In late July 2026, the Viking river cruise ship Viking Ullur ran aground on the Danube River with 186 passengers and 52 crew amid record low river water levels. Passengers were safely evacuated without injuries, while cruise lines adjusted operations to cope with ongoing drought conditions affecting European rivers.
Record low water levels on the Danube and Rhine in 2026 have forced European river cruise lines to reroute, swap ships, and cancel port stops. Passengers face bus transfers and early disembarkations, with cruise operators providing compensations and adjusting itineraries.
Celebrity Cruises unveiled its 2028-29 deployment with itineraries across all seven continents, including Europe, Alaska, Asia, and Antarctica. The announcement features new ports, extended seasons, and expanded immersive travel options.