River Cruises Hit by Low Danube, Rhine Water
Low water on parts of the Danube and Rhine is forcing river cruise lines to change itineraries and offer refunds or credits.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Cruises
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Low water levels on parts of the Danube and Rhine disrupted river cruises in 2026, prompting lines to alter itineraries and offer guests refunds or credits. Water levels fell again after a brief improvement in late October, and low levels persist this fall.
Why it matters
Lines are relying on ship swaps, hotel partners and full-refund policies to keep travelers on schedule when a river section becomes impassable. Little meaningful rainfall is expected over the coming week, so disruption may continue.
Amadeus decides a week in advance what a cruise will look like and communicates options to advisors. How long low water will persist on the Danube and Rhine has not been determined.
The players
Avalon
Avalon is a river cruise line that will swap ships when a river section is impassable.
Globus
Globus is a travel company offering river cruises with full-refund cancellation policies.
Amadeus
Amadeus is a river cruise operator that has avoided the Danube stretch between Passau and Nuremberg.
The details
Avalon will perform a ship swap if one part of the river is impassable, while Globus offers a full refund when an itinerary cannot be salvaged at an acceptable level. Globus relies on in-destination hotel partners to secure accommodations when low water is widespread, and Amadeus has not cruised the Danube stretch between Passau and Nuremberg, Germany.
Timeline
2026: a difficult year for river lines amid low water disruptions
Late October 2026: brief improvement in Danube and Rhine water levels
Late 2026: water levels fell again after the brief improvement
Next week after November 5, 2026: little meaningful rainfall expected
Big Picture
Low-water seasons on the Rhine and Danube have repeatedly forced river lines to adjust routes, and the 2026 disruptions extend that pattern into the fall. Operators are now building contingency tools such as ship swaps and hotel partnerships into their standard response.
Travelers booked on Rhine or Danube sailings should confirm with their line whether a ship swap or itinerary change applies. Ask about refund or credit terms before departure if low water could affect the route.
The takeaway
River cruise guests should expect itinerary changes during low-water periods and should review each line's swap and refund policies before booking.
Further reading
Explore more on Cruises to see how river itineraries are planned and adjusted.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travel Weekly.
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