An Ontario couple, Brian Lobaskie and his partner, booked an 11-day European river cruise with AmaWaterways for $22,000. Their original itinerary planned a voyage from Amsterdam to Switzerland, including excursions and a rail pass.
Only 24 hours before their scheduled flight, AmaWaterways informed them of an itinerary change. The revised route covered only the Netherlands and Belgium instead of their original destinations.
The couple rejected the altered itinerary. AmaWaterways declined to offer a cash refund, stating the cruise was not cancelled but operated under a changed plan. The company offered guests who accepted the new route a 50% travel credit
for future trips and a 100% credit for those postponing their journey. Brian Lobaskie dismissed these options as inadequate and insisted on a full refund.
River Conditions Prompting Itinerary Adjustments
River cruise operators often change itineraries due to river conditions affected by severe weather. In 2026, Europe experienced heatwaves and droughts that lowered river water levels, causing disruptions. Flooding and navigation restrictions also frequently impact planned routes.
Travel expert Loren Christie confirmed itinerary modifications are common in such circumstances, noting: “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.”
Passenger Contracts and Regulatory Guidelines
Contracts signed by river cruise passengers typically include clauses permitting itinerary changes due to natural conditions without granting refunds as long as the cruise operates. These waivers account for route alterations, port substitutions, and other operational changes.
Ontario’s travel regulations require agencies to notify clients promptly about material changes. They mandate offering either a full refund or comparable travel alternatives if significant adjustments occur. These protections apply when bookings are made through Ontario-registered travel agents or tour operators.
Travel Insurance and Consumer Considerations
Travel insurance coverage for itinerary changes caused by river conditions varies. Policies may exclude disruptions due to
low water levels. Customers should verify coverage with their insurer before booking.
The couple’s case illustrates challenges consumers face: abrupt changes with limited recourse to obtain refunds if the cruise operates in any form. Travel credits offered as compensation can include restrictions such as expiration dates or fare increases on future trips.
Official Statements
An AmaWaterways spokesperson said the company did not cancel the cruise but had to adjust the itinerary due to extraordinary river conditions. They emphasized the importance of timely communication and stated refunds do not apply if the cruise proceeds on an altered route.
Lobaskie said, “We had all
our bags packed, and we were ready to go,” adding he received notice only a day before the scheduled departure. He described the substitute cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium as “not what I had paid for” and declared, “I should be entitled to a refund.” He also expressed concerns about uncertain river conditions affecting future cruises and the potential cost of rebooking.
Loren Christie summarized that itinerary changes are not uncommon for river cruises, especially with recent European weather patterns impacting navigable waterways.
