An Ontario couple paid $22,000 for an 11-day European river cruise operated by AmaWaterways, originally scheduled from Amsterdam to Switzerland. They received notice only 24 hours before their scheduled flight that the cruise company could not operate the river cruise in its entirety due to extraordinary river conditions.
Substitute Itinerary Offered Through Netherlands and Belgium
AmaWaterways offered a substitute itinerary cruising through the Netherlands and Belgium. Brian Lobaskie, the couple’s representative, said, “They marketed or attempted to market to me a substitute cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium, which I was not interested in, and it was not what I had paid for.”
Refund Request Denied, Credit Options Provided
The couple requested a
full refund, which AmaWaterways denied because the cruise was not cancelled but operated with adjustments. Guests who accepted the changed itinerary were offered a credit equal to 50% of their cruise fare; those opting out were offered a credit equal to 100% of the fare to postpone the trip.
Lobaskie rejected the credit offers, stating, “I should be entitled to a refund.” He also raised concerns about the value of the $22,000 credit declining due to rising prices for cruises next year and uncertain river conditions in 2027.
Causes of Itinerary Change Explained
Exceptional river conditions stemming from low water levels caused by heatwaves and
drought in Europe in 2026 forced the itinerary change. Travel expert Loren Christie explained, “This is not an usual situation because of the heat in Europe. A lot of the river levels are low, and that is causing changes to people’s (river cruise) itineraries.” Christie added that “In these river cruises there are waivers built in, and what you sign for often covers off these things, because (changing itineraries) it is not an unusual thing to happen.”
Official Statements and Passenger Impact
AmaWaterways stated, “We understand that changes to a long-awaited vacation can be disappointing.” The company noted, “Our teams continuously assess the situation and
make decisions based on the latest information available.” They emphasized, “As this particular cruise operated and was not cancelled, a refund did not apply.”
Lobaskie said, “We had all our bags packed, and we were ready to go,” before receiving the late notice. Passengers face challenges obtaining refunds when declining modified itineraries; travel credits offered may be less valuable due to price increases and uncertain future river conditions.
Broader Context and Industry Challenges
Heatwaves and drought in Europe in 2026 have led to widespread low river water levels, affecting multiple river cruises. River cruise companies often include waivers in contracts to cover itinerary changes arising
from uncontrollable weather. The couple’s dispute over refund refusal highlights common passenger challenges related to cancellations and refunds when itineraries are changed but cruises operated.
