Low water on the Rhine, new hulls on the Nile, Mekong and Hudson

The Rhine has dropped to record lows, and the Dutch Melody is stranded near Cologne. Maxau, Kaub and Lobith are all below navigable depth, and no rain is forecast. This is the second grounding of the season, after Viking Ullur on the Danube in July.

For advisors, the exposure is Rhine bookings now and Christmas Markets sailings in November and December. Expect itinerary changes, bus-bridging or ship swaps.

• Contact clients on upcoming Rhine departures before the line does.
• Check each line's low-water policy for what it covers.
• Be ready to offer alternatives if the levels hold into the markets season.

• Contact clients on upcoming Rhine departures before the line does.
• Check each line's low-water policy for what it covers.
• Be ready to offer alternatives if levels hold into the markets season.

AmaWaterways is adding ships where supply has been tight. AmaNubia arrives on the Nile in November 2026 and AmaMaya on the Mekong in January 2027. AmaRudi joins the Danube in spring 2027. The managing director says availability has been the main constraint on the Nile and Mekong, so the new hulls give advisors more inventory to sell.

Early-booking savings are on offer, and 2028 departures are already on sale. That gives advisors room to place Egypt and Mekong clients who book late.

American Cruise Lines has christened American Ranger on the Hudson River. It is the line's third new ship launched this year. ACL is adding US river and coastal capacity quickly, which gives advisors selling Hudson and US river itineraries new-build inventory. It also makes ACL a growing competitor to Viking Mississippi.

The source gives little commercial detail, so check pricing and itineraries directly with ACL.