TUI and Viking warn of disruptions to river cruises in Europe

Travel plans are being affected as water levels on major European rivers drop due to prolonged heatwaves and low rainfall.

Viking River Cruises and TUI have both warned customers of potential changes to itineraries, with recent reports of two ships running aground.

The Viking Einar ran aground on the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany, on June 29 with around 190 passengers on board.

Another vessel, the Viking Ullur, ran aground on the Danube River in Bulgaria on July 27, with all 186 passengers having to be rescued.

River cruise holidays in Europe face disruptions and itinerary changes

Viking River Cruises, in a statement on its website, said: “Sections of the Danube and Rhine Rivers are currently experiencing exceptionally low water levels.

“As a result, select Viking river itineraries may be modified.

“Viking’s nautical and operational teams are closely monitoring conditions and working to minimize any impact to guests’ travel experiences.”

The company said it was prepared for these challenges.

Viking said: “We also deploy identical sister ships on the same itinerary, sailing in opposite directions.

“In various water-level situations, when disruptions occur, we can implement ‘ship swaps’, allowing guests and their luggage to transfer to their exact same stateroom on an identical sister ship on the other side of the affected section of river.

“This approach helps minimise overall disruptions and preserve the experience our guests expect from Viking.”

TUI has also advised customers that cruise plans may be affected.

A spokesman for TUI said: “Most sailings go ahead without any disruptions, but water levels on the rivers can go up or down depending on the weather.

“If your cruise is affected, we’ll make every effort to complete your itinerary.

“To do this there may be changes to berth locations, modifying shore experiences or completing some sections of the itinerary by coach.”

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