River Cruise Travel Updates
Last updated: 12:00, 14 August 2026
Current River Conditions Across Europe
Europe has been experiencing an unprecedented period of dry weather this summer, which has led to historic low water levels on the Rhine and Danube.
Water levels on Europe's rivers can fluctuate quite significantly within a short period of time. While we monitor conditions closely, operational decisions must often be delayed until the latest possible point to maximise the opportunity to operate the planned itinerary. No cruises have had to be cancelled due to low water levels this year, and we will continue to monitor the situation and contact customers around 14 days before departure.
Any decisions regarding itinerary amendments are made only when there is sufficient certainty that a change is required, working closely with our nautical team, ensuring we balance customer experience, operational practicality and safety.
Our teams are working hard to ensure the best possible holiday is delivered to our customers. We will update this page weekly with the latest updates.
Keeping you updated
Our teams in the UK and the affected regions are regularly monitoring conditions and working with our partners to ensure we can share the latest information with you. We understand how important it is that you are kept informed and will be in touch regularly prior to your holiday. To ensure we can use the most up-to-date information, we will be sending final travel documents closer to your departure date.
Latest Departure Information
Our August sailings are going ahead with revised itineraries, and all customers have been contacted directly about any changes. If you haven't yet received an email for your cruise, please contact our team via email cr@greatrail.com.
We will continue to monitor conditions on the Rhine and Danube as we move into early September. Any potential impact to your holiday will be communicated at least 2 weeks before your departure.
1. Departures Operating with Revised Itineraries
| Ship | Itinerary | Sailing date |
| MS Amadeus Cara |
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly Munich, Bavaria & the Beautiful Danube |
20th August, 2026 |
| MS Amadeus Cara |
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly Munich, Bavaria & the Beautiful Danube |
27th August, 2026 |
2. Rivers not affected
We work with our partners to ensure we have the latest information on all rivers we sail on. Currently, our cruises in France and Portugal are unaffected and there are no sailing restrictions on the following rivers:
- Rhône
- Seine
- French waterways for barge holidays
- Douro