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'They're not coach tours': How river lines are navigating the low water crisis on Europe's rivers

River cruise
Harry Kemble
13 October 2026

River lines remain in crisis mode with water levels on the Rhine and Danube rivers still exceptionally low, although one boss told TTG the situation could be about to change.

Koblenz
iStock/alxpin

Water levels near Koblenz have reached historic lows putting river lines on high alert 

Riviera Travel is currently reviewing all of its remaining Rhine sailings within its core season, covering eight itineraries to the end of October.

It has also cancelled two sailings on the Danube departing on 14 October and 16 October, although rhe situation on the Danube could change quickly “following even small amounts of rainfall”, Riviera stressed.

Some rain is forecast on both rivers in the next 14 days, but river lines don't believe enough precipitation is coming to dramatically improve the situation.

Explaining its approach, a Riviera spokesperson said: “Riviera has no intention of turning its river cruises into coach tours."