Cruises in Switzerland: Luxury despite reservations - what's behind it?

Cruises in Switzerland: Luxury despite reservations - what's behind it?

The Swiss demand for cruises can still be expanded compared to Germany and Austria. Loud Travelnews The population's reservations are a key reason for their reluctance. Many Swiss find the ships too big and the large number of passengers unattractive. In addition, the daily routine on board is often perceived as not very flexible. Sustainability concerns and the geographical location as a landlocked country, which makes travel to ports in neighboring countries difficult, also play a role.

Marcel Meek from E-Hoi criticizes that the shipping companies do not do enough advertising to promote the cruise market in Switzerland. The general euphoria for this type of travel is less pronounced here than in other European countries. This is also highlighted by Hotelplan spokeswoman Sara Vidal: She emphasizes the need for training and information offerings for travel advisors. Cornelia Gemperle from Kuoni Cruises calls for better communication of the diverse offerings and comfort that cruises can offer.

Market development and forecasts

However, the cruise market in Switzerland shows growth potential. For 2025, sales are forecast to be approximately 211.762 million euros, with an annual growth rate of 3.72% until 2029, as Statista reported. By 2029, the market volume could increase to 244.925 million euros. Additionally, the number of users is expected to reach 139,121 thousand, representing a penetration rate of 1.37%.

Swiss cruise travelers are specifically looking for exclusive and luxurious travel experiences, with the average revenue per user (ARPU) expected to be 1.73 thousand euros. By 2029, it is also forecast that around 27% of total revenue in the cruise market will be generated online.

Trends and challenges

Sustainable cruises and smaller ships that offer a more personalized experience are popular trends among Swiss travelers. Despite the challenges, the industry sees opportunities in new ships, improved sales and a targeted approach to potential cruise enthusiasts. These developments are important to increase the attractiveness of cruises in Switzerland and to attract more fans of this type of travel.

Overall, the Swiss cruise market is an exciting topic with a lot of potential that can respond to the specific needs and wishes of the local population. The combination of luxury offerings and a focus on sustainability could be the key to success in this segment.