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 steps such as not canceling based only on the news, monitoring their specific Viking reservation, contacting their travel advisor, keeping essentials in a carry-on, and reviewing independent travel arrangements. Operational changes may include revised docking locations, modified itineraries, motorcoach excursions, temporary land transfers, ship swaps, or in some cases shortened or canceled sailings.
"The operational response can involve ships, captains, ports, buses, hotels, luggage teams, guides, meals and hundreds of guests—all moving at once," Heather said. "That is why experience, scale and logistics matter."
Viking's scale is an advantage during disruptions. The company reported 89 river vessels at the end of 2025, including 59 Longships, and has experience with ship swaps—14 percent of its Rhine sailings involved swaps during the record-low European water conditions of 2022. Travelers can request a complimentary review through the Viking Help Center by Club Cruise.
