Update of the Elbe River

[H2Otstr]

We are currently on the Grand Circle trip, Essence of the Elbe, with a pre trip in Hamburg. We were supposed to get on the river boat tomorrow, but due to LOW water levels on the Elbe River we will not be getting on the boat in Lauenburg, but will be bussed to Berlin. There we will be put in a hotel for the night, and then resume the rest of the trip as planned.

 

We were told yesterday afternoon of the change. I think that Grand Circle is handling this change very well. Our tour director has been on the phone several times a day and has kept us informed of any changes.

[paul929207]

We will be leaving July 22 for this trip, so appreciate any info you can gives us. Preferably better news than this!!! :)

[ingo_e]

If you check the water levels along the Elbe, the situation is getting better during the last 2-3 days. Still, quite low but getting better.

 

http://www.rivercruiseinfo.com/content/river-levels-elbe

[paul929207]

Thanks for the update

[H2Otstr]

It is raining RIGHT NOW !!! Hopefully the river level will rise some. We are sailing tomorrow night at 5 pm. Our Captain told us that he has ONE FOOT of water to sail. We are still docked in Wittenberge, this is our sdecond night here.

[H2Otstr]

We are in Meissen right now. It has been a beautiful day today, just a passing shower. Tomorrow at 4 am we will leave for Dresden. Hard to believe that this trip will be over in 4 days; seems like we just boarded this boat.

 

The staff and all personnel have been wonderful. Everyone has such great enthusiasm for thie jobs.

 

The scenery is nothing like the other rivers. LLots of cows !!!

 

Sharon

[paul929207]

Thanks for the update. Glad it is going well. 45 days till we head out.

[H2Otstr]

We are now in Prague. We DID NOT sail last night. The ship is stuck in low water in Dresden. We were bussed this morning to Bastei where we were given 1.5 hours to have lunch and walk around. Then we continued by bus to Prague.

 

There was a group of travelers who were on the reverse trip of ours (we actually passed them on the highway) and they will embark today. Not sure what the situation is for their sailing. Certainly does not look good.

 

We passed one stretch of the river where there were rocks sticking up.

 

The Elbe is VERY low; no rain. Hope that it rains soon, or the levels will be worse.

[paul929207]

Thanks for the update, although it could have been better news. :)

[seveneleven]

I am curious about the frequency of rivers having low water levels that alter travel plans.

Also, could anyone point out the benefits of stopping at Meissen and Dressen? Also, we hope to get to Hanburg to see the world's largest model train layout. Has anyone been there?

[Train Riders]

This is a must see for anyone visiting Hamburg,very easy to spend a full day there with no problems. There is a behind the scenes tour , english available, which takes about 50 mins to complete but has to be prebooked at least a day ahead. I spent almost 2 days observing this awesome toy world & it keeps increasing in size every year [next visit hopefully this October] If you need the pre booking address contact me in a PM.

 

Train Riders in Oz.

[steamboats]

seveneleven,

 

I totally agree Miniatur Wunderland is an absolute must see in Hamburg and you can spend hours in there.

 

At Meissen you usually visit the famous porcelain manufactory there or the Albrechtsburg castle. It´s a really beautiful town.

 

At Dresden you can spend days!! The rebuilt Frauenkirche (church), the Semper Oper (opera house), museums, castles and more.

 

River levels depend on the weather. The Elbe river does not have any locks and dams on the German side to control the water levels. So with dry weather the river is falling low, with rain it´s getting high. No one can make any predictions on how often and when a river level may cause an alternation of your cruise. That´s part of river cruising!!

 

steamboats