River cruise lines have been forced to cancel some upcoming European departures due to low water levels caused by the region’s recent unexpectedly warm and dry summer.
The warmer season was described as “scorching” by Europeans as temperatures reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius).
Popular rivers used by cruise lines, such as the Danube and Rhine, were affected by the heat and despite the summer season ending last month, continue to suffer from low water levels.
Image: Viktor Kern/Unsplash
APT confirmed that due to shallow waters it has cancelled four European itineraries scheduled to depart next week: the 26 October and 27 October Amsterdam to Budapest, as well as the 26 October and 27 October Budapest to Amsterdam.
Travelmarvel has also cancelled one itinerary, its 29 October cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
KARRYON has contacted other cruise lines to see if any of their upcoming trips have been affected & is awaiting a reply.
today the lowest water levels ever were recorded at several points along the River Danube #GermanShepherd #GermanShepherdDog #gsd #doglife #Danube #Danubewater #Danuberiver #lowwater 💕 pic.twitter.com/j2WiOjeQ9v
— Alexia the German Shepherd (@german_alexia) October 16, 2018
In a statement, APT Travel Group (ATG) said it had successfully run its river cruises throughout the summer season by using ship swaps to work around low spots. However, with areas of the route between Amsterdam and Budapest becoming too shallow to cruise, the group had no option but to cancel some cruises.
Travel Agents with clients affected by cancellations can request a full refund on travel arrangements booked through APT or Travelmarvel.
“The safety and care of guests and staff is ATG’s highest priority and as such we will continue to monitor the situation.”
APT Travel Group
“ATG regrets any inconvenience to guests and further updates will be issued as required.”
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