Viking European River Cruises issues with current water levels !!

[Pushka]

Eurailpasses are available for either Global (33 countries including UK) or various smaller country combinations.

They can be purchased in digital or paper formats: the latter are mailed to one's address in Australia, so not practical if holidaymakers are already in Europe. A few major city railway stations apparently sell Eurailpasses, but varies by country.

Eurailpass gives far more flexibility than a river cruise at a fraction of the cost. The Seat 61 website has many tips on how to book on trains with compulsory reservations, and a dropdown menu for travel from one city to another. A first class pass is what I'd recommend.

Rarely does one need a taxi unless elderly or disabled, @Pushka , as there are typically many hotels close to major (and often minor) railway stations. Most cities have extensive tram, metro and/or bus routes that will easily get you to hotels that may be in 'Old Towns' a kilometre or two from a railway station.

A great alternative if a cruise is cancelled and passengers receive (or will obtain) a full refund.

Two years ago, friends booked Viking on a river cruise from Basel to France: they had to complete the last section by road coach due to water levels, and received a paltry $1000 'travel voucher', but have said they won't again go on a river cruise in Europe so the voucher was useless. They also said their $1400 a day cruise cost came with a poky cabin. I am unsure why a cash refund wasn't offered.

Media indicate some European river cruises are being changed to sail on rivers like the Rhone that may have higher water levels.

People book cruises to cruise. The cruise is part of the journey. People book trains for transport. A means to get from A to B. Apples and oranges.

Vouchers from Viking can also be used on ocean cruises.

I'm following a local person on Cruise Critic who studies water levels on Rhine, Rhone and Danube. She knows the draft of boats both cruise and commercial and the choke points. She's brilliant. Or maybe it's a he? Anyway, rain does make a difference. It might only be a temporary surge if not sustained but such a surge might allow a boat to pass. Melting snow was what caused our flooding in December a few years ago and we had a bus trip. We received a voucher. We had to sign an NDA. I don't think Americans received anything.

 

[AuSammy]

Yes, I’d probably aim for a late Spring River cruise over late Summer!

A long time ago now but on our trip from Amsterdam to Budapest (in May) the captain was anxiously assessing hour by hour whether the top of the boat would hit the underside of bridges even after the crew had totally cleared the top deck of furniture etc and dismantled the safety railings.

 

[Pushka]

This is what AMA is offering:
Your embarkation details – Vilshofen, Germany - remain the same as outlined in your Guest Travel Booklet.

Two additional options for you:

We've tried hard to adjust your itinerary to be as close what you were originally expecting. However, we understand this may not be what you want. We would therefore like to offer two additional options for you to consider:

You May Rebook to Another 2026 European Cruise

If you would prefer to travel on a completely different itinerary, you may rebook on any available European AmaWaterways cruise of the same duration in the same stateroom category, departing between October and December 2026, with no additional cruise fare charged. To take advantage of this option, you will need to rebook within 7 calendar days of receiving this email.

If you booked with AmaAir, we will assist you with necessary air arrangements at our cost. If you arranged air travel yourself, you will be responsible for any related changes and costs. If AmaWaterways travel insurance has already been purchased, it will be transferred to the new reservation. Should you be interested in rebooking on an itinerary outside of Europe, please contact us to discuss available options, as fare differences may apply.

Or, you may choose to receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit for a 2027 Sailing

If neither of the above options suits you, you may choose not to travel on this departure and instead receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100% of your current cruise fare, which may be applied toward a new reservation on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the 2027 sailing season.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you aboard an AmaWaterways cruise in the future, whichever option you choose.

Our teams are monitoring the conditions closely and preparing thoughtfully on your behalf. As plans are refined, we'll continue to keep you informed along the way. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the page shared above regularly and download the myAmaCruise app, where you'll receive notifications and updates related to your upcoming cruise.

Thank you for your continued trust, patience, and understanding. We know how much this journey means to you and we are working hard to make your experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

We look forward to welcoming you on board!


Apaarently vikimg are improving their offers. Because of the pressure from US TA's whom they can't afford to lose as they can influence clients bookings.

 

[Dieselcanberrra]

This is what AMA is offering:
Your embarkation details – Vilshofen, Germany - remain the same as outlined in your Guest Travel Booklet.

Two additional options for you:

We've tried hard to adjust your itinerary to be as close what you were originally expecting. However, we understand this may not be what you want. We would therefore like to offer two additional options for you to consider:

You May Rebook to Another 2026 European Cruise

If you would prefer to travel on a completely different itinerary, you may rebook on any available European AmaWaterways cruise of the same duration in the same stateroom category, departing between October and December 2026, with no additional cruise fare charged. To take advantage of this option, you will need to rebook within 7 calendar days of receiving this email.

If you booked with AmaAir, we will assist you with necessary air arrangements at our cost. If you arranged air travel yourself, you will be responsible for any related changes and costs. If AmaWaterways travel insurance has already been purchased, it will be transferred to the new reservation. Should you be interested in rebooking on an itinerary outside of Europe, please contact us to discuss available options, as fare differences may apply.

Or, you may choose to receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit for a 2027 Sailing

If neither of the above options suits you, you may choose not to travel on this departure and instead receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100% of your current cruise fare, which may be applied toward a new reservation on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the 2027 sailing season.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you aboard an AmaWaterways cruise in the future, whichever option you choose.

Our teams are monitoring the conditions closely and preparing thoughtfully on your behalf. As plans are refined, we'll continue to keep you informed along the way. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the page shared above regularly and download the myAmaCruise app, where you'll receive notifications and updates related to your upcoming cruise.

Thank you for your continued trust, patience, and understanding. We know how much this journey means to you and we are working hard to make your experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

We look forward to welcoming you on board!


Apaarently vikimg are improving their offers. Because of the pressure from US TA's whom they can't afford to lose as they can influence clients bookings.

Hi Pushka
Any updates you've seen on what Scenic are offering? I noticed the wording changed on their website a few days ago about compensation etc. Thanks

 

[Pushka]

Hi Pushka
Any updates you've seen on what Scenic are offering? I noticed the wording changed on their website a few days ago about compensation etc. Thanks

I expect that if Viking are doing it then Scenic is too. Viking is the hold out company and scenic got badly burned in the High Court here in 2023.

 

[ellen10]

This was from someone yesterday
Emerald is part of the scenic group

This is what we received from Emerald. We booked Directly with them. NOT a Third Party….

We understand how disappointing it is to receive news of a change to your holiday so close to departure. While these circumstances are entirely beyond our control, we appreciate your understanding and would like to offer you the following options.

Continue with your cruise
Travel as planned, understanding that your itinerary will be adjusted and final arrangements will be communicated as soon as they are confirmed. If you choose to travel on the alternative itinerary, you may select one of the following offers:
Future Travel Credit equal to 50% of your paid Emerald Cruises cruise fare, redeemable on a future Scenic Group cruise; or
A refund equal to 25% of your paid Emerald Cruises cruise fare.
Transfer to a future departure
Transfer to an alternative Splendours of Europe River Cruise, or a similar European river cruise departing in 2026 or 2027, with your current pricing and promotional offers protected.

Future Travel Credit
Receive a Future Travel Credit equal to the cruise value paid to Emerald Cruises, valid for travel on any Scenic Group cruise departing within the next 24 months.

Refund
Receive a refund of funds received by Emerald Cruises for the cruise portion of your holiday.^

We sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,
Emerald Cruises Operations