We spent thousands on a Tui river cruise but ended up on coach trips
BBC News 2026-10-08 07:11:14
Context: Passengers who paid thousands of pounds for European river cruises with Tui have expressed anger after their itineraries changed to involve hours spent on coach trips instead of sailing. The changes were made due to low water levels on the Danube, and Tui apologized, stating that customers continued their holidays on amended itineraries under its standard booking conditions. Several passengers have told the BBC that they believe they should get some money back, but have been offered no refund.
Key Facts
- Richard Pearson from Lincolnshire spent 14 to 15 hours of his holiday on coach trips, in addition to time wasted waiting for coaches, during a week-long river cruise that started on 21 September and cost £3,300.
- Sue Crosby and her husband spent £3,700 on a river cruise that started on 14 September, her 70th birthday, and had a revised itinerary that included multiple coach trips due to low water levels on the Danube.
- Tui River Cruises stated that "extreme heat across Europe this summer caused low water levels on the Danube, affecting river cruise operators across the region" and that they arranged coach transfers, hotel stays, and adjusted travel arrangements to minimise transfer times.
- Passengers on the Tui Isla departures on 14 and 21 September were sent revised itineraries before travelling, but some, like David Mallon and his group, decided not to go and instead booked a last-minute holiday to Kos.