by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:55 PM ET, Thu July 16, 2026
Low water levels are affecting European river cruises.
Conditions are expected to improve next week but, for now, data from Hungary's Water Authority suggest water levels on the Danube River in Budapest are within 3.15 inches of the record low set eight years ago.
“River cruise vessels are currently still able to enter Hungary, but several ships are stranded or waiting in ports because of the low water levels,” Laszlo Somodi, chief executive officer of Hungarian tour operator MAHART-PassNave, told Reuters.
About 600,000 travelers take river cruises through Hungary each year, so the river’s fluctuating water levels have broader ripple effects on the tourism industry. MAHART-PassNave's bookings are down 18 percent so far in July—and Somodi suspects the low water levels are to blame.
According to Reuters, Avalon Waterways also canceled some departures on the Danube and Rhine rivers because of low water levels.
Riviera Travel River Cruises, meanwhile, is not canceling sailings but instead planning different excursions and destinations for guests to visit.
“Guests onboard are receiving daily updates on sailing schedules and excursions, helping them stay informed as plans evolve,” according to a statement shared with TravelPulse. “In fact, some guests have affectionately described their holiday as a ‘Magical Mystery Cruise,’ embracing the element of surprise and enjoying the opportunity to discover new destinations along the way.”
The statement continues: “Our priority is always the safety and enjoyment of our guests, and our experienced teams have a range of contingency plans in place to ensure holidays continue to deliver a fantastic experience. Guests are kept fully informed throughout, and feedback from those currently traveling remains positive.”
Viking has notified affected guests and their travel advisors that sections of the Danube and Rhine Rivers are experiencing unusually low water levels and that, as a result, select itineraries may be modified.
"Viking's nautical and operational teams are closely monitoring conditions and working to minimize any impact to guests' travel experiences," according to a statement shared with TravelPulse.
The company's Switzerland-based nautical team works in coordination with local authorities and port partners to monitor water levels and implement operational adjustments as needed. In addition, Viking strategically deploys sister ships on the same itineraries in opposite directions. When river conditions require it, the company may implement a "ship swap," allowing guests and their luggage to transfer to their exact same stateroom on an identical sister ship positioned on the other side of the affected section of river.
"This approach helps preserve itineraries and reduce disruptions to the guest experience," according to the statement.
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