Flooding in Central Europe Forces River Cruise Cancellations
Destination & Tourism AmaWaterways Theresa Norton June 03, 2013
Dangerous floods and landslides in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic have forced the cancellation or modification of numerous river cruises by Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises. There were fears that the city center of Prague, Czech Republic, would be swamped; water levels in Passau, Germany, were at their highest levels in almost 60 years, according to BBC News. Viking said it does not expect to be able to visit Passau. Some media outlets were reporting at least seven deaths.
Avalon Waterways cancelled five cruises and is offering a full refund and $500 credit. Two June 7 departures were cancelled—the “Blue Danube Discovery” and “Jewels of Central Europe,” both on Avalon Luminary. Also cancelled is the June 8 departure of “Magnificent Europe” aboard the Avalon Tranquility, the June 9 departure of “Magnificent Europe” on Avalon Vista and the June 10 departure of “Austrian Highlights & Bavaria” on the Avalon Affinity. The company previously cancelled the June 2 departure of the “Legendary Danube” cruise aboard the Avalon Visionary. Avalon said it will provide updates on its Facebook page as needed. Affected passengers can call Avalon at 800-372-1761 or email traveleradvisory@globusfamily.com.
Viking River Cruises cancelled the June 9 “Romantic Danube” sailing on Viking Prestige and the June 9 “Danube Waltz” departure of the Viking Legend. The company is sending guests and their travel agents email notifications and is offering a $500 credit to rebook on another cruise or a full refund and a $500 per person future cruise credit. For details, call 877-523-0579 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific time Monday through Friday or 818-216-2453 after hours.
Viking also changed the itineraries and ships on 16 other cruises, saying guests will be met at the airport and transferred to the appropriate vessel, regardless of whether they purchased transfers from Viking. In addition, a Viking representative will also be stationed at the original port of embarkation to transport guests to the correct vessel or hotel in some cases. Departures with amended itineraries are: June 5, “Romantic Danube” on Viking Odin; June 5, “Romantic Danube” aboard Viking Freya; June 8 “Romantic Danube” on Viking Njord; June 8 “Romantic Danube” aboard Viking Idun; June 8 “Grand European Tour” aboard Viking Embla; June 8 “Passage to Eastern Europe” on Viking Aegir; June 8 “Grand European Tour” aboard Viking Forseti; June 9 “Rhine Getaway” aboard Viking Sun; June 9 “Rhine Getaway” aboard Viking Helvetia; June 9 “Elegant Elbe” on Viking Schumann; June 9 “Elegant Elbe” aboard Viking Fontane; June 9 “Romantic Danube” aboard MS Vienna; June 9 “Grand European Tour” aboard Viking Tor; June 9 “Grand European Tour” on Viking Var; June 12 “Grand European Tour” on Viking Sky; and June 16 “Grand European Tour” aboard Viking Bragi. For details on the amended itineraries, visit Viking’s weather alert page.
AmaWaterways said June 3 that it has not cancelled any cruises and is operating on schedule.
Avalon said disruptions have been minimal in some cases. “For example there are Avalon ships on either side of the Main-Danube Canal and we have been able to ‘swap’ vessels and transfer passengers from one ship to another so they could continue sailing,” the line posted. “In other instances, we have combined partial sailings with hotel stays. In virtually all instances, the ports, excursions and highlights are being visited or experienced by our guests. We are also providing our travelers compensation depending upon the number of cruising days that may have been affected.”
For more information on AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Central Europe
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