Important Travel Alerts

Important 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 navigation 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 September 10, 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 traveling 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.

Middle East Travel Update

We continue to closely monitor the circumstances in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict. It is important that you consult your travel advisor, the relevant airline policies and official government travel advisories. 
 
Our river and ocean cruises, including the worldwide touring programs, continue to operate as scheduled.

We are actively contacting Guests and Travel Advisors with clients scheduled to depart US & Latin America region in-line with the relevant airline policies, please visit their websites for the most up to date information.
 
The core priority is the safety of guests directly impacted during this time. We strongly encourage all guests scheduled to travel on Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad Airways to closely monitor their flight status, via the relevant airline app or official website. As the situation continues to be very uncertain, guests should review their airline’s disruption policies and travel waivers, which are currently being updated regularly. 
 
Please note when calling our Reservations Team, to listen carefully to the updated prompts provided. We have implemented a dedicated Middle East Travel Team, who are working with Guests & Travel Advisors to reaccommodate their flight arrangements. 
 
For Guests who have booked via their preferred travel agent, we request that you to contact your Travel Advisor as your first point of contact. 
 
On behalf of the management, we greatly appreciate your patience for any delays in responding to your enquiry, as our teams work to support all impacted Guests and Travel Advisors.

Scenic Group Global Cruise Operations - Fuel Availability Update

The Global Operations Team are closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the impact on fuel supply chains.

Based on the current information, we remain in a strong position regarding fuel availability for our fleet of ships. Our fuel is sourced from regions outside of the Middle East region and the key operations are concentrated in areas with reliable supply networks.

We are pleased to confirm that all Scenic and Emerald River and Ocean cruises, will continue to operate as scheduled. Whilst we continue to monitor the situation, we are not planning to implement fuel surcharges for new bookings at this time. However, depending on the duration and impact of the current conflict, we may be required to pass on additional third‑party charges, should they arise.