Switzerland Cruises: Sailings, Embarkations & Ports of Call
103 ships from 11 cruise lines
Switzerland cruises at a glance
Waterways Cruise lists 487 upcoming sailings on 103 ships from 11 cruise lines visiting Switzerland, calling at 1 place. Cruises can start in Basel and end in Basel. Of 491 upcoming sailings, 225 start in Switzerland and 212 end there. More Western Europe cruises.
Reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard · About this page · About us
Compare Switzerland cruise lines
See every Switzerland cruise line by ocean and river and by ultra-luxury, luxury, premium and contemporary style, with fares, cruise lengths, ships and ports.
About Switzerland
Switzerland is the hinge of the Alps and the Rhine, a small federal state where river cruising meets lake-steamer tradition. For the American traveler, it offers postcard Alps, walkable medieval cities, and the most punctual rail system in Europe. Basel is the country's principal river-cruise gateway; Lucerne and Lake Geneva provide classic lake-steamer excursions. Avoid peak summer crowds by planning small-group, private, or self-guided shore experiences.
Typical routes
- Rhine Gateway: Basel, on the Rhine at the French/German border, is the Swiss boarding point for itineraries to Amsterdam and points north. Ships dock on the river within walking distance of the old town. Shore excursions can reach Lucerne, Bern, the Black Forest, or the Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen.
- Swiss Lake Cruises: Paddle steamers and modern motor vessels operate on Lake Lucerne, Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich, and Lake Lugano. These lake cruises are often packaged as extensions before or after a Rhine voyage, or as independent day excursions.
Ports overview
Switzerland's cruise geography is split. Basel is the only true river-cruise port on the Rhine. The country's other classic cruise ports are on lakes, served by historic steamer fleets. River-cruise guests typically start or end in Basel and add a lake-and-Alps extension by rail.
Cruise season
April–October; May, June, and September are ideal for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August are busiest; some mountain excursions run only May–October.
Find your Switzerland sailing
Upcoming sailings calling at Switzerland, earliest departure first.
8 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Basel
Ends in Switzerland. Also visits Netherlands, Germany, France
Viking Fulla
8 Days One-Way from Basel to Amsterdam
Starts in Switzerland. Also visits Germany, France, Netherlands
Viking Laga
8 Days One-Way from Cologne to Basel
Ends in Switzerland. Also visits Germany, France
MS Emily Bronte
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11 Days One-Way from Cologne to Land Tour
Visits Switzerland. Also visits Germany, France
MS Emily Bronte
10 Days One-Way from Basel to Amsterdam
Starts in Switzerland. Also visits France, Germany, Netherlands
MS Grace
27 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Basel
Ends in Switzerland. Also visits Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
Scenic Opal
18 Days One-Way from Basel to Budapest
Starts in Switzerland. Also visits Germany, France, Austria
Viking Skirnir
12 Days One-Way from Amsterdam to Basel
Ends in Switzerland. Also visits Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg
AmaViola
18 Days One-Way from Vienna to Amsterdam
Visits Switzerland. Also visits Austria, Germany, France
Avalon Panorama
14 Days One-Way from Basel to London-Greenwich
Starts in Switzerland. Also visits Germany, France, Netherlands
Emerald Luna
8 Days One-Way from Cologne to Basel
Ends in Switzerland. Also visits Germany, France
MS George Eliot
11 Days One-Way from Cologne to Land Tour
Visits Switzerland. Also visits Germany, France
MS George Eliot
Where Switzerland cruises start and end
Embarkation ports (1)
Basel (491) (cruises from)
Disembarkation ports (1)
Basel (491)
Ships by type: 103 river · a ship that visits several places here is counted once; an expedition ship that also sails as an ocean ship appears under both types.
Plan your Switzerland cruise
Switzerland cruise port guide
Cruise ports, what to see, history and practical advice.
Switzerland cruise port guide →Frequently asked questions about Switzerland cruises
How many places do cruises visit in Switzerland?
1 Switzerland place are visited by 103 ships from 11 cruise lines.
When is the best time to take a Switzerland cruise?
April–October; May, June, and September are ideal for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August are busiest; some mountain excursions run only May–October.
Sources and further reading
Background on Switzerland draws on these references. Sailing, fare and port data come from cruise line itineraries and are refreshed regularly.
- MySwitzerland: Switzerland Travel Guide
- Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs: About Switzerland
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Switzerland – Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List
- CIA World Factbook: Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Statistical Office: Switzerland's population
Created by the Waterways Cruise content team and reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard, Sr. Cruise Travel Agent and Founder of Waterways Cruise.
Published September 9, 2026 · Last updated October 31, 2026
Fares, availability and itineraries change often. Confirm current details with your cruise line or a Waterways Cruise agent before you book.
Cruise Disclosure
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
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