With summer just around the corner, this is an excellent time to revisit a not-so enjoyable topic that we like to call high water / low water.
Essentially, a high water situation – usually caused by prolonged periods of heavy, intense rain – can result in river cruise ships in Europe being unable to pass under some of the low bridges that span nearly each and every river.
A low-water situation is just the opposite: a lack of rainfall can cause water levels to drop to the point where river cruise ships don’t have enough under their keels to safely navigate.
These are events that happen every year, and they’ll likely happen again this year. Much like hurricane season in the Caribbean, these acts of Mother Nature can be disruptive and throw many a kink into a well-planned out vacation.
Although we’ve written about abnormal water levels before, it never hurts to have a primer as to what you can expect should it happen to you.
Ship Swap
Many river cruise lines used this technique to great effect during the horrific floods of 2013 that saw water levels in places like Passau rise to levels that hadn’t been seen since the Middle Ages. In particular, Viking River Cruises used its sheer numbers of nearly-identical Viking Longships to continue operations by moving both ships up to the affected area and simply transferring guests and their luggage from one vessel to another. It’s a huge process for the crew, but a relatively painless one for the guests. A ship swap is usually the preferred choice over …
Road Trip
If things are bad enough (like during the once-in-a-century flooding that occurred along the Danube in 2013), your river cruise might turn into a bus trip as the cruise line attempts to do its best to hit all the major sights and attractions along the way. This usually involves putting guests up in hotels – on the cruise line’s dime – and arranging for coach transportation and guides that weren’t originally needed. It’s a huge logistical nightmare, yet every year we here from people who bemoan the fact that they’re on a coach tour. And we can sympathize; after all, if we liked coach tours this site would be called Bus Tour Advisor. But on the plus side: you’re still in Europe, and can still enjoy nearly all the fantastic things you would have on the river cruise.
Extended Stays, Dropped Ports
If information is received that water levels are expected to alleviate in a day or two, expect to stay in port for a night or two and then make up the time later. The cruise line may bus you to the next port of call and sail the ship empty to make up time, or a port or two may be dropped in favor of another. Remember: Getting you to your final destination is of utmost importance for the crew, along with seeing as much of the planned itinerary as possible.
Flexibility
Flexibility is essential to enjoying your river cruise vacation should you encounter high or low water levels. Remember that the crew are in the same boat (literally) as you. It doesn’t matter how much you paid, what stateroom or suite you’re in, or how far you’ve travelled to be there, if the ship’s stuck, the ship’s stuck. And when that happens, the cruise line can substitute any port of call, or any transportation method, to ensure that guests reach their planned disembarkation point for their return flights.
Go With the Flow
Sometimes, these situations can work to the benefit of guests. You might see cities you hadn’t counted on, and at the very least, you’ll be treated to a unique and memorable experience. You’ll come away with some fabulous stories.
So don’t sweat the small stuff; 99 percent of cruises go off without a hitch – chances are good that yours will, too.
alwweb says
I was hoping this would be primer of what seasons are the most likely to see high or low water problems. Are there any articles like this? I know there are always unforeseen circumstances, but like hurricane season, if you know it exists, you can plan for it. Thanks.
Aaron Saunders says
The problem with water levels in Europe is that they’re simply not as “predictable” as hurricane season is in the Caribbean. If there is an unusually steady and prolonged rainfall in one part of Europe, for example, it can affect water levels in that portion of Europe, or they can spread downstream days later. I sailed the Danube back in 2012 where my sailing had low water – there was concern about us contacting the bottom. Two weeks later Ralph sailed – and he barely made it to Nuremberg because of high water levels. Most river cruises, however, will go off without a hitch.