What happens when a luxury European river cruise runs out of river? Hundreds of travelers just found out

Bad luck has cursed river cruisers in Europe this summer, who have been literally stuck between a rock and a hard place.Trips on the Rhine and Danube have been severely impacted by, essentially, the lack of river, due to a combination of reduced snow runoff in the Alps over the winter and elevated summer temperatures.

The result? Devastating drought conditions.In Budapest, the dried-up Danube riverbed has revealed, among other things, a sunken World War II boat, an army motorcycle, the remains of two German soldiers and some anti-tank mines, which closed down the riverbank until they could be disposed of.You can also see Ínség-szikla — the Rock of Starvation.

In olden times, seeing the top of the rock meant water mills would be unable to process flour, and crops were likely failing.Today, it’s completely uncovered.Budapest is exactly where our week-long “Romantic Danube” cruise with AmaWaterways (from $3,449 per person) this past July was supposed to dock.

Things didn’t looking promising.But, like the other passengers arriving on AmaWaterways’ brand new ship, AmaSofia, we remained hopeful.

Spirits were high as we embarked at pretty Vilshofen, in Bavaria, Germany, for a week of scenic river cruising and the the dockside Oktoberfest party — complete with local beer and dancers in lederhosen — helped liven everyone up.The ship didn’t disappoint either.In the company’s distinctive sienna-and-white livery, the layout was welcoming, opening out to a large bar and lounge with panoramic windows and a small outdoor seating area in the bow.

A roof deck featured a pool where drinks are served as you bob, and there were plenty of loungers for those scenic views.Two dining rooms serve the ship, with the main Journey restaurant on the lower floor open for all three meals.The food changes with the location to reflect local flavors and everything was fresh and tasty.

A must-do is the Chef’s Table at the rear of the ship which serves an eclectic selecti...