Riviera Travel has cancelled 10 European river cruise departures for 2026 and altered 6 additional itineraries amid extremely low water levels affecting the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, and Main rivers. The UK-based operator stated the cancellations apply where no viable alternative itineraries could be arranged.
Weeks of high temperatures and limited rainfall across Europe have significantly lowered river levels, restricting navigation on these critically important waterways. The unprecedented drought has made many stretches impassable for cruise vessels and disrupted commercial shipping operations.
To manage the ongoing operational challenges, Riviera Travel has implemented a dedicated incident team, boosted call-center staffing, and deployed
additional cruise directors and office personnel. The company coordinates daily updates for passengers and travel agents through its travel updates hub.
Passenger Options and Compensation
Riviera Travel is providing passengers on affected cruises with progress updates approximately 14 days, 7 days, and 72 hours before departure. Customers can choose to transfer to other Riviera holidays in 2026 or 2027, receive a full refund, or select alternative river cruises on the Douro, Seine, or Rhône rivers. Additionally, European and worldwide escorted tours are offered as substitutes.
If the alternative chosen costs less than the original booking, Riviera refunds the price difference. For more costly alternatives,
the company contributes GBP 250 per person toward the extra expense. Passengers opting for refunds receive a 15% Welcome Home Offer, an increase from the standard 10%, valid for six months to use on future European river cruises.
Itineraries proceeding on the Rhine, Danube, and Moselle may still experience mid-voyage adjustments. Riviera will assess compensation or goodwill arrangements, such as cash or future-travel vouchers, upon sailing completion based on the specific circumstances.
Low Water Impact on Commercial Shipping
Severe low water conditions also affect commercial navigation on the Rhine River, notably at the Kaub section in Germany, which is a critical point for vessel transit. The
disruption is widespread across Europe’s river-cruise network and the commercial shipping sector.
Passenger surveys conducted in July on Rhine and Danube cruises reflected strong confidence, with an average trust score of 8.6 out of 10 and positive sentiment near 88%, indicating passenger approval of operational adjustments during the period of disruption.
