How will Avalon handle the low water levels on the Danube

[cruzemaven]

Starting to worry. It appears that the water levels on the Danube are becoming very low. Carolyn Spencer Brown who is currently cruising there now said that a crew member on her boat told her that if this dry, hot weather continues for the next couple of weeks it will create a problem for riverboats on the Danube. For those of you who have experienced this, does this mean that we will be forced onto busses while staying on a series of stationary riverboats...or will the cruise company in this case, Avalon, let us cancel? After reading the post from Marty about his Scenic cruise disaster, we would cancel in a heartbeat rather than have it turn into a bus tour. I hope Avalon addresses this situation in a positive way. Just checked the weather and it is going to be very hot and dry in Budapest for the next ten days!

[jan can]

We're in a similar situation from Budapest in mid Sept. seems crazy to wish for rain but that's what I'm doing. Hard to believe after all the flooding that the situation is so different.

 

Decided I won't worry too much until a week before and I know worrying doesn't help.

[cruzemaven]

We're in a similar situation from Budapest in mid Sept. seems crazy to wish for rain but that's what I'm doing. Hard to believe after all the flooding that the situation is so different.

 

Decided I won't worry too much until a week before and I know worrying doesn't help.

 

You're right worrying won't change anything...but maybe a little rain dance will. Crossing my fingers, too.

[cbb]

If it helps you any, our TA (a river cruise specialist) says that Avalon & AMA were excellent during the flooding situation. The company that others have written about was not helpful to the TA and "didn't handle the situation well."

 

These are companies that are not rookies--you'll be fine! Have a great holiday!

[Avalon Waterways]

Hi cruzmaven -

We are monitoring the situation closely, day-by-day. At present, all cruises are operating normally.

 

We encourage you to give our team a ring any time (toll-free 877.380.1535) to address your questions and/or concerns one-on-one.

 

In the meantime, our very best wishes to you.

 

Sincerely,

Avalon Waterways

[tassietravellers]

Starting to worry. It appears that the water levels on the Danube are becoming very low. Carolyn Spencer Brown who is currently cruising there now said that a crew member on her boat told her that if this dry, hot weather continues for the next couple of weeks it will create a problem for riverboats on the Danube. For those of you who have experienced this, does this mean that we will be forced onto busses while staying on a series of stationary riverboats...or will the cruise company in this case, Avalon, let us cancel? After reading the post from Marty about his Scenic cruise disaster, we would cancel in a heartbeat rather than have it turn into a bus tour. I hope Avalon addresses this situation in a positive way. Just checked the weather and it is going to be very hot and dry in Budapest for the next ten days!

Hi,

August last year we were on Avalons Panorama Budapest to Amsterdam, we had problems with low water levels,a barge accident (closing the river for some time) and bridge work, the situation changed all the time (often hourly) but we were always kept up to date by our CD and Captain.

We were bussed to a couple of towns (not long trips) after Linz mainly so the captain could catch up on time by just getting as far up the river as he could.

 

The water levels and time were at a stage where it was critical and the Captain had to make the decision that the cruise was going to change to a bus tour to be able to keep to the itinerary .....much to the surprise of the CD , Captain and Avalon of the 160 passengers , less than 30 decided to take the bus option, the rest of us stayed on board and just cruised the river. ( The others were gone for 3 days / nights I think).

 

We were all made aware that the ship wouldnt be stopping anywhere along the river on these couple of catch up days. We (my husband and I) were not upset at all that we missed a little of what was planned and we got to lay back and enjoy the river. Was lovely to rise when we wanted and laze around on the upper deck or lounges (took photos on the river, read books, just sitting around chatting with other passengers....hubby had 'nanna' naps..it was a very casual and friendly time), this is what I'd thought they're be more of on a river cruise anyway. Apart from not getting off the ship everything else was pretty much the same, Avalon organised another CD for us, he left extremely early from Amsterdam on the train and he jumped onboard when we were in a lock...another guest cycled along beside the ship and jumped on board as we slowed down, bike and all...much to the amusement of the passengers.

The people that left the ship had to pack and take everything with them as it was unsure at that stage whether they would be back and if the ship was able to travel all the way through to Amsterdam.

 

I believe that Avalon acted very professionally and in the best interests of all passengers (it was our choice to stay onboard), we were kept updated all the time and they were very approachable and helpful in what at times were quite stressful times....the rivers are in the hands of the gods...high levels and low levels are normal occurences..well I know the flooding this year was way beyond normal levels. Barge accidents arent uncommon...or maintenance and bridge work...we just happened to get everything!! :)

 

I believe its the way situations are handled that break or make..and this was handled well.

 

Couldnt have worried us too much, earlier this year we booked Grand France with Avalon for June next year. :)