We were passengers on the Viking IDI traveling down the moselle river, when we were informed that the ship was trapped behind the Koblenz lock. Viking claimed that it was due to an equipment malfunction at the lock and even went so far as to tell us that they were working to see if they could fix it to allow us to complete the leg of our trip down the Rhine and Main rivers. Turns out that the lock was down for its annual maintenance (planned 15 years in advance to prevent problems). I inquired to the German Federal agency that manages rivers in Germany and they contacted the operators of the lock. No unplanned maintenance, all part of the planned maintenance. All shippers were aware of the MoselKommission schedule and they had posted two bulletins on ELWIS (Electronic Waterway Information System). This system and the nautical information radio system provided ample notice to Viking's Captain of the impending closure. Can not get a reason for the termination from Viking, after I proved their first excuse was invalid. Filed a complaint with Federal Railway Authority EBA (agency that oversees violations of passengers rights on inland waterways). Easy to use complaint form at EBA.bund.de Just need to click at top to get english version of website and complaint form. Ruined vacation, especially knowing that this was Viking's fault (not high or low water flow, etc.)
Lock_closure_times_schedule_2021-2035.pdf