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Tui river cruise passengers angry after itineraries replaced with coach trips
Overview
Passengers who paid thousands for European river cruises with Tui on the Danube have expressed anger after low water levels forced their itineraries to change, resulting in extensive coach trips instead of sailing. Affected customers reported spending many hours on buses and missing out on the river cruise experience they booked, with Tui declining to offer refunds and stating that holidays continued on amended itineraries under standard booking conditions.
Key points
- Passengers on Tui river cruises on the Danube experienced major itinerary changes due to low water levels caused by extreme heat.
- Holidaymakers reported spending 14 to 15 hours on coach trips and missing out on daytime scenery as ships sailed in the dark or remained docked.
- Customers attempting to cancel before departure were told refunds were not available under Tui's standard booking conditions.
- While passengers praised the food and staff on board the vessel Isla, many are seeking refunds through complaints or potential small claims action.
- Tui apologised for customers not receiving their anticipated river cruise experience and explained that coach transfers and hotel stays were arranged to minimise disruption.