Update: the Hermod won't sail further beyond Cologne. We stop in a shipyard in an area called Hafen Niehl (according to Google map) and will stay overnight here. It is a 15 minutes drive to the Cathedral. Unfortunately, tomorrow we won't have any of the scenic sailing through the Middle Rhine. this is plan C, I guess, last two weeks they were able to transfer passengers to smaller boats for a scenic sailing. This week, it is no longer possible. all luggage out in the hallway to be picked up for transfer by 8 am. Breakfast will start before 7 am. We will leave the ship at 8:30 am. Bus to Koblenz for included tour, free time for lunch, with €25 credit for each pax. 1:30 departs Koblenz for scenic coach ride, stop at Loreley, admire it from shore, then coffee and cake break in Bingen. Change bus at 4:30 pm to drive to Strasbourg, arrive to Viking Sigyn for dinner at 7 pm. to continue onto Basel from there as scheduled. it's unfortunate that we miss the most relaxing and scenic part of the cruise. it will be a hectic day, stressful for some. All paid optional tours are cancelled for this part. It is what it is, Viking tries its best, it is not really a matter of doing things last minute, they are assessing what is possible out of very challenging conditions. A sailing we won't go, but bus tour and only one extra packing and unpacking. If you can handle it, don't cancel. but if this inconvenience bothers you, and missing the scenic Middle Rhine on the river is vital, then cancel. However, don't expect the water level to drastically improve for the next month or so. but then again, I'm not the expert on weather and these water levels. Good night.
Vic