Cruises

A prolonged European heatwave in July 2026 caused record low water levels on the Rhine and Danube, affecting river cruise itineraries. Operators including Avalon Waterways and APT Travelmarvel reported cancellations and itinerary changes while others implemented operational adjustments.

Record low water levels on the Danube and Rhine rivers amid a European heatwave in July 2026 have forced river cruise operators to modify itineraries. Major lines like APT Luxury, Riviera Travel, and Viking are adjusting routes and implementing ship swaps to maintain service.

Holland America Line offered passengers booked on the 22 July 2026 Zaandam Alaska voyage a full refund plus a future cruise credit to voluntarily skip the oversold sailing. The offer reimburses fares and pre-purchased extras and is provided on a first-come basis amid peak Alaska cruise demand.

On July 16, 2026, a 51-year-old passenger aboard Carnival Luminosa was medevaced by the US Coast Guard 45 miles offshore of Humboldt Bay, California. She was transported to Mendocino Coast Hospital in stable condition.

Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of cruise calls to the private port Labadee in Haiti through June 2027 due to safety and security concerns. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti citing violent crime and civil unrest.

The U.S. Coast Guard medevaced a 51-year-old female passenger exhibiting stroke symptoms from Carnival Luminosa offshore Humboldt Bay on July 16, 2026. The aircrew transported her to Mendocino Coast Hospital, after which the cruise ship continued its itinerary.

Low water levels on the Rhine and Danube rivers have forced multiple river cruise lines to adjust itineraries during summer 2026. Operators are implementing contingency plans including ship swaps and motorcoach transfers to maintain operations.

Holland America Line has oversold cabins for its July 22, 2026 Alaska cruise aboard Zaandam. Passengers who voluntarily skip the sailing receive full refunds plus future cruise credits.

On July 16, 2026, a 51-year-old passenger was medevaced from Carnival Luminosa 45 miles off Humboldt Bay, California. The U.S. Coast Guard helicopter transferred her to Mendocino Coast Hospital amid challenging weather.

Water levels on the Rhine near Frankfurt fell to 53 cm and the Danube near Budapest approached record lows in July 2026. Major river cruise operators have reported cancellations and itinerary changes while adapting schedules to maintain operations.