Grave situation on the Danube

[G.M.T.]

First set of photos showing during and after the flood.

 

Ron

[G.M.T.]

More photos.

 

Ron

[Cobbie48]

Thanks so much Ron for the info and photos

 

Do you know how things are in Cesky Krumlov. We are taking a tour there from Passau on June 29. I know it's two weeks from now, hoping it will be a go

[G.M.T.]

Thanks so much Ron for the info and photos

 

Do you know how things are in Cesky Krumlov. We are taking a tour there from Passau on June 29. I know it's two weeks from now, hoping it will be a go

 

There was some flooding in Cesky Krumlov, it's on the same river (Moldau) as Prague, should be alright in two weeks. Castle / fortress was not affected.

 

Ron

[Cobbie48]

Thanks, Ron

[pbnjrockette]

Vantage has announced that it has canceled the Majestic Rivers of Europe trip scheduled to leave from Budapest on June 14.

 

Oh, wow... Where did you see this information posted??

 

We have friends on the first leg of this cruise (Gateway to the Black Sea) they were supposed to sail from Budapest on the 14th. Surprised that Vantage cancelled--situation around Budapest and the Danube must be very difficult.

[UKBayern]

Thanks so much Ron for the info and photos

 

Do you know how things are in Cesky Krumlov. We are taking a tour there from Passau on June 29. I know it's two weeks from now, hoping it will be a go

 

Not a lot of problems in Cesky Krumlov. Guests went there this week and nothing at all. The website of the tourist boards also confirms that the town was not really hit and everything is operational again.

[mginfl]

You have to go to Vantage's page on Facebook to see the announcement. Your friends will be sent home from Budapest. Uniworld had an announcement on their site that said a lock between Vienna and Budapest is closed for repair. So the boat they were on is trapped in Budapest.

[bobandjo]

Nice to see on the Budapest webcam http://www.earthcam.com/world/hungary/budapest/ the river is definitely dropping and you can actually see the road next to the river. A couple days ago that was completely under water. Just saw a couple of water trucks cleaning the mud off. And lots of bicycles and runners next to that road where there was nobody there when the river was higher.

[remydiva]

You have to go to Vantage's page on Facebook to see the announcement. Your friends will be sent home from Budapest. Uniworld had an announcement on their site that said a lock between Vienna and Budapest is closed for repair. So the boat they were on is trapped in Budapest.

 

MPORTANT NOTICE

Updated message on June 13, 12:00 p.m. PDT

 

We have an update on the following two cruises that we’d like to share with you:

 

June 16, 2013 sailing of the River Ambassador, Highlights of Eastern Europe, Vienna to Belgrade

 

Regretfully, the above referenced sailing has been canceled due to the closure of the lower Danube River south of Budapest that has just occurred as well as the closure of the Gabcikovo Lock between Budapest and Bratislava for repairs. The lock is expected to reopen on June 19.

 

As a result neither the River Empress nor the River Ambassador can be in Vienna for embarkation on June 16, and we have no other alternate vessel available. We are processing a full refund and offering a $500 per person Future Cruise Credit valid on another Uniworld Europe or Russia River Cruise in 2013, 2014 or 2015. We are in the process right now of contacting all bookings affected by this cancellation

 

June 16, 2013 sailing of the River Beatrice, Enchanting Danube, Budapest to Passau

 

This sailing is currently scheduled to operate though the potential exists for sailing schedule deviations to occur. Contingency plans are in place if needed.

 

Thanks once again to our guests and travel agent partners for your continued patience and understanding. It is truly appreciated.

[UKBayern]

I just heard on the radio that most of the Danube between Regensburg and Passau is to reopen for shipping again, only the bit around Deggendorf is still closed since 2 villages are still flooded there.

[phoebecat]

I just heard on the radio that most of the Danube between Regensburg and Passau is to reopen for shipping again, only the bit around Deggendorf is still closed since 2 villages are still flooded there.

 

Wooooo hooooo! Excellent news. So many thanks for updating us!

[bobalink]

I received an email from our tour guide in Budapest. This may be of interest to folks like us who are keeping a close watch on the recent flooding.

 

Unfortunately the flood was very bad over here, on Monday it had reached the highest water level ever!!!!

We are kind of used to the floods, as it happens almost every year, but this one was very BAD!!!

 

I personally live just outside of Budapest, far from the affected areas, but for many people it is really so bad L especially in small villages and in small towns which are at the riverside.

People did not get injured or died (luckily) in Hungary and historical buildings were not damaged due to the very good protection system, but ordinary houses had been flooded.

 

Now slowly the water will be going down, but it will take while until things will get back to normal and of course lots of place will have to be restored.

Thank you so much for your concern, it is very nice of you to think about us!

 

Kind Regards,

[G.M.T.]

Danube level is 6.74 m, a level of 6.30 m then cruise ships with a low silhouette can pass under the low suspension bridge, this level is expected to be reached some time tonight.

 

Cargo ships are already through Passau (most of their structure is under water where as the opposite is true for cruise ships), the photos below show cargo ships heading in the direction of Regensburg. More stretches of the Danube have been open for traffic, but it is still closed around Deggendorf.

 

Ron

[UKBayern]

Wooooo hooooo! Excellent news. So many thanks for updating us!

 

River cruises can of course still not get through, since the little stretch near Deggendorf is still blocked. It is a big step in the right direction though. I also doubt if the ships can already pass under the railway bridge at Deggendorf.

 

The good news this morning is that the highway Passau-Regensburg was reopened at 9 am.

[bobandjo]

It's great watching river traffic again on the Budapest webcam. All going upstream, haven't seen anything moving down.

[G.M.T.]

Boats can now sail between Passau and Regensburg without any hindrance (last close area by Deggendorf has not been opened).

 

So now the Danube has to fall enough so that boats can pass under the suspension bridge in Passau.

 

Ron

[Cruzin Terri]

Boats can now sail between Passau and Regensburg without any hindrance (last close area by Deggendorf has not been opened).

 

So now the Danube has to fall enough so that boats can pass under the suspension bridge in Passau.

 

Ron

 

Thanks for taking the time and keeping us all updated on the ever changing conditions on the rivers. We all appreciate it.

Terri

[Cobbie48]

Ron, thanks so much for your update. What about the locks? I sail from Nurenburg to Budapest June 26

 

Karen

[remydiva]

Ron, thanks so much for your update. What about the locks? I sail from Nurenburg to Budapest June 26

 

Karen

 

From Viking webpage dated today June 15

Austria: Altenwörth Lock

According to the Austrian authorities, the Altenwörth lock, which is located on the Danube River between the cities of Vienna and Melk, was damaged during the recent flood. The lock is currently closed for repairs and is scheduled to reopen on June 20, 2013. Depending on sailing schedules, this closure may cause delays for those who are scheduled to be sailing in the area around June 20th, or may require switching of sister ships for those who are scheduled to be in the area before it reopens.

 

Slovakia: Gabcikovo Lock

Slovak authorities have confirmed that the electrical system of the Gabcikovo Lock sustained some damage and is temporarily closed for repairs. Operations in the upstream direction will resume on Saturday, June 15 and therefore the closure is not expected to affect any Viking sailings departing from Budapest this weekend. The downstream side will likely require a slightly longer closure, but Viking sailings departing from Nuremberg this weekend will not be in the area for another week and therefore we do not expect these sailings to be affected either.

 

Germany: Danube River Between Regensburg and Passau

Conditions continue to improve along the Rhine, Main, Main-Danube Canal, and most areas of the Danube. In Germany, between the cities of Regensburg and Passau, the water levels of the Danube River are still comparatively high. Depending on sailing schedules, this may cause some possible delays in the coming days and we will continue to monitor the situation and make any minor itinerary alterations, as needed.

From Uniworld website dated two days ago June 13Updated message on June 13, 12:00 p.m. PDT

 

We have an update on the following two cruises that we’d like to share with you:

 

June 16, 2013 sailing of the River Ambassador, Highlights of Eastern Europe, Vienna to Belgrade

 

Regretfully, the above referenced sailing has been canceled due to the closure of the lower Danube River south of Budapest that has just occurred as well as the closure of the Gabcikovo Lock between Budapest and Bratislava for repairs. The lock is expected to reopen on June 19.

 

As a result neither the River Empress nor the River Ambassador can be in Vienna for embarkation on June 16, and we have no other alternate vessel available. We are processing a full refund and offering a $500 per person Future Cruise Credit valid on another Uniworld Europe or Russia River Cruise in 2013, 2014 or 2015. We are in the process right now of contacting all bookings affected by this cancellation

 

June 16, 2013 sailing of the River Beatrice, Enchanting Danube, Budapest to Passau

 

This sailing is currently scheduled to operate though the potential exists for sailing schedule deviations to occur. Contingency plans are in place if needed.

[Herbaru]

Arrived today. Staying at the Marriott on the river. River is hopping with short river day tours. A tourist who has been here for a few days said today was the first day these tours were running. The tram is closed a little up river of the Chain Bridge, it can't go all the way to The Parliament. Area is in good shape otherwise, that we have seen so far. Weather was beautiful today. Clear blue skies, and warm. Lots of people out and about.

 

Lights just came on at the Palace, gotta go take some pics.

[Cobbie48]

Thanks Remydiva. Herbaru, let us know of any good restaurants you find.

[shoshona2]

Good timing for your arrival. Have a wonderful time.

 

Sheila

[H2Otstr]

Arrived today. Staying at the Marriott on the river. River is hopping with short river day tours. A tourist who has been here for a few days said today was the first day these tours were running. The tram is closed a little up river of the Chain Bridge, it can't go all the way to The Parliament. Area is in good shape otherwise, that we have seen so far. Weather was beautiful today. Clear blue skies, and warm. Lots of people out and about.

 

Lights just came on at the Palace, gotta go take some pics.

 

That is really good news. We stayed at the Sofitel, just up from the Marriott. Left on Wednesday to fly home.

 

The tram stopped in front of the Sofitel when we were there. Sounds like it is going a little further up the tracks.

[G.M.T.]

Has anyone an idea what type of boat is sailing on the Danube?

 

It is not a day, they are moored in the middle of the photo on the right hand side.

 

First one I've seen in two weeks.

 

Ron