Most river cruises are returning
to normal operations after
weeks of disruptions caused by
severe flooding.
Several June cruises on the Danube, Rhine,
Main and Elbe rivers were affected by floods
across Central Europe this month, with some
departures cancelled, other itineraries altered,
and passengers shifted to other ships.
Companies are reporting a slow recovery
as the clean-up of riverside towns and cities
continues and locks re-open.
Austria’s Altenworth lock, which was closed
for repairs and prevented ships from reaching
Budapest, is expected to operate again by
Friday.
For the rest of this week, however,
passengers must be transferred by coach or
moved to alternative vessels.
APT had three cruises affected, with the
Amadolce, Amabella and Johann Strauss
stranded on the other side of the lock outside
of Vienna.
Australians on the 20 June and 22 June
sailings were accommodated in hotels and
taken on sightseeing tours before meeting
their ships at other ports two days later.
APT does not anticipate any further
amendments to any cruises.
Scenic Tours has Scenic Pearl scheduled to
cruise through the Altenworth lock on the day
it reopens, and Scenic Diamond the next day.
“We will remain in constant contact with the
river authorities as we approach 28 June to
monitor the lock opening,” the company said
on its website.
Uniworld reported the highest number of
ship swaps, different embarkation ports and
modified land touring programs – further
details are available on the company website.
