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'If no rain comes, we cannot sail': The reality of low-water river cruising on Europe's iconic waterways

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Sara Macefield
22 July 2026

With the river at its lowest level for decades, cruise writer Sara Macefield suspected her Vineyards and Palaces of the Danube sailing with Uniworld would be affected. She reports for TTG en route to Nuremberg.

Uniworld SS Emilie on the Danube
Sara Macefield

Uniworld's new SS Emilie ship is currently operating a Vineyards and Palaces of the Danube itinerary

When the cruise manager of Uniworld’s SS Emilie summoned passengers to the main lounge for an important briefing about our Danube sailing, I had a sneaking suspicion the week-long schedule was about to change.

I’d joined the ultra-luxury line’s newest ship in Vienna only the day before, when guests had already been speculating whether the Danube’s low water levels would affect our voyage to Nuremberg.