Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Europe Flooding Impacting River Cruises

Severe flooding hits Europe

Worse flooding in 70 years has hit parts of Central Europe contributing to at least 10 deaths, according to BBC reports. The problem is caused by a stalled weather system that has been dumping heavy rains on the area.  States of emergency have been declared in many countries.

Areas impacted by the floods include Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland and Poland with Passau and Prague, two major river cruise ports, having been especially affected.  We suggest consulting the BBC and weather sites for more details and images about the flooding.  We'll concentrate on the impact to the river cruise schedules so that our readers can plan accordingly.

List of Impacted River Cruises

Since this information is fluid, it is best to check the links for any updates as well as the cruise line site directly.   We have covered the major river cruise lines in the area - they are other charter groups also impacted - contact them directly.

Cruise Line Current Status / Link for Updates
AMA Waterways Our expert teams in Europe and Los Angeles are closely monitoring the current conditions across Europe, on a continuous basis. As always, our number one priority is to deliver an enjoyable cruise in a safe environment. The good news is, we have not had to cancel any cruises and look forward to welcoming you aboard!

EUROPEAN CRUISES UPDATE

APT (partner) has cancelled the following:

AmaBella from Amsterdam to Budapest and AmaVerde from Budapest to Amsterdam, both June 8.

APT's dedicated phone number (in the U.K.) is: 020-8812 3400.
 
Avalon Waterways UPDATE: Additional Cruise Cancellations.
Due to unprecedented high water levels and subsequent flooding in Europe, we have decided it is necessary to cancel additional upcoming cruises. Specifically, we are sorry to report the cancellation of:
- The June 7th departure of Blue Danube Discovery (WBN 30607) aboard the Avalon Luminary
- The June 7th departure of Jewels of Central Europe (WBR 30607) aboard the Avalon Luminary
- The June 10th departure of Austrian Highlights & Bavaria (WVP 30610) aboard the Avalon Affinity

NEW CRUISE CANCELLATIONS:
- The June 8th departure of Magnificent Europe (WBA 30608) aboard the Avalon Tranquility
- The June 9th departure of Magnificent Europe (WBA 30608) aboard the Avalon Vista


Avalon Waterways Facebook Page
Uniworld If you are traveling with Avalon Waterways in the near future and have questions or concerns about your upcoming vacation, given the recent flooding in Europe, we invite you to contact your travel agent or call us directly at 866.397.6593 or email traveleradvisory@globusfamily.com (our U.S. office hours are Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM MT and Saturday, 7 AM to 3:30 PM MT). We would be happy to address your individual concerns and/or answer any questions you may have, one-on-one.


Updated message on June 10, 11:00 a.m. PDT

After conferring with our Operations Office in Europe this morning, we are pleased to announce that all cruises and cruise/tours departing June 16 onward are expected to operate normally on the originally scheduled ship with the exception of the following programs:
Highlights of Eastern Europe 

• June 16, 2013 departure of the River Ambassador (Vienna to Belgrade) 
The program will operate as planned onboard the River Empress. We will be contacting all bookings today to advise of the ship change.

• June 23, 2013 departure of the River Ambassador (Belgrade to Vienna)
The program will operate as planned. Embarkation will take place in Belgrade on June 23 onboard the River Empress. On approximately June 27 in Budapest, we will change over to the River Ambassador and finish the cruise on that ship. Please note the date and location of the changeover is subject to change without notice. We will be contacting all bookings today to advise of the ship change.

European Jewels 

June 16, 2013 departure of the River Empress (Amsterdam to Budapest) remains canceled. All guests have been contacted.

  
IMPORTANT NOTICE 
Viking River Cruises Please note: Below is a complete list of affected sailings as of June 11, 2013.
  • This list will be updated should there be any new cruise embarkations that will be impacted.
  • At this time, if you do not see your cruise embarkation below, your cruise will operate as scheduled.
  • If embarkation dates are added, you will be notified by Viking.
The following sailings have been canceled:
  • June 12th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Odin
  • June 12th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Freya
  • June 15th Elegant Elbe (Berlin to Prague) aboard Viking Fontane
  • June 15th Elegant Elbe (Prague to Berlin) aboard Viking Schumann
1. June 12th Grand European Tour (Budapest to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Sky — This cruise will begin on Viking Embla (Longship, built 2012).

2. June 14th Cities of Light (Prague to Paris) aboard Viking Prestige — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

3. June 15th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Njord — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012).

4. June 15th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Idun — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012).

5. June 15th Passage to Eastern Europe (Budapest to Bucharest) aboard Viking Aegir — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

6. June 16th Grand European Tour (Amsterdam to Budapest) aboard Viking Bragi — There is a possibility this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2013).

7. June 16th Grand European Tour (Budapest to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Skadi — There is a possibility this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2013). 

8. June 16th Danube Waltz (Budapest to Passau) aboard Viking Legend — This itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary.

9. June 16th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard MS Vienna — Depending on river conditions and the ability of the ship to reach its port of embarkation in time for departure, this cruise may experience alterations.

10. June 16th Vineyards & Vistas (Nuremberg to Trier) aboard Viking Prestige — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

11. June 16th Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel) aboard Viking Sun — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

12. June 16th Rhine Getaway (Basel to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Helvetia — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

13. June 19th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Odin — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012). .

14. June 19th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Freya — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012).

 For up to date information, click on the following link:

CENTRAL EUROPE WEATHER UPDATE

No comments: