What do river cruise lines do if the water is too high or too low?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 10 November 2026

These 23 river cruise lines say what they do when river levels change a sailing on their own websites, read 10 November 2026. Each card gives what the line says about it, with the ship, sailing, length, price or number where it names one, then why to choose it, what to ask for and the limits it publishes.

What do river cruise lines do if the water is too high or too low?

23 river cruise lines in the Uncompromised Travel table say on their own websites that they set out what happens when river levels change a sailing; VIVA Cruises, Thurgau Travel and CroisiEurope have the most Google reviews under the line's own name.

Who is on this page and why. The Uncompromised Travel river cruise lines table holds 48 companies: the river cruise lines ChatGPT names most often when asked about river cruises, plus river lines added by hand from the trade, each kept only if its own website sells river voyages under its own name. Their own websites were read on 10 November 2026, with their Google and Trustpilot listings matched by name. This page carries every line in the table that, on its own website, says what it does when river levels change a sailing: 23 lines. Cards are in alphabetical order. Each line on a card gives what the company's own website says, with a link to the page it came from; a second reader checked 288 of the table's rows against the pages. No company paid to be on this page.

Abercrombie & Kent

Best for: Guided river journeys and canal barge cruises
Water levels: On Canal Barge Cruises, says waterways may close for drought, storms, floods or canal or lock repairs; the vessel may then stay stationary with guests on board and excursions continuing, run the route in reverse or move guests to an alternative vessel of similar standard or a different waterway, at the Captain's sole discretion.
Why choose them: Founded by Geoffrey Kent, it has sold travel since 1962. Trustpilot (whole company): 4.4 out of 5 from 795 reviews, newest 3 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Canal Barge Cruise, which includes all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on board and transfers to and from the vessel.
Not the fit if: you travel with children under 12: journeys including a European River Cruise have a minimum age of 12.
Money protection: ATOL number 2881, issued by the CAA, for flight-inclusive packages (UK bookings).
Website: abercrombiekent.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: booking-terms-and-conditions-for-journeys, home page, terms-&-conditions-tailor-made-holidays-uk.

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Amadeus River Cruises

Best for: European river cruises with wine at dinner
Water levels: Says unusually low or high river water levels may change the itinerary, move guests onto another vessel, replace sailing with transfers by coach or rail or shorten the journey, with no claims for damages accepted and no reduction in the tour price.
Why choose them: Suites on its ships measure 26.4 m2 (284 sq ft) with a walk-out balcony.
Ask for: Ask for excursion Package C, which includes every excursion on the cruise at a reduced price when booked in advance.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair or scooter: neither is permitted on board and guests must manage the gangway, stairs and ramps without one.
Money protection: Listed in the Austrian carrier directory under number 2004/0052, with customer money insured under the Austrian travel agency insurance ordinance (RSV).
Enquiry: lueftner-cruises.com/en/company/imprint.html

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en/company/terms-conditions/terms-conditions.htm, en/why-amadeus/suites-staterooms.html.

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AmaWaterways

Best for: Europe, Nile and Mekong river cruises
Water levels: Reserves the right to alter itineraries for high or low water, including keeping you on the docked ship, substituting ground arrangements or moving you by coach or another vessel; such changes give no credit or refund except as the Passenger Ticket Contract provides.
Why choose them: Offers over 100 river cruises across 35 countries on 12 rivers. Google: 4.1 out of 5 from 67 reviews; Trustpilot: 1.7 out of 5 from 109 reviews, newest 24 October 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Not the fit if: you need a doctor on board, as medical doctors are not available on any vessel.
Money protection: ATOL 11232 for flight-inclusive UK packages; ABTA bond, membership no. Y6393.
Website: amawaterways.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-conditions/booking-sales, home page, uk/terms-conditions/booking-sales.

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Antara Cruises

Best for: Ganges and Brahmaputra cruises in India
Water levels: Says routing depends on water levels, air draft, local conditions and the decisions of the Master; it reserves the right to alter, postpone or substitute any departure, ship or port of call without liability for loss to guests.
Why choose them: Sails four cruise ships, four catamarans and one private houseboat, sailing in India since 2009. Google: 4.5 out of 5 from 19 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Ganga Vilas sailing from Kolkata to Varanasi, 19 nights, or a private charter on MV Nauka Vilas.
Not the fit if: you need a fixed route: routing depends on water levels and the Master's decisions and itineraries can change without notice.
Website: antaracruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about-us.

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Aqua Expeditions

Best for: Small-ship Mekong and Amazon expeditions
Water levels: Sails Aqua Mekong between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh in the low-water season (December to mid-August) and offers complimentary flight extensions to Siem Reap when its ships cannot travel up the Tonle Sap Lake; if a voyage is cancelled or curtailed and no substitute vessel is provided, it offers credit towards a future voyage or a pro rata refund per cruise night not used.
Why choose them: Founded in 2007 by Francesco Galli Zugaro, it runs excursions in groups of no more than 12. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 11 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a high-water departure, mid-August to November, when Aqua Mekong sails between Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap.
Not the fit if: you want to sail to Siem Reap from December to mid-August: low water keeps the ship between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh, with a complimentary flight to Siem Reap instead.
Website: aquaexpeditions.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: destinations/mekong-river-cruise, aqua-experience/our-story.

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Assam Bengal Navigation

Best for: Brahmaputra and Ganges expedition cruises in India
Water levels: Advertises every departure as subject to change in itinerary and emails guests if a change is foreseen; on the Ganges it can only cruise all the way up to Varanasi in August and September because of river conditions. When it cancels for force majeure, which includes low or high water, it gives a credit note redeemable for one year past the original trip start date.
Why choose them: Says it pioneered long-distance river cruising in India on the Brahmaputra in 2003, a year after the company was formed.
Ask for: Ask for one of its special cruises that waive the single supplement, or a single cabin on ABN Rajmahal or ABN Charaidew II.
Not the fit if: you cannot walk or stand for long periods on uneven ground: many excursions involve this and no personal assistants are provided.
Enquiry: assambengalnavigation.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, our-story.

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Avalon Waterways

Best for: Suite Ships with open-air balconies
Water levels: Says it will often move guests to a sister ship when water level disruptions are unchanged after 48 hours and uses motorcoaches and hotels for changes; its terms treat low or high water as a Force Majeure Event, where it may offer a future travel credit, with a refund possible if requested within 21 days.
Why choose them: Its Panorama Suites in Europe measure 200 square feet, which it says is an average of 30% larger than others. Google: 4.2 out of 5 from 22 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.4 out of 5 from 1,905 reviews, newest 25 October 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Avalon Choice Excursions on your sailing, in Classic, Discovery or Active style.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair or walker: outside the United States you must be able to walk up and down steps and ramps without one; many of its small ships have no lift.
Enquiry: avalonwaterways.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: faqs, why-avalon/suite-ships, terms.

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CroisiEurope

Best for: French family line on European rivers
Water levels: Its French terms let it cancel a cruise for floods or falling water, owing nothing beyond a refund of sums paid; where it can, it offers a substitute cruise of equal value and you choose between that and a refund.
Why choose them: Runs a fleet of 50 ships and barges. Google: 3.6 out of 5 from 134 reviews; Trustpilot: 3.8 out of 5 from 448 reviews, newest 9 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a CroisiFamille river cruise, where up to 2 children up to 16 sail free in a paying cabin.
Not the fit if: you may cancel late: from 90 days before a river cruise you lose 20% of the price, rising to 100% from 8 days.
Website: croisieurope.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: information/conditions-generales-ventes-2026, home page.

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Delfin Amazon Cruises

Best for: Small-ship Amazon cruises in Peru's Pacaya Samiria
Water levels: Says its itineraries depend on the river water level and may vary; if it substitutes another cruise for force majeure or mechanical failure and you decline, it may cancel with a refund pro rata per cruise night not used or a credit of the same amount toward a future Delfin cruise.
Why choose them: Delfin III, its largest vessel, carries up to 44 guests in 22 suites.
Ask for: Ask for a Delfin II Suite or a Delfin III Suite or Upper Suite on a departure where the single supplement is waived.
Not the fit if: you might cancel late: from 150 days before departure the deposit is not refunded; it grants no other refund or reschedule, even in case of force majeure.
Website: delfinamazoncruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, home page.

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Excellence River Cruises

Best for: German-language river voyages from Switzerland
Water levels: Says changes to the programme or route because of low or high water cost guests nothing extra, with adapted routes, other berths, coaches or added land tours, but such changes give no right to a refund.
Why choose them: Says its fleet holds the Green Award and the Fair Cruise Award and has twice won the Myclimate Award.
Ask for: Ask for a sailing with a double cabin on the main deck for one person without supplement.
Not the fit if: you do not speak German: German is the language on board, including daily programmes and menus.
Published price: From CHF 2'495 per person, main deck cabin, 9 days Basel to Amsterdam and back on the Excellence Crown, departing 1 June 2027, coach travel from Switzerland included. Read 10 November 2026.
Money protection: Stiftung Gesetzlicher Garantiefonds der Schweizer Reisebranche (Garantiefonds).
Website: excellence.ch

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: vorteile/faq, flusskreuzfahrten/der-rhein-fine-dining-mit-hugo.

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Gate 1 Travel

Best for: Escorted tours with chartered river cruises
Water levels: Says it runs part or all of the itinerary by motor coach with hotel nights, or swaps ships with a vessel sailing in the opposite direction, when water levels or inoperable locks stop a river cruise; no tour is cancelled and no monetary compensation is made for those changes.
Why choose them: Founded in 1981, it began with tours to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Greece and Turkey.
Ask for: Ask for the Cancel for Any Reason waiver, which allows cancellation up to 72 hours before departure for a future travel credit.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair, walker or scooter: none can be accommodated on its international river cruises.
Enquiry: gate1travel.com/terms

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms, about.aspx.

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Grand Circle Cruise Line

Best for: Small-group Danube and Seine cruises with airfare
Water levels: If a vessel cannot complete its scheduled itinerary because of low water or high water, reserves the right to modify the itinerary, including the use of hotels and motorcoaches where necessary.
Why choose them: Founded in 1958 by Ethel Andrus to serve Americans over 50. Trustpilot (whole company): 4.0 out of 5 from 20 reviews, newest 7 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a departure with a free or low-cost Single Supplement, or for roommate matching, which carries no single supplement even without a match.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair or motorised scooter: most trips are not accessible and guests needing help must travel with an able companion.
Enquiry: gct.com/about-us/contact-us

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about-us/people-and-culture.

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Heritage Line

Best for: Small-ship Mekong and Vietnam bay cruises
Water levels: Its terms let it change the itinerary, swap in coaches or other transport and omit stops without liability; they also list low water as a risk. For force majeure it issues a future credit equal to the amount paid.
Why choose them: The Jahan cruises the lower Mekong with 26 staterooms and suites, all with large balconies.
Ask for: Ask for a selected cruise with no single supplement for solo travellers.
Not the fit if: your children are under 5: they are not allowed on board unless Heritage Line grants special permission.
Enquiry: heritage-line.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-conditions, cruise/lower-mekong-river.

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Nour El Nil

Best for: Dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Aswan
Water levels: Reserves the right to vary its itinerary and says it is subject to the moods of the river and to the rules of the Egyptian and Nile Authorities, sometimes changed only hours in advance.
Why choose them: Its dahabiyas board at Esna, some 33 miles south of Luxor; they sail to Aswan. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 114 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the dahabiya voyage from Esna to Aswan with its stop at Gebel Silsileh.
Not the fit if: you need a fixed itinerary: it reserves the right to vary its route and is at times told of new river rules only hours in advance.
Enquiry: nourelnil.com/booking-form

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: itinerary.

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Pandaw

Best for: Small-ship Mekong and India river expeditions
Water levels: Offers an alternative itinerary, agreed between the captain and management, when water levels are too high or too low, with accommodation and meals kept on board; it says itineraries are indicational only and it may change the vessel without notice.
Why choose them: Founded in 1995 by Scottish historian Paul Strachan, it sails ships with fewer than 30 cabins each.
Ask for: Ask for a departure with no single supplement, which it offers on a wide selection of expeditions and dates.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair: wheelchairs are not allowed and some river stations have steep and sometimes slippery banks.
Enquiry: pandaw.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: passenger-information/terms-conditions-carriage, about, passenger-information/booking-conditions.

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Riverside Luxury Cruises

Best for: All-suite European river cruises with butlers
Water levels: Says unusually high or low water may affect your itinerary; it will minimise the impact, which may include alternative arrangements for the trip and keep you informed. It names no refund.
Why choose them: Its suites range from 20 to 82 m² with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:4.
Ask for: Ask for the Harmony Suite on Riverside Mozart or the Melody Suite on Debussy, Ravel or Mahler, where solo travellers pay no suite surcharge, subject to availability.
Not the fit if: you use a motorised scooter or need full wheelchair access: scooters are not allowed and wheelchair accessibility is limited.
Website: riverside-cruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en/faq, en/about-riverside.

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Riviera Travel

Best for: All-inclusive European river cruises with excursions included
Water levels: When low or high water disrupts a cruise, its European River Cruise Assurance, included in the price, keeps the trip going by staying moored another night, running coach excursions of no more than 2 hours each way or swapping ships with a coach journey of up to 4 hours; it compensates automatically for every complete 24 hours still affected, refunds pro rata for each full 24 hours lost if a cruise is curtailed (3/8ths on an 8-day vacation) and refunds the full cost if a cruise is cancelled before departure with no equivalent alternative.
Why choose them: Says it has welcomed more than 1.75 million guests worldwide and launched its river cruises in 2009.
Ask for: Ask for a solo departure with the single supplement waived, or a Cruise & Stay with three nights in a 4-star hotel.
Not the fit if: you use a wheelchair: there are no wheelchair accessible cabins on any of its ships.
Money protection: Says it is fully bonded with the CAA and ABTA, which are UK bodies, so your money is safe in any eventuality; its US booking conditions carry Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST40993.
Enquiry: rivieratravel.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: help-center/european-river-cruise-assurance-faqs, about-us, company-policies/booking-conditions.

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Steam Ship Sudan

Best for: Six-day Nile cruises on a historic steamer
Water levels: Cannot sail the Nile between Luxor and Qena from late November to mid-February because of low water, so it offers an alternative programme, adapted to 5 days and 4 nights.
Why choose them: Says Agatha Christie found the inspiration for Death on the Nile on board in 1933. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 4 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Odilo Suite, inaugurated in January 2022, which sits on the sun deck.
Not the fit if: you want to sail between Luxor and Qena from late November to mid-February: low water stops navigation there and an alternative programme runs instead.
Enquiry: steam-ship-sudan.com/en/contact-2

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en/nile-cruises/aswan-luxor-cruise, en/cabins-and-suites.

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Tauck

Best for: Fully guided European river cruises, excursions included
Water levels: Reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary and substitute hotels, sightseeing or conveyances, refunding any savings to guests and covering any resulting expenses. Low or high water levels count as force majeure, when it may issue a credit for a future Tauck trip instead of a money-back refund.
Why choose them: Founded in 1925, it now offers nearly 200 itineraries across land tours and river and small ship cruises. Google: 3.4 out of 5 from 41 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 2.7 out of 5 from 93 reviews, newest 13 October 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Category 1 cabin on a European river cruise, which carries no single supplement.
Not the fit if: you need help walking or use a motorised scooter: Tauck cannot provide individual assistance and cannot take scooters on any trip.
Enquiry: tauck.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about-tauck.

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Thurgau Travel

Best for: Swiss river voyages on its own ships
Water levels: Says that if water levels affect a booked voyage it will tell you early and personally about any changes; it names no ship swaps, coaches or refunds.
Why choose them: Founded in December 2001, it sails 19 ships on over 50 waterways in more than 25 countries. Google: 4.4 out of 5 from 181 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 4.6 out of 5 from 1,004 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the excursion package with audio guide when you book, as most excursions are sold that way.
Not the fit if: you cannot leave the ship on your own in an evacuation, as guests must be able to do so and must tell Thurgau Travel before booking if not.
Published price: from CHF 1'390 per person, Rheinzauber Holland on MS Thurgau Gold, 9 days, departing 17 February 2027. Read 10 November 2026.
Money protection: Garantiefonds der Schweizer Reisebranche (Swiss travel industry guarantee fund).
Website: thurgautravel.ch

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: home page, pressebereich/thrugau-travel-schuetzt-seine-gaes, vertrags-und-reisebedingungen.

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Best for: River cruises with drinks and gratuities included
Water levels: Says itineraries may be altered because of water levels and it may substitute itineraries, hotels or ships, keeping them similar where it can; itinerary changes give no right to a refund.
Why choose them: Its cruises of 7 nights or more include onboard meals, premium beverages, onboard gratuities and scheduled excursions. Google: 3.6 out of 5 from 33 reviews; Trustpilot: 2.6 out of 5 from 34 reviews, newest 13 October 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Generations programme departure if you are travelling with children.
Not the fit if: you need mobility devices or personal care on board: it provides neither and cannot guarantee full accessibility in all locations.
Published price: From $2,969 per person, double occupancy, Delightful Danube, 8 days Budapest to Regensburg, 19 March 2028 (early booking offer; regular $3,299). Read 10 November 2026.
Money protection: Travel Industry Compensation Fund, TICO registration number 50018458 (Ontario); California Seller of Travel CST #2075415-20.
Website: uniworld.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: ap/terms-and-conditions/2028, home page, ca/terms-and-conditions/2028.

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Victoria Cruises

Best for: Yangtze cruises through the Three Gorges
Water levels: Says itineraries and times are subject to change according to river conditions, with alternate excursions substituted and some optional excursions run only river conditions permitting.
Why choose them: Established in New York City in 1993, it celebrated the 25th anniversary of its inaugural sailing in 2019.
Ask for: Ask for a cabin in the Luxury Amenities Program, which adds complimentary Wi-Fi, house wine and beer at dinner and a la carte dining.
Not the fit if: you travel alone: the single supplement adds 75% of the fare in a superior cabin and 100% in a suite.
Enquiry: victoriacruiselines.com/Contact.html

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: Cruise1.html, Story.html.

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VIVA Cruises

Best for: All-inclusive river cruises with tips included
Water levels: Says schedules may change at short notice due to high and low water or lock maintenance; for a significant change the customer may accept it, cancel the contract at no charge or take a substitute tour if offered.
Why choose them: Says the Swiss shipping company Scylla AG, which owns a fleet of 40 ships, stands behind the brand. Google: 4.4 out of 5 from 289 reviews; Trustpilot: 3.9 out of 5 from 178 reviews, newest 6 November 2026. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Culinary Cruise with Falstaff, where all shore excursions are included in the price.
Not the fit if: you want a doctor on board: there is none, though first aid can be given on all ships.
Money protection: Guarantee certificate handed over before the 20% down payment is due.
Website: viva-cruises.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en-us/terms-and-conditions, en-us/about-us, en-us/faq/on-board.

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What does each line say it does?

23 of the 23 lines say what they do when water levels change a sailing; names are in alphabetical order. Read each card for the exact terms before you book.

Abercrombie & Kent: says it may change the itinerary
Amadeus River Cruises: changes without refund
AmaWaterways: changes without refund
Antara Cruises: says it may change the itinerary
Aqua Expeditions: refund or compensation
Assam Bengal Navigation: says it may change the itinerary
Avalon Waterways: refund or compensation
CroisiEurope: refund or compensation
Delfin Amazon Cruises: says it may change the itinerary
Excellence River Cruises: changes without refund
Gate 1 Travel: changes without refund
Grand Circle Cruise Line: says it may change the itinerary
Heritage Line: says it may change the itinerary
Nour El Nil: says it may change the itinerary
Pandaw: says it may change the itinerary
Riverside Luxury Cruises: says it may change the itinerary
Riviera Travel: refund or compensation
Steam Ship Sudan: says it may change the itinerary
Tauck: says it may change the itinerary
Thurgau Travel: says it may change the itinerary
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: changes without refund
Victoria Cruises: says it may change the itinerary
VIVA Cruises: refund or compensation

Which of these show a dated price on this page?

3 of the 23 cards show a price for a sailing, with its currency and a date or season. AmaWaterways, Assam Bengal Navigation, CroisiEurope, Delfin Amazon Cruises, Gate 1 Travel, Heritage Line, Pandaw, Riviera Travel, Tauck and Victoria Cruises publish fares on their own websites without a sailing date, a per-person basis or a currency on the pages read, so no figure is shown for them. Ask every line for a written quote with the departure date and what it includes.

Excellence River Cruises
Thurgau Travel
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Which of these lines name a scheme that protects your money?

8 of the 23 lines name a scheme, bond, licence or account that protects payments for some or all bookings; check the number with the scheme before you pay.

Abercrombie & Kent: ATOL number 2881, issued by the CAA, for flight-inclusive packages (UK bookings)
Amadeus River Cruises: Listed in the Austrian carrier directory under number 2004/0052, with customer money insured under the Austrian travel agency insurance ordinance (RSV)
AmaWaterways: ATOL 11232 for flight-inclusive UK packages; ABTA bond, membership no. Y6393
Excellence River Cruises: Stiftung Gesetzlicher Garantiefonds der Schweizer Reisebranche (Garantiefonds)
Riviera Travel: Says it is fully bonded with the CAA and ABTA, which are UK bodies, so your money is safe in any eventuality; its US booking conditions carry Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST40993
Thurgau Travel: Garantiefonds der Schweizer Reisebranche (Swiss travel industry guarantee fund)
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Travel Industry Compensation Fund, TICO registration number 50018458 (Ontario); California Seller of Travel CST #2075415-20
VIVA Cruises: Guarantee certificate handed over before the 20% down payment is due

Who to contact first

Start with the 2 lines on this page that publish both a sailing price and their cancellation terms on their own websites, then add any other card that fits your dates and the sailing you want.

Excellence River Cruises
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

What to ask each one to set out in writing:

What the fare includes, line by line: excursions, drinks, gratuities, wifi, flights, transfers and hotel nights before and after.
The ship: how many guests it carries, the cabin size and whether it has a French balcony, a full balcony or a window.
The deposit, when the balance is due, what you lose if you cancel and what the line does if low or high water changes the route.
Which scheme or licence protects your money and what you need to walk on the excursions if mobility matters to you.

Low and high water on river cruises: the questions people ask

What should I ask a river cruise line before booking?

What the fare includes, line by line; how many guests the ship carries and the size of the cabin; the deposit and what you lose if you cancel; what happens if low or high water changes the route; and which scheme protects your money.

Can I book with these lines directly?

Yes. Each card links the line's own website or enquiry page; ask for a written quote that lists what the fare includes and the cancellation scale.

Do these lines all sell the same kind of river cruise?

No. Each card names the sailing, ship or offer the line's own website gives; ship sizes, lengths, rivers and prices differ, so compare the cards before you ask for quotes.

What happens if the river is too low or too high to sail?

23 of the 23 lines set out on their own websites what they do when water levels change a sailing, such as a ship swap, a coach transfer or a refund. Ask each line in writing before you book.

Which of these have the most Google reviews?

VIVA Cruises, Thurgau Travel and CroisiEurope, in that order. A count says how many people reviewed a line, not whether it fits your sailing; each card gives the rating and count, read 10 November 2026.

Which of these have Trustpilot profiles?

9 of the 23: Abercrombie & Kent, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, Grand Circle Cruise Line, Tauck, Thurgau Travel, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and VIVA Cruises. Each card gives the TrustScore, the review count and the newest review date, read 10 November 2026.

Which of these publish their cancellation terms?

20 of the 23 publish a cancellation scale on their own websites. Ask each for the full scale in writing before you pay a deposit.

Where can I check these facts myself?

Each card links the pages of the line's own website its lines were read from, with the date they were read.

How were these lines chosen?

Each one is in the Uncompromised Travel river cruise lines table, built from the river cruise lines ChatGPT names most often. On its own website it says what it does when river levels change a sailing. A line is on the page because its published facts fit the question, never because it paid.

Is any company on this page paying to be here?

No. No company on this page is a partner of Uncompromised Travel; none paid to be on it.