The Danube and Rhine are at record lows this summer, disrupting hundreds of cruises that have become an increasingly popular part of Europe's tourism industry. Drought and extreme heat have caused water levels to drop to historic lows along these major waterways, forcing operators to cancel or reroute voyages. The Danube, Europe's second-longest river, and the Rhine, a critical commercial artery, are both experiencing unprecedented conditions that threaten the 2023 summer season. Cruise companies are scrambling to accommodate passengers, with some offering bus transfers between ships or full refunds.

The disruptions highlight the growing vulnerability of Europe's tourism infrastructure to climate change impacts.