European River Cruise Water Levels, Week of July 28, 2025

Most of Europe's cruise rivers hold steady at typical midsummer depth, giving travelers a stress-free week of navigation. From the Danube and Rhine to the Seine and Douro, gauges sit well within safe ranges, and operators report normal lock and bridge clearance.¹

The lone outlier is Italy's Po, where extreme drought keeps the Pontelagoscuro gauge more than six metres below hydrographic zero. Cruise lines have parked ships in the Venetian Lagoon and are bussing inland excursions until late-season rains arrive.²

Forecast models show a broad subtropical ridge settling over Central and Southern Europe after August 6. If the hot, dry spell lingers, next week's risk map could shift several rivers from Normal to Caution, so keep an eye on daily updates and maintain Cancel-For-Any-Reason insurance for maximum flexibility.¹

River Summary Table

Risk label key

• Normal, full navigation expected.
• Caution, minor restrictions possible, monitor updates.
• Disruption, significant low or high water likely, bussing or reroutes expected.

How to Use This Page

First, scan the River Summary Table to see whether your itinerary falls under Normal, Caution, or Disruption. The label reflects the next seven days, the period most likely to affect cruise timing.

Second, click the river name for a detailed spoke page. Each spoke offers gauge readings, seven-day stage charts, a three-week risk outlook, recent cruise-line statements, and plain-language traveler advice.

Finally, return here every Monday afternoon. We refresh data and forecasts weekly, so you always have an up-to-date picture before final payment, flight check-in, or on-the-ground embarkation.

Sources

1. European Flood Awareness System gauge network - Copernicus
2. Pontelagoscuro gauge bulletin - Agenzia Interregionale per il Fiume Po

FAQ

1. How often is this page updated? Every Monday by 13:00 ET after all major European gauge networks publish morning readings.
2. What if my river shows "Caution"? Cruise lines may adjust daily schedules, swap ships, or bus short sections, but outright cancellations remain rare.
3. Will travel insurance cover low-water changes? Most standard policies do not; a Cancel-For-Any-Reason rider offers the broadest refund if coaches replace sailing days.