Rising water levels force Tui River Cruises to evacuate ship

Avalon Waterways has also reportedly cancelled two sailings on the Danube. A spokesperson for the line told TTG: "Avalon has a history of making every effort to keep cruise itineraries intact.

"When Mother Nature makes other plans, we present guests with alternate experiences and opportunities to determine how they’d like to navigate their next steps and journey. The majority of our cruises are operating normally."

A-Rosa River Cruises confirmed it was in contact with harbours and water management authorities along the river due to the "very high" water levels along the Danube. 

"We constantly check the conditions for each section between the individual ports to ensure that the cruise can be carried out safely," an A-Rosa spokesperson said. 

It added that its "aim" for Danube cruises was to reach Engelhartszel – nearly 50 miles south of Deggendorf – where passengers can embark and disembark. 

"As things stand today, however, this may not be possible for the cruises departing in the next few days," continued A-Rosa. "If this forecast is correct, we will start the cruises from the next possible port and take guests to the ship from Passau in comfortable coaches." 

Uniworld confirmed it was monitoring the situation in central Europe and stressed that every cruise line operating in the region was affected. 

"We are actively monitoring the situation and communicating with impacted Uniworld guests and their travel advisors as soon as changes to the embarkation point, sailing schedule, and/or tours are known and confirmed; with solutions being determined on a case-by-case basis," the luxury line said. 

"Due to the changing nature of the situation, we are not always able to provide specific details in advance. Guests can be assured that the operations team is working diligently to provide them with alternatives that meet Uniworld’s strict standards for quality and service, delivering the 5-star experience that they know and expect." 

Viking, meanwhile, shared a statement on its website, warning passengers and travel agents that imminent departures on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers could be impacted. 

It said: “Currently, sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers are experiencing high water levels. 

“To varying degrees, these conditions may affect select itineraries. Our Switzerland-based nautical team is continually monitoring the situation and will make any necessary adjustments to accommodate the conditions.” 

APT confirmed one Rhine sailing was recently cancelled as the ship was unable to sail through to Amsterdam. 

APT customers were transferred either to Munich or Amsterdam and were then assisted with their onward travel arrangements. All other sailings have continued with ship swaps in Amsterdam and Budapest, the line said.