Low water forces cancellations, splits line policies and tightens Christmas Market space

Low water is now forcing cancellations, and line policies differ. Riviera has cancelled Danube sailings on 14 and 16 October plus three October departures overall, and has revised nine Rhine departures. Avalon is offering an alternative cruise, a Globus/Cosmos land tour transfer, or a refund. AmaWaterways says it has had no cancellations and is not passing costs to guests. Scenic and Emerald are revising itineraries. Viking says it is prepared for levels to get worse.

Rain is forecast for 22–24 October, but it may not fix the problem. Advisors with October and Christmas Market clients should get each line's written policy now, confirm what is offered if a sailing changes, and contact affected clients before the line does.

• Riviera: Danube cancellations, nine Rhine departures revised
• Avalon: alternative cruise, land tour transfer or refund
• AmaWaterways: no cancellations, no cost pass-through
• Scenic and Emerald: itineraries being revised

Coverage for low-water disruption depends on the policy. Travel Guard covers cancellation for insufficient water levels. Allianz may treat an altered itinerary as a cancellation, but a substitute itinerary using the same mode of transport may not trigger interruption benefits. Replacing cruise segments with coaches can.

Advisors should check the exact wording before recommending a policy. They should also keep the line's written notice of any change, since that documentation will support a claim. Clients booking Christmas Market sailings now should be told that low water is a known condition.

UK agents report river sales up 29% year on year at Advantage, with strong forward bookings for 2027. The squeeze is in festive sailings. Clients displaced from August and September cruises have moved onto Christmas departures, so inventory is tight. Late booking is slower, and clients are getting fewer cancellation options and lower compensation.

Advisors should lock in Christmas Market space now and set clear expectations with clients about flexibility.

Riviera Travel has launched Riv Rewards, a trade loyalty scheme, alongside a Holiday Guarantee. The guarantee offers a move or a refund if significant changes are needed. The timing matters, because Riviera has also been cancelling and revising sailings because of low water.

For advisors, it gives an incentive to keep volume with Riviera and a benchmark for comparing other lines' disruption terms. Details of 2028 launches were also discussed with the agent committee.

AmaWaterways is adding a 6-day Machu Picchu extension to its Magic of Colombia cruise, its first Peru land programme. Packages use Luxury Collection or Belmond hotels, with Hiram Bingham or Inca Rail train options. It is available on selected departures from April 2027 and on every post-cruise departure from 2028.

It gives advisors a higher-ticket cruisetour to offer clients who want to travel beyond Europe.

Tauck is adding two Wellness Departures on ms Serene, on 28 July and 11 October 2027, hosted by Nikki Polos. Five more departures on broader itineraries are planned for 2028. It is a niche, themed product for wellness-minded luxury clients, and early inventory is limited.

American Cruise Lines has signed a deal with the Chilkoot Indian Association in Haines, Alaska. Details are thin. It points to continued ACL expansion and possible new port access, which could mean new itinerary options for US advisors. Watch for itinerary announcements.