place and that ‘by and large’ they have been able to find workarounds for disrupted clients.
Some cruise lines are also commended for protecting agent commissions on impacted departures.
However, some consultants are urging the cruise lines to advise of any cancellations as far out as possible. “Like not on the day of departure, and it would be good if they could also let us know before the customer,” says one impacted agent.
The most disrupted areas of the Danube, in general, this week were reportedly in Hungary, Serbia and Romania, while around Kaub in Germany is said to be causing issues on the Rhine.
. . . From CLIA
CLIA says high or low water levels are a natural part of the river environment and that the cruise lines are well-versed in responding to changing conditions. It also notes that while some sections of river may be affected by high or low water levels, other sections may remain accessible as normal.
“Each operator is constantly mon- itoring river conditions and liaises closely with local authorities,” says CLIA Australasia’s Joel Katz. “As always, passenger and crew safety is always central to any itinerary decisions, and operators will work to minimise disruptions.”
That may include ship swaps, coach transfers, modified itineraries and extended port stays. The operators with the largest fleets are said to be better equipped to cope—due to ship availability.
Some operators such as Avalon have moved early to cancel a small number of future departures. Impacted clients can move to an alternate Avalon cruise, apply the value of their cruise to a Globus or Cosmos tour, or get a full refund.
Rainfall is expected in Central Europe which is hoped will increase the river levels.
. . . Oil Too
The low river levels are also impact- ing freight operations as loads are reduced to 30%-40% of normal levels in some places. Fuel and oil loads are also reportedly impacted, adding further to the current supply issues.
