Low water reroutes Rhine sailings as new ships line up for 2027

Riviera Travel has amended itineraries on George Eliot and Geoffrey Chaucer, which cannot transit the Rhine Gorge, after two late-September departures were cancelled. Sailings on Sept 30 were rerouted, and Kaub forecasts show only modest improvement, so more October departures are at risk.

What to do: Check October Rhine and Cologne–Budapest bookings for itinerary changes now. Contact clients before they hear it from the line, and review the flexibility and compensation terms so you can handle rebooking and complaints.

The disruption sits within a record-low year on the Danube and Rhine, including July's Viking Ullur grounding. First-hand traveller accounts and consumer coverage are asking whether river cruises are still safe to book. Expect more of those questions from clients, and have a clear answer ready on low-water policies.

AmaWaterways has revealed AmaMaya, a 120-guest ship due on the Mekong in January 2027. It has 60 staterooms, matching AmaDara, and adds capacity on Charms of the Mekong and Riches of the Mekong.

January falls in prime Southeast Asia season, so advisors can sell launch-year inventory now. The ship also adds to Mekong competition for Viking, Scenic and Uniworld. The sources give no pricing or commission detail, so check early-booking incentives and availability directly with AmaWaterways before quoting clients.

American Cruise Lines has christened American Ranger on the Hudson. It is ACL's third 2026 launch and fourth Patriot Class ship. Two more Patriot Class ships, American Mariner and American Navigator, and American Anthem are due in 2027.

The 2027 Hudson program will operate roundtrip from Albany, with a New York City stop and Statue of Liberty views. Advisors should note the changed embarkation point when advising clients on air and hotel. Most 2026 Hudson departures are sold out, a sign of strong US river demand and tight 2027 inventory, so early holds are worth considering.

Riviera Travel River Cruises has created a MICE sales director role for North America and named Donna Kurtz to it. The role covers charter, incentive and group business as Riviera expands in the market. Kurtz previously built Scenic and Emerald's charter division to more than $40M in revenue.

Advisors who book groups or incentives should expect more Riviera group programs and support. No terms were announced, so ask about group pricing and advisor commission before pitching.