Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise Cut Short by High River Levels — Navigating Unpredictable Waters on Europe River Cruises

Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise

By Sharon Kurtz

Embarking on a luxurious river cruise along the enchanting Danube River in June with Riverside Luxury Cruises, a new line still largely unknown by many travelers, seemed like a dream come true. Little did my husband and I know that our journey would take an unexpected turn as fluctuating water levels disrupted our plans.

This experience not only opened our eyes to the realities of climate change but also raised important considerations for future European river cruises. I’ll recount our memorable voyage on the Danube and explore the implications of changing climate conditions on river cruising.

A few days into our voyage on the Riverside Mozart, high water levels altered our carefully planned itinerary. After the initial shock and disappointment, instead of seeing the turn of events as a travel nightmare, we came to view this unexpected detour as an enriching opportunity to explore Europe differently, adding a new layer of excitement to our luxury cruise experience.

Our story begins with our arrival in Vienna, where we met up with the 160-passenger Riverside Mozart on the banks of the Danube River. There were around 60 passengers on our early June cruise. The ship sails round-trip from Vienna.

The Riverside Mozart docked in Vienna in the higher-than-typical waters of the Danube River. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

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Setting Sail with Riverside Luxury Cruises

Our week of leisurely exploration along the Danube River started with a warm welcome aboard the Riverside Mozart. Five friendly and attentive crew members greeted us at the gangway and escorted us to the cozy lounge. There, we enjoyed a refreshing drink while awaiting check-in.

Relax and unwind in the cozy seating aboard the Riverside Mozart. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Meeting Fellow Travelers on Riverside Mozart

Next to us, a charming Britisher eagerly anticipated her shore excursion to see the Crown Jewels at the Hofburg Imperial Palace.

Chatting to fellow passengers, we discovered that Riverside Luxury Cruises offers flexible itineraries ranging from three to seven nights in either direction, with passengers starting their cruise when it’s convenient for them.

Several fellow travelers had boarded in Budapest five nights earlier, while others, like us, were beginning our cruise from Vienna.

The Riverside Mozart — A Jewel on the Danube

After check-in, our butler, Daniel, greeted us with a warm smile and genuine hospitality. His offer to unpack our bags, though we chuckled at it, was a testament to the exceptional service provided by the crew. Daniel was just a call away, seemingly appearing out of nowhere when I forgot my keycard.

Leaving behind the tempting chocolates and bubbly, we set out to explore the ship.

Welcome bubbly and chocolates. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

The Riverside Mozart felt like a floating luxury resort, making us feel right at home with its relaxed elegance.

Who is Riverside Luxury Cruises?

Riverside Luxury Cruises is owned by the German Hospitality Group, Seaside Collection, which is run by Hamburg’s Gerlach family.

The Gerlachs bought five river boats from Crystal River Cruises in 2022 when the line shut down during the pandemic. The Riverside Mozart was built in 1987 and fully renovated in 2016 when Crystal Cruises got into river cruising. Riverside introduced the Riverside Mozart on the Danube in April, 2023.

Ship expert and QuirkyCruise contributor Peter Knego tells us: “Along with the DeBussy, Bach and Mahler, the 110-passenger Ravel is one of four identical ships originally built between 2017-2018 for Crystal’s European river operations. After Crystal folded in 2022, all four of these ships and the Mozart were laid up before being purchased by Riverside. In October 2023, Riverside leased the Bach and Mahler to Uniworld for three years, to cruise as the Super Ship Victoria and Elisabeth, respectively.”

Meanwhile, for Riverside, the newly renamed Riverside Ravel debuted on the Rhone in August, 2023 and Riverside Debussy debuted March 2024 on the Rhine.

Writer Peter Knego sailed on the Ravel when she debuted — his review is HERE.

Author Peter Knego (r) and hubby Mike Masino with the 110-pax Riverside Ravel in the background in Lyon. * Photo: Peter Knego

Exploring the Ship

The first thing that struck us was the spaciousness of the ship. In fact, it’s the broadest vessel on the river (a few feet wider than the AmaMagna, another double-wide river boat). Decor-wise, Riverside Mozart’s soft, nature-inspired colors mirror the shades of the Danube, creating a peaceful vibe.

Mozart Cove Bar on Riverside Mozart. * Photo: Riverside Luxury Cruises

The natural hues of the Waterside restaurant on the Riverside Mozart. * Photo: Riverside Luxury Cruises

We stayed in a Harmony Suite, 219-square-foot rooms on the lower deck, with fixed windows. The suite’s decor blends warm earth tones and calming hues with rich textiles and high-quality bedding. Amenities include a seating area, writing desk, flat-screen TV, and well-stocked minibar. The bathroom offers rainfall shower heads, plush towels, bathrobes, and high-end toiletries.

Harmony Suite on the Mozart. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

While the cabin felt like first-class hotel room in many ways and was relatively roomy compared to other river cruise ships in the same class, I will say the area between the bed and closet was quite tight. And I really missed having a balcony.

VIDEO: Here’s a look at Sharon’s room.

Riverside Mozart also boasts a well-equipped exercise room with saunas and steam baths in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. We were impressed.

Riverside Mozart’s impressive fitness center. *Photo: Riverside Luxury Cruises

The ship’s jet pool and whirlpool. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

After enjoying a snack in the all-day casual dining Bistro along with a decadent frozen coffee drink, we found a cozy lounge chair on the upper deck. Here we soaked up the breathtaking views of Vienna’s skyline in the distance.

Sunset view of Vienna. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Dining to Write Home About

We enjoyed some truly memorable culinary experiences during few days cruising along the Danube aboard Riverside Mozart. Meals are locally inspired, using luxury ingredients and techniques, with a nightly changing cheese course. From modern twists on classic Austro-Hungarian dishes to Italian pasta and mouthwatering tapas, there’s something for everyone, including:

River Trout Mullerin. This dish featured tender, flaky trout with a light coating that enhanced its natural flavors. It was served with creamy chive potatoes, glazed sugar snap peas, and a drizzle of lemon butter for a refreshing finish.

Classic Wiener Schnitzel: A standout, the Wiener Schnitzel was a golden-fried veal cutlet, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. It came with Viennese fingerling potato salad and lingonberries for a sweet-tart contrast.

Wiener Schnitzel is a classic favorite on the Mozart. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Black Angus Beef Rib Eye Steak: For a hearty option, the Black Angus Beef Rib Eye steak was consistently excellent on the ‘classic portion’ of the daily menu options. Juicy and flavorful, it was paired with a green peppercorn sauce that added a delightful balance of spice and creaminess.

Chocolate Mousse Cake with Gold Leaf: My favorite dessert, this layered cake combined rich chocolate and light whipped cream, topped with a delicate sheet of edible gold leaf — a luxurious finale to our dining experience.

Indulging in a Slice of Heaven. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Each dish celebrated local flavors and traditional cooking techniques, making our meals a delightful part of the journey along the beautiful Danube River.

Unexpected Changes on the Danube

On the first evening of our Riverside Mozart Danube River cruise we gathered in the Palm Court on Deck 3 to meet the staff and crew. Captain Bela Burjan delivered unexpected news: the Danube’s water levels were unusually high due to recent rains, impacting the week’s itinerary.

We couldn’t sail north to Metz as planned because of the rapidly rising waters. Instead, we would sail a shorter distance and stay at the port in Tulln.

Riverside Mozart’s 7-night Danube Waltz itinerary. * Map: Riverside Luxury Cruises

This meant many excursions had to be canceled, and we were asked to choose between the two remaining excursion options.

Dinner conversations that night in the Waterside Restaurant were filled with disappointment and questions.

Still, we understood that nature’s unpredictability sometimes requires last-minute adjustments, and the crew’s adaptability and professionalism reassured us that we were in good hands. Little did we know, this was only the beginning.

Two Days in Flux and a New Plan

I won’t sugarcoat it — the next two days’ excursions involved long coach rides that didn’t suit everyone.

Only a handful of passengers braved the demanding tours. The first day’s journey to Metz included a visit to the magnificent Melk Abbey, a delicious lunch, and a fun and educational pastry workshop — a 10-hour day including an hour’s long bus ride each way.

Melk Abbey Entrance. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Cream Horns from the Pastry Workshop. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Though the experiences were memorable, the day felt quite stretched. The following day, I was set on seeing Salzburg, a place I had always wanted to visit.

The Clock Tower in Old Town Saltzburg. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Despite the last-minute adjustments and a grueling schedule that began early and lasted 12 hours (including a four-hour bus ride each way!), I’m still pleased I went (fewer than a dozen other passengers joined me).

Our Saltzburg Guide on Makartsteg Bridge. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

That evening, Captain Burjan shared the sobering news that severe flooding on the Danube in Germany would cut short the remainder of our cruise. This affected every cruise line on the Danube, not just ours. As far as the eye could see, the boats were barged together three deep.

After dinner, the staff met with travelers to discuss options, giving each group individual attention to make the best of the situation. For those with only a few days left, these guests were mainly concerned about getting home from a different port.

The problem was more complicated for those of us who just boarded in Vienna. We were given the option of transferring to one of Riverside’s other two ships, which were cruising in areas not affected by river fluctuations.

Some passengers flew to Budapest to join the sister ship, Debussy, cruising on the Danube toward the Black Sea. (Flooding was not a concern traveling in direction of the Black Sea.)

Others, including us, continued our trip on another sister ship, the Ravel, on the Rhone River in France.

Learning More about High and Low Waters on European Rivers — An Interview with Captain Burjan

I enjoyed speaking with Captain Bela Burjan in the wheelhouse on Deck 4.

I asked him several questions and he shared valuable insights about his role and the unique challenges of navigating the Danube River.

Captain Bela Burjan. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

How did you get started in your career?

Captain Burjan began with a smile. “I’m from a small village in Hungary with a family tradition of ship captains. My grandfather, father, and uncle were all captains. In 1978, after graduating from university, I started as a deckhand and worked my way up, becoming First Captain in 2010.”

Captain Burjan had worked for Crystal before coming on board with Riverside.

What main challenges do you face, particularly with high water levels?

“On the Danube, you can experience very fast and high-water levels,” Captain Burjan explained. “The Austrian section is between mountains, so rain can cause water levels to rise and fall rapidly. High water is often a more significant challenge than low water. It can cause dangerous waves. The conditions can change by the hour, which affects navigation and itineraries.”

High water at the Tullin port, where Mozart was moored. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

How has climate change impacted these conditions?

“I’ve been a captain on the Danube for over 20 years, and I’ve never seen high water conditions like this in June before,” he noted. “Increased precipitation and melting glaciers are causing more frequent and severe flooding.”

“This year was unusual, given that there have been only three significant high-water events in June over the past decade.”

The other two — in June 2013, the Danube experienced severe flooding that caused major disruptions to many river cruises and significant damage to several towns along the river. And in June 2016, high water levels affected river navigation, though it was less severe than in 2013.

How do you manage things when water levels disrupt the cruise?

“High water levels are tricky. Safety is our top priority, so we monitor the weather closely and make quick decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience,” Captain Burjan continued. “We sometimes need to change the itinerary or swap ships, but we strive to keep the experience seamless for our guests.”

Captain Burjan’s dedication to his passengers and crew was evident throughout our conversation. His leadership turned potential disruptions into memorable experiences.

“River cruising is all about the journey and the people you meet,” he said with a smile. “High water levels might change our path, but they don’t change the magic of the experience. And this magic keeps us going, no matter what.”

Melk Abbey reflection, while on an excursion from Tullin. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

RELATED: Read more about the fluctuating river levels in Europe and how they impact river cruising.

What to Do When Water Levels Threaten Your Cruise

Water conditions can be unpredictable. Our Riverside Mozart Danube River cruise cut short by high river levels sure underlined that for us.

The Riverside Luxury Cruise website states: “In the event that water levels on a particular river are unusually high or low, your itinerary may be affected by conditions beyond our control. In these circumstances, we will work to minimize the impact on your vacation, including alternative arrangements for the duration of the cruise. Of course, you will be kept informed of any changes that may affect your river cruise”.

This is exactly what happened on our Danube Waltz itinerary in early June 2024.

Riverside covered all expenses on our cruise regardless of what guests chose to do, whether going home early or joining the next cruise. A few guests decided to go home early. Most guests were only affected at the end of their cruise, and Riverside covered the expense of getting them where they needed to be to go home.

For the fewer than 20 guests who were most affected, we continued our cruise on a sister ship, the Ravel or the Debussy, with all expenses covered.

Experiencing Two Luxurious Ships

Riverside Luxury Cruises quickly arranged for us to transition from our Danube cruise to a new voyage on the Rhone River in Provence. Their efficient pivot impressed us.

Arriving in Marseille, a driver warmly welcomed us and promptly transported us to Viviers, where we boarded the Riverside Ravel. The ship’s ambiance was inviting, and we settled in comfortably for the next four nights.

The maximum capacity of Ravel is 110; there were fewer than 20 on our partial cruise (given the circumstances, not entirely surprising).

STAY TUNED: Sharon’s review of her Ravel cruise, the second half of her Riverside odyssey, is coming soon.

Like Mozart, the crew on Ravel was extremely enthusiastic to have us aboard. They provided us an after-hours meal, given our late-night arrival.

RELATED: Peter Knego reviewed Riverside Ravel in France when she first debuted in 2023.

When travel hands you challenges … eat pastry! Here, Sharon at a pastry workshop included in the all-day Metz excursion. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Booking & Cost Details of a Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise

The 7-night Danube Waltz itinerary starts at $ 4,928 USD per person. Here’s more info.

Here’s what’s included with your cruise fare on the Riverside Mozart:

• All dining venues (apart from the Vintage Room)
• Unlimited beverages
• A shore excursion per port
• Gratuities on board and off
• Wi-Fi
• Free laundry for all guests in Penthouse Suites or higher
• Port charges and taxes
• Transfers between the airport/train station/hotel and ship

Excellent meals are included in the fares. Here, eggs Benedict in the Waterside restaurant. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Sailing Season

The cruising season on the Danube is March to November, with these temps:

• Spring (Mar-May) is 50°F to 68°F; occasional rain
• Summer (Jun-Aug) is 77°F to 95°F; sunny with possible thunderstorms
• Autumn (Sep-Nov) is generally 50°F to 68°F in September, dropping to 32°F to 50°F by November; crisp air with increasing rain

Keep in Mind …

Danube River water levels peak in late spring to early summer (May-June) due to snowmelt and rainfall, while the lowest levels occur in late summer to early autumn (August-September) due to lower rainfall and higher temperatures. Variations can happen yearly.

Unusually high or low water levels may affect your itinerary, but Riverside will provide alternative arrangements and keep you informed of any changes.

In Conclusion — I’m Still Thumbs Up About a Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise

While our journey didn’t go as planned, Riverside Luxury Cruises’ exceptional service and rapid adjustments turned a potential disruption into a remarkable adventure. The unexpected events added a new layer of excitement and discovery to our luxury cruise experience.

Someday, we would like a do-over on the Danube. We’ll be even more eager to set sail when that time comes, knowing that Riverside Luxury Cruises will ensure an unforgettable experience, no matter the river’s surprises.

Sharon at the Melk Abbey. * Photo: Sharon Kurtz

Sharon Kurtz is an Austin, Texas based travel writer and passionate world explorer. With a focus on cruising, outdoor adventures, and bucket-list experiences, Sharon’s stories ignite wanderlust and inspire authentic, independent travel. Check out her Instagram page.

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