Rhine water levels 2018 and similar topics

[sjde]

So in preparation for the Rhine Gorge tomorrow , our  cruise director asked us to
use lots of water- “take 3 showers”- to lighten our load. She said we might hear scraping- which is normal even when river isn’t low. 

Ship draft is 1.7 meters. The Rhine is normally 3-4 m. deep. The Rhine Gorge is the deepest part of Rhine .

 

 

[Jchcalneva]

I am on the Ama Prima which is supposed to depart Basel on the 8th of December. 

 

Just received this from Ama:

 

We would like to inform you that the Rhine River is currently experiencing localized low water levels. We have been closely monitoring the weather forecasts for your particular cruise and unfortunately, it is confirmed that AmaPrima will not be able to pass through the Rhine Gorge as we had hoped. In light of these circumstances, we have designed two special itineraries which you will find below to ensure that you will still enjoy a full week of cruising.

We fully appreciate that this will not be the cruise you had planned to travel on, therefore, we would like to extend two offers for you to choose from.

1) Join the cruise, enjoy AmaPrima’s alternate itinerary and we will also extend a future cruise credit, equal to the value of cruise only amount you paid to AmaWaterways. This will allow you to continue with your upcoming vacation as well as enjoy a future AmaWaterways cruise anytime within the next three years.

2) If you choose not to travel, then we would issue a refund equal to the total amount of any services booked and paid to AmaWaterways (excluding any insurance premium purchased). This would not include any services booked independently by you or through your travel advisor.

We sincerely hope that you decide to travel with us and experience the itinerary we ultimately cruise as well as take advantage of joining us on a future AmaWaterways cruise of your choosing.

Please find below the two itinerary options we designed to ensure you have a great cruise experience:

1. You will arrive in Basel as originally planned. From here your AmaWaterways Cruise Manager will escort you and your fellow guests, by train, to Cologne, Germany to embark AmaPrima in a nearby port. You will then sail to Amsterdam on a cruise through Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
2. You will arrive in Basel as originally planned. From here your AmaWaterways Cruise Manager will escort you and your fellow guests to Zurich where you will board a flight to Amsterdam. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be transferred to the port to embark AmaPrima. You will then sail on a round trip Amsterdam cruise through both Belgium and the Netherlands.

[Valley Girl of VA]

3 hours ago, orchidj5 said:

  We are on the 10 December Amastella-i inquired of my Travel agent when she sent my documents ( they were emailed to her-she printed them as well as vouchers and information for other aspects of our trip since we have independently booked air and hotels before and after). She said she had not as of yet received any notice of deviation or anything else but that AMA would do the best they could make it a positive experience.  About 5 days ago I got an email about downloading the AMA app which shows itinerary  and excursions and what not-that is still showing us having the booked itinerary -we have not received any information from AMA on deviation at this time.

 

I just received this from AMA after having another long conversation today informing them that I was not pleased with their silence - even if they didn't know what was happening, they needed to alert us that there potentially is a problem.  Seven hours later I received this for my AMAPrima cruise on 12/8:

Dear Valued Guest,

Thank you for choosing AmaWaterways for your river cruise vacation! We look forward to welcoming you onboard for your upcoming cruise.

We would like to inform you that the Rhine River is currently experiencing localized low water levels. We have been closely monitoring the weather forecasts for your particular cruise and unfortunately, it is confirmed that AmaPrima will not be able to pass through the Rhine Gorge as we had hoped. In light of these circumstances, we have designed two special itineraries which you will find below to ensure that you will still enjoy a full week of cruising.

We fully appreciate that this will not be the cruise you had planned to travel on, therefore, we would like to extend two offers for you to choose from.

1) Join the cruise, enjoy AmaPrima’s alternate itinerary and we will also extend a future cruise credit, equal to the value of cruise only amount you paid to AmaWaterways. This will allow you to continue with your upcoming vacation as well as enjoy a future AmaWaterways cruise anytime within the next three years.

2) If you choose not to travel, then we would issue a refund equal to the total amount of any services booked and paid to AmaWaterways (excluding any insurance premium purchased). This would not include any services booked independently by you or through your travel advisor.

We sincerely hope that you decide to travel with us and experience the itinerary we ultimately cruise as well as take advantage of joining us on a future AmaWaterways cruise of your choosing.

Please find below the two itinerary options we designed to ensure you have a great cruise experience:

1. You will arrive in Basel as originally planned. From here your AmaWaterways Cruise Manager will escort you and your fellow guests, by train, to Cologne, Germany to embark AmaPrima in a nearby port. You will then sail to Amsterdam on a cruise through Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
2. You will arrive in Basel as originally planned. From here your AmaWaterways Cruise Manager will escort you and your fellow guests to Zurich where you will board a flight to Amsterdam. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be transferred to the port to embark AmaPrima. You will then sail on a round trip Amsterdam cruise through both Belgium and the Netherlands.

We will provide an email update on Thursday, December 6th as to which itinerary above we will follow. Please be sure to check this link on Thursday, December 6th for the most up to date information.

Please note, any train tickets, airline tickets and necessary transfers for either amended itinerary will be covered by AmaWaterways.

To best prepare for your arrival in Basel, it is vital for you to provide the following details:

FOR GUESTS WHO BOOKED PRE-CRUISE LAND AND/OR AIR ARRANGEMENTS WITH AMAWATERWAYS

If you booked AmaWaterways’ pre-cruise extension in Switzerland or purchased flights through AmaWaterways to arrive on day of embarkation, no further information is needed. An AmaWaterways representative will accompany you to the appropriate location.

 

[masonpips]

32 minutes ago, Valley Girl of VA said:

 

I just received this from AMA after having another long conversation today informing them that I was not pleased with their silence - even if they didn't know what was happening, they needed to alert us that there potentially is a problem.  Seven hours later I received this for my AMAPrima cruise on 12/8:

Dear Valued Guest,

Thank you for choosing AmaWaterways for your river cruise vacation! We look forward to welcoming you onboard for your upcoming cruise.

 

We will provide an email update on Thursday, December 6th as to which itinerary above we will follow. Please be sure to check this link on Thursday, December 6th for the most up to date information.

 

Wow, I'm actually impressed that you got all this detail.  I checked with my TA today (calling Uniworld myself tomorrow) and was told "we don't know anything, stay tuned".  I just want to know if they are CONSIDERING anything or just making a "cancel or not" decision.  I already plan to ask to go up the chain on the phone if I get no info.

I emailed my train route company and asked her to price it all out.  She's been amazing, knowing we can't do anything until we know, so I hope to get that info tomorrow and be prepare to hit "book it" as soon as we know (I just don't see them going through with a modified cruise given the cancelation of this week's trip).

[mrs bb]

Valley Girl of VA, best offer I've seen so far, I would go with the flow if I were you, have a mystery cruise (at least you will be on the river) and plan for next year!

[Valley Girl of VA]

That's what I plan on doing - a magical mystery tour

 

[hbr777]

We got “THE LETTER” from Ama. I feel like they are being less than honest as they say we will be transported to the AmaKristina waiting on the other side of the closure. Since when is ANTWERP on the other side of the closure from the Rhine gorge? BS.

 

 

 

 

[AuntMarv]

hbr777 when is your departure?  We’re on the AmaStella departing December 10th and haven’t heard anything from Ama yet. Our biggest concern is we have an independent trip to Lucerne for four days prior to our departure so that won’t leave us any option other than to take the cruise if they only give us 4 days notice of any significant changes.  

[sailor1201]

Can anyone speculate on the AMAPrima Amsterdam to Amsterdam cruise?  especially re the possibility of a Christmas market along the way?   I realize that it's the Netherlands and Belgium,  not the hot bed of Christmas markets,  but hoping...  

 

[djh1959]

16 hours ago, pvalent58 said:

Yes, received the email and opted for the refund.   We’ll do our own land itinerary.  Too much uncertainty in the river.  

So was that Scenic that offered a refund?  That is quite surprising, because they rarely do.

[pvalent58]

13 minutes ago, djh1959 said:

So was that Scenic that offered a refund?  That is quite surprising, because they rarely do.

Yes

[notamermaid]

As expected the situation on the Rhine remains unchanged. But rain will come. Not much but enough to make the computer data calculate a nice rise at Maxau gauge next week. How much it will be - expect more than an inch but not half a metre - and how much that will make the level at Kaub rise is very much in the open still. Kaub's prediction does not reflect the rain that is forecast yet. As of now, 40cm is still not envisaged in the next four days.

 

We will see rain over the weekend and into next week with temperatures rising again into the double digits.

 

Not exactly romantic and glühwein tastes better when the temperatures are low.

 

The figures this morning: Maxau 318cm, Kaub 31cm, Koblenz 36cm.

 

notamermaid

 

[notamermaid]

13 hours ago, Philandher said:

Thanks again and sorry to be a pain!!

 

Naa, not a pain at all!

 

My kitchen boiler (water heater) is a pain. It has lost its ability to switch itself off. A couple of weeks ago I turned it on, only to find the sink area covered in steam with the machine boiling the water as if it wanted to drive a steam engine. Had to disconnect it from the electricity supply immediately. I can turn it on but have to time it with an egg timer so I do not scold my hands while doing the washing up. First world problem, but it is a pain.

 

My regards to the North East of England by the way. Not sure where you are but North of England puts you in sort of vicinity of Newcastle. I was pleasantly surprised by the city on my recent (first) visit. My plan is to make it further North into Northumberland soon. To see some really splendid castles of course.

 

Talking of castles. I have mentioned before that the Upper Middle Rhine valley is the famous castle stretch on the Rhine but the castles (and palaces) continue to a lesser degree right down to Bonn. It has been a while since I posted this overview so here goes again: https://www.romantischer-rhein.de/en/what-to-see-and-do/culture/castles/map-overview-castles/

 

Unfortunately the map leaves out the Petersberg at Bonn. This is where the politicians where taken to on state visits when Bonn was the capital of Germany. Here it is: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petersberg_(Siebengebirge)

The English version is unfortunately very short.

The Petersberg is part of the Seven Mountains range: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siebengebirge

It includes the famous Drachenfels, which George Lord Byron immortalised in the verses "The castled crag of Drachenfels".

 

notamermaid

 

[Intlxpatr]

Update for people booked on future Tauck Christmas Markets tours:  We did the ship swap yesterday. Packed bags out in the hallway by 8, when we departed for a 2 1/2 hour coach ride to Heidelberg. Heidelberg even produced a couple hours of sunshine to welcome us, and it was a lovely day altogether. As part of our focus this trip, as well as the cheer of the Christmas markets, is winter food, we ate at the Ritter, having goose and duck. It was elegant, serene, and the food was excellent. There are four main markets, one specializing in food, the others in decorations and lots of fun rarely-seen things, and, of course, Heidelberg is always a city of dreams and infinitely photographable. We boarded our bus at 4 to head to the MS Inspire, which is similar, but not identical to the Grace, a one and a half hour drive. Actually, because of theme and color and a few design differences, we find we like the Inspire very much. Our luggage was waiting in our stateroom, we cannot imagine a more smooth transition. Today we are in Baden Baden; tonight we will go into the city for the opening of the Christmas Market where "the Christmas angel arrives by carriage at the festive stage."  We appreciate that Tauck provides thoughtful solutions to a very difficult natural situation which is nobody's fault. We are having a great time.

[notamermaid]

Good to hear, Intlxpatr. I believe you docked in Andernach and headed up the gorge to get to Heidelberg. Correct?

I like this itinerary for the rare fact that it stops in Baden-Baden. Few river cruises do. I know of a Swiss one (tour operator) that does it a few times a year.

 

I would love to see the Christmas angel arriving in the carriage. Enjoy.

 

notamermaid

 

Edited November 29, 2018 by notamermaid
wrong word

[nickbevoz]

58 minutes ago, notamermaid said:

 

Naa, not a pain at all!

 

My kitchen boiler (water heater) is a pain. It has lost its ability to switch itself off. A couple of weeks ago I turned it on, only to find the sink area covered in steam with the machine boiling the water as if it wanted to drive a steam engine. Had to disconnect it from the electricity supply immediately. I can turn it on but have to time it with an egg timer so I do not scold my hands while doing the washing up. First world problem, but it is a pain.

 

My regards to the North East of England by the way. Not sure where you are but North of England puts you in sort of vicinity of Newcastle. I was pleasantly surprised by the city on my recent (first) visit. My plan is to make it further North into Northumberland soon. To see some really splendid castles of course.

 

Talking of castles. I have mentioned before that the Upper Middle Rhine valley is the famous castle stretch on the Rhine but the castles (and palaces) continue to a lesser degree right down to Bonn. It has been a while since I posted this overview so here goes again: https://www.romantischer-rhein.de/en/what-to-see-and-do/culture/castles/map-overview-castles/

 

Unfortunately the map leaves out the Petersberg at Bonn. This is where the politicians where taken to on state visits when Bonn was the capital of Germany. Here it is: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petersberg_(Siebengebirge)

The English version is unfortunately very short.

The Petersberg is part of the Seven Mountains range: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siebengebirge

It includes the famous Drachenfels, which George Lord Byron immortalised in the verses "The castled crag of Drachenfels".

 

notamermaid

 

Thanks for the link.

 

at the risk of being a “name dropper” the Sterrenberg castle is named after our ancestral links.  My family is from the Netherlands and we can trace our direct descendants back to Japik Starrenburgh who was born about 1690.  There is, annecdotally, a link across about 3 generations to the Sterrenberg line in Germany but we just can’t verify the connection.

 

we have spotted the castle on previous cruises and it is always a bit of fun to point it out as we sail past.

 

hopefully, we will get to see it this trip as well.

[peregrino]

20 hours ago, pvalent58 said:

We’ll do our own land itinerary.  Too much uncertainty in the river.

 

As per yourselves, we got The Letter from our cruise company.  We have decided to take the refund and do our own thing.

 

A canal tour of the low lands was not what we wanted, and vague promises that things might change is too uncertain.  Hope is not a plan!

 

We will see some Christmas markets and some castles in Germany and Austria, and have a white Christmas in the mountains.

 

Thanks heaps to notamermaid for all the great information , and thanks to G.M.T. and many others!!!  We would not be in a good position today without all the information and the "hive mind" contributions during our pre-planning effort. 

[Sturmin]

Just back from the Viking Rhine Getaway. We sailed from Basel on the Viking Alruna to Strasbourg Nov 17th. Then a ship swap.  2+ hr bus ride to Heidelberg, followed by a 3+ hr ride to Cologne and Viking Tialfi. The following day,  a 2 hr ride back to take a dinner cruise through the Rhine gorge, an hour ride to Marksburg Castle followed with a 2 hr ride back to Cologne.  Viking did what they could, but still not as relaxing as past crises with them.  Cruise director was also kind of weak, but hotel managers on each ship made up for it.  

Pic#1, Kinderdijk. Pic#2, Heidelberg from across the river on philosopher's way. 

[sjde]

A shop clerk told us this has been going on since August and the last time it happened was 15 years ago.

When asked when the rainy season usually is, she said “ All the time.”

 

The Viking Baldur, Skadi and Alsvin are docked in Rudesheim today. 

[Fourmiler]

Notamermaid:  that is a wonderful map of the castles.  I’m saving it for our visit next August.  Let’s hope the Rhine has got back to normal levels so we can enjoy our cruise and not a bus trip!

[Valley Girl of VA]

9 hours ago, sailor1201 said:

Can anyone speculate on the AMAPrima Amsterdam to Amsterdam cruise?  especially re the possibility of a Christmas market along the way?   I realize that it's the Netherlands and Belgium,  not the hot bed of Christmas markets,  but hoping...  

 

Which AMAPrima sailing are you on?  We are on Dec. 8th.  I too would like to know what the Amsterdam to Amsterdam covers.  Unfortunately we had already booked and paid for a tour outside of Amsterdam for our two days after the cruise.  If we go to Antwerp, there is a Christmas market there.  I wonder if this ship does the same itinerary as the Tulip Tour?

 

Jane

[hbr777]

11 hours ago, AuntMarv said:

hbr777 when is your departure?  We’re on the AmaStella departing December 10th and haven’t heard anything from Ama yet. Our biggest concern is we have an independent trip to Lucerne for four days prior to our departure so that won’t leave us any option other than to take the cruise if they only give us 4 days notice of any significant changes.  

Dec 3

[sailor1201]

Valley Girl,  just looking ahead to the 12/22 AmaPrima cruise and trying to anticipate the possibilities,   with non refundable airfare and pre and post plans set in stone,  trying to look on the bright side.  

[sjde]

In August the water was up to the wall. 

[orchidj5]

12 hours ago, AuntMarv said:

hbr777 when is your departure?  We’re on the AmaStella departing December 10th and haven’t heard anything from Ama yet. Our biggest concern is we have an independent trip to Lucerne for four days prior to our departure so that won’t leave us any option other than to take the cruise if they only give us 4 days notice of any significant changes.  

  I am booked on this as well. Based on when hbr777 got her notifications we probably will not see ours til early next week and mine may go to my TA-which is fine.  We are arriving independently in Switzerland on Friday 7th but have already decided we will take the deviation and go with the flow.  Taking this much time from work requires long notice and we don't want to cancel, and if we end up in Belgium my husband can ring his cousins to come and have lunch or something.   I wont be thrilled-this is our 35th anniversary trip and we had to cancel one completely for our 30th but we will make the best of it-take what ever credit we get and plan another trip.