Travel Advice Regarding Europe Floods

High Water Levels Impact European River Cruises: What You Need to Know

Planning a river cruise through Europe or about to embark on one? Recent flooding has affected several cruise itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers. Here's a summary of the situation and how it might affect your travel plans.

The Situation

• Severe Flooding: Torrential rains and low-pressure systems, particularly from Storm Boris, have caused the worst floods in central and eastern Europe in over a decade.
  
  
• Affected Areas: High water levels have surged on the Danube and Rhine rivers, especially impacting regions around Vienna (Austria), Budapest (Hungary), and Bratislava (Slovakia).
  
  
• Navigation Challenges: Elevated water levels make it difficult for ships to pass under bridges and access certain docking locations, leading to itinerary disruptions.

Advice for Travellers

• Stay Informed: Regularly monitor emails and messages from your cruise line for updates. Your Global Journeys advisor will also be in contact if your river cruise departure is in any way affected.
  
  
• Itinerary Changes: Be prepared for last-minute adjustments to routes, docking locations and excursion schedules.
  
  
• Infrastructure Improvements: European authorities are enhancing flood defenses, which may mitigate future disruptions.
  
  
• Alternative Destinations: If you're concerned, you can explore river cruise options in other regions such as Egypt, Southeast Asia, or Portugal's Douro Valley. The recent flooding is only
  
  
• It's Not All Doom & Gloom: High water conditions tend to arrive and disappear very quickly, so it's likely the the flood waters have already receded by the time you read this!
  

While the high water levels have caused disruptions, the cruise lines are actively working to ensure guest safety and satisfaction. By staying informed and flexible, you can still enjoy a memorable river cruising experience through Europe’s picturesque landscapes.

If you're scheduled for an upcoming voyage, and you've booked your river cruise with Global Journeys, your travel advisor will navigate through any changes with you as smoothly as possible.

Remember, your cruise experience is a top priority for these cruise operators and they are committed to providing the best possible journey despite the natural challenges which occur from time to time.