WHAT'S HAPPENING
AN EXCEPTIONALLY DRY SEASON ON EUROPE'S RIVERS
Prolonged hot weather and a lack of rainfall across Europe have pushed water levels on the Danube and Rhine to their lowest points in years, with several stretches approaching or matching prior record lows.
When a river drops below a certain depth, ships can no longer move safely through that stretch, regardless of the vessel. Conditions like this are uncommon, but they are not new — Europe's rivers have seen similar dry spells before, and the river cruise industry has long-established operational procedures for managing them successfully.
Our nautical and shoreside operations teams across Europe are watching conditions on the Danube, Rhine and Main continuously, working directly with river authorities and local partners to understand how each stretch is affected and what it means for upcoming departures. Like the rest of the cruise industry, we must comply with certain rules and regulations to keep you safe.
OUR APPROACH
HOW WE KEEP YOUR JOURNEY MOVING
Rather than pausing sailings when a river runs low, we adapt. As a well-established cruise company with over 30 years of experience and a network of partners across the globe, including Europe, our operational team works tirelessly to adapt to changing conditions and new requirements.
BUILT FOR SHALLOW WATER
Our new ships are designed with the rivers of Europe in mind, giving them the ability to continue sailing in conditions that may limit other vessels.
FLEXIBLE ROUTING
When we receive notification from our partners in Europe that a section of the river isn't safe to navigate, we adjust the itinerary to keep you safe while continuing to provide a seamless service. This might involve reordering ports, swapping vessels, or bridging a stretch by motor coach so your cruise can continue.
A TEAM WATCHING EVERY MILE
Our shoreside operations team, ship officers and your Cruise Manager stay in constant contact with our global operations team, ensuring that any necessary adjustments are made promptly and communicated clearly.
YOUR BOOKING
IF YOU ARE ALREADY BOOKED
If conditions are expected to affect your specific sailing, our experienced Travel Advisors will reach out to you directly. They will provide you with all the details before you depart, including any changes to ports, embarkation points or onboard arrangements.
If an overnight hotel stay becomes part of your revised itinerary, we make every effort to place you in hotels of the same quality you'd expect on board. These properties are carefully selected to meet Century Cruises' own service standards for comfort, location and hospitality.
There's nothing you need to do right now. If your sailing is affected, our team will contact you directly with all the necessary information.
PLANNING A FUTURE SAILING
If you're considering a Danube or Rhine cruise for an upcoming date, please be assured that our operations team carefully monitors river conditions and plans each sailing accordingly. To date, we have not needed to cancel a sailing outright as a result of this summer's conditions.
Our teams across Europe continue to monitor the situation carefully, and our Travel Advisors are briefed daily on the latest conditions and any operational updates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL MY CRUISE BE CANCELLED?
With over 30 years of experience in river cruising, our approach is to adapt wherever possible rather than cancel. We understand how important your holiday is to you, and we will always do our best not to let you down. This may mean a different embarkation point, a revised itinerary, or an additional hotel stay — but our goal is always to deliver the journey you booked, or one that is just as memorable.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO STAY IN A HOTEL
When an itinerary requires an overnight hotel stay, we work to place guests in accommodation that reflects the same standard of comfort and service you'd expect aboard a Century Cruises vessel. We aim to select a well-located property that offers the comfort and convenience you would expect during your journey.
HOW WILL I FIND OUT IF MY SAILING IS AFFECTED?
We understand that your holiday is something you have been looking forward to, and any uncertainty about your plans can be worrying. If your sailing is affected, your Travel Advisor will contact you directly as soon as we have a confirmed plan in place. They will talk you through any changes, explain what they mean for your journey and answer any questions you may have.
There is no need to keep checking for updates about your individual booking. Our teams across the globe are monitoring the situation closely, and if anything changes that affects your sailing, we will make sure you are kept informed every step of the way.
WILL I BE COMPENSATED IF MY ITINERARY CHANGES?
We understand that a change to your itinerary may be disappointing, especially when you have been looking forward to your journey. If your sailing is affected, we will carefully consider the circumstances and, where appropriate, offer a gesture of appreciation for your understanding and flexibility.
As every sailing and situation is different, your Travel Advisor will explain any arrangements that apply to your journey when they contact you with the details of your revised itinerary.
SHOULD I STILL BOOK A RIVER CRUISE THIS SEASON?
Yes. Most departures continue to sail as planned, and with over 30 years of experience in river cruising, our teams know how to respond when conditions change.
We understand that you may have questions before making your decision, and we want you to feel comfortable and confident about your holiday. Our Travel Advisors are kept informed of the latest conditions and will be happy to talk through any concerns you may have before you book.
River conditions may sometimes change the way we reach a destination, but our commitment to making your journey safe, enjoyable and memorable remains the same.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR VOYAGE?
We understand that you may still have questions about what the current river conditions could mean for your journey, and we are here to help.
Please call one of our experienced and dedicated Travel Advisors on (+1) 833-940-6254 or email us at
We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Please note: This page is updated as river conditions and our operational plans evolve. Bookmark it and check back throughout the season.
