With record-low water levels disrupting portions of the Danube River and the Rhine also approaching historic lows, travelers preparing for upcoming Viking River Cruises are asking an urgent question: What should I do if my cruise is leaving soon?
Heather Viking, Director of the Viking Division at Club Cruise™, says the answer is to prepare, remain flexible and avoid making expensive decisions based solely on a news headline.
"The biggest Viking mistake right now would be canceling a cruise before knowing what Viking plans to do with your specific departure," Heather said. "River conditions can vary dramatically by location, and they can change quickly. Travelers need information about their ship, sailing date and itinerary—not a photograph or report from another country."
The Associated Press reported July 30 that extended drought and extreme heat had pushed portions of the Danube to record-low levels. The Rhine was also nearing record lows in Germany, although navigation was continuing with restrictions in some areas.
Heather recommends that travelers departing within the next several weeks take the following steps:
1. Do Not Cancel Based Only on the News. A voluntary cancellation may be subject to the normal terms and penalties attached to the reservation.
2. Monitor Your Specific Viking Reservation. Review email, voicemail and My Viking Journey regularly. Confirm that Viking and the travel advisor have current contact information.
3. Contact the Travel Advisor Who Holds the Booking. Travelers booked through Club Cruise should contact Heather Viking's team as soon as a material change is received.
4. Keep Essentials in a Carry-On. Travelers should keep passports, medication, valuables, chargers, important documents and at least one change of clothing with them.
5. Review Independent Travel Arrangements. Check the cancellation and change terms for independently booked hotels, flights, trains, private transfers and tours.
Low water does not automatically result in cancellation. Operational changes may include a revised docking location, a modified itinerary, excursions operated by motorcoach, a temporary land transfer, a ship swap, or in some cases a shortened or canceled sailing.
Heather says the Rhine should be mentioned without distracting from the more urgent Danube story. "This is not only a Danube issue, but it is also not affecting every river, every ship or every itinerary equally. Travelers should focus on their exact route."
Heather points to an important reminder frequently shared with travel advisors by Michele Saegesser, Viking's Senior Vice President of Sales: river conditions are not completely predictable. Saegesser has emphasized that sudden summer rainfall in the mountains can move downstream and change river levels within a relatively short period.
"Today's measurement is important, but it is not a guaranteed forecast for a sailing two or three weeks away," Heather said. "A major mountain rain event can improve conditions, while continued heat and drought can make them worse."
Travelers who are highly uncomfortable with heat, water-level uncertainty or possible operational changes may prefer a spring, fall or holiday-market departure. However, no season is risk-free.
"There is no perfect month that guarantees a perfect river," Heather said. "The better strategy is choosing the season that fits your priorities and preparing for the conditions that may come with it."
No river cruise company can control water levels. In Heather's professional opinion, however, Viking has one of the strongest operational toolkits for responding when a section of river becomes impassable. Viking reported 89 river vessels at the end of 2025, including 59 Longships. Many Viking Longships share nearly identical layouts, which can allow guests to move to a sister ship while retaining a familiar room. Viking reported that 14 percent of its Rhine sailings involved ship swaps during the record-low European water conditions of 2022, and guest-quality ratings on those departures were comparable to unaffected sailings.
"That is one reason I recommend Viking," Heather said. "Its scale, similar ships and operational experience give it alternatives that may not be available to a company with only one or two vessels operating on a route."
For more information or assistance, travelers may visit the Viking Help Center by Club Cruise.
