Riviera Travel has created an incident task force as well as a Travel Updates Hub to keep agents and guests informed about any disruptions caused by low water levels on European rivers

The ongoing heatwave and drought across Europe has led to extremely low water levels on rivers including the Rhine and the Danube and has caused some disruption to itineraries.

Riviera confirmed the majority of its programme is continuing to operate as scheduled, with four of its seven ships currently sailing on the Rhine and Danube, and it has successfully operated 27 departures on those rivers using tailored measures. Eight sailings have been cancelled.

The line has now set up a specialist task force to monitor river conditions, coordinate contingency plans and ensure agents receive timely communications to support their customers through the newly created Travel Updates Hub which is updated twice daily with the latest operational information.

Riviera has also increased its call centre capacity and deployed additional cruise directors and head office staff on affected sailings, and said it will provide guest updates at 14 days, 7 days and 72 hours before departure.

Where a sailing cannot go ahead as planned, the line is offering price-matched rebooking, transfer to a different holiday departing in 2026 or 2027, or a full refund.

Vicky Billing, director of trade and partnerships, said: “Supporting our travel agent partners has been a key priority throughout this period. Alongside our dedicated response team, we’ve launched a Travel Updates Hub that is refreshed twice daily, giving agents access to the latest information so they can support customers with confidence.”

James Golding, chief guest experience officer, said: “Transparency and communication are critical during periods of disruption. Through our dedicated response team and close collaboration with our operating partners, we’re ensuring agents and guests have the latest information and support at every stage of their journey.”