Important Travel Alerts
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travel alertsImportant Update: Low Water Levels on the Danube, Rhine & Main Rivers
Europe has experienced an extended period of dry weather, with above-average temperatures and limited rainfall across many regions. As a result, water levels on parts of the Danube, Rhine and Main Rivers are significantly lower than usual and are impacting river navigation.
Upper Danube sailings
We are pleased to report some positive rainfall and subsequent change in conditions, with stretches of the Upper Danube near Dürnstein and Vienna now reopening to navigation.
While navigations remains closed between Regensburg and Passau near Pfelling, and between Bratislava and Budapest, recent rainfall has resulted in improving water levels and is helping to reduce the potential impact on upcoming cruises.
Conditions remain under close observation, and our nautical and operations teams continue to monitor water levels closely as we assess the potential for further sections to reopen. While the recent rainfall is encouraging, it will take time for water levels to recover sufficiently across all affected stretches.
Rhine sailings
Conditions continue to affect sections of the Main and Rhine Rivers, including between Cologne and Koblenz, Rüdesheim and Mainz, and near Mannheim.
Recent rainfall has also resulted in positive increases in water levels across some areas. We are hopeful that further sections will reopen as conditions improve, although, given the significant reduction in water levels, recovery will take time.
Some stretches currently remain unsuitable for navigation, and our teams are implementing alternative arrangements where required to maintain the best possible experience for our guests.
What Guests Can Expect
All guests due to join impacted cruises departing up until 10 September 2026 should have received an initial notification.
Approximately seven days prior to departure, guests will receive a further update confirming their proposed itinerary and any operational adjustments.
Guests travelling beyond this period will be contacted as conditions evolve and more information becomes available.
In circumstances where itinerary adjustments are required, Scenic Group, which includes Scenic and Emerald Cruises, is committed to supporting our guests throughout their journey. Depending on the nature and extent of any operational changes, this may include alternative ships, hotel accommodation, additional coach transfers, revised touring arrangements, or other measures designed to maintain the quality and value of the experience. Where a sailing experiences significant disruption, we will review each situation individually and communicate any applicable goodwill gestures or compensation directly to affected guests.
Our priority remains supporting guests and their travel advisors with their upcoming travel plans while navigating these challenging river conditions. We continue to work closely with local authorities, port officials and our nautical teams to provide a safe and enjoyable European experience for our guests.
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