Cruises in Switzerland: Luxury Despite reserved - what is behind it?

Cruises in Switzerland: Luxury Despite reserved - what is behind it?

Swiss demand for cruises is still expandable compared to Germany and Austria. According to Travelews , reservations of the population are an important reason for the reluctance. Many Swiss find the ships too large and the high number of fellow travelers are unattractive. In addition, the daily routine on board is often perceived as not very flexible. Sustainability concerns and the geographical location as an inland that makes it difficult to travel to the ports in neighboring countries also play a role.

Marcel Meek from E-Hoi criticizes that the shipping companies are insufficiently advertising to promote the cruise market in Switzerland. The general euphoria for this type of travel is less pronounced in this country than in other European countries. This is also emphasized by Hotelplan spokeswoman Sara Vidal: she emphasizes the need for training courses and information offers for travel consultants. Cornelia Gemperle from Kuoni Cruises calls for better communication of the diverse offers and comfort that cruises can offer.

market development and forecasts

The cruise market in Switzerland, however, shows growth potential. For 2025, sales of around 211.762 million euros will be forecast, with an annual growth rate of 3.72 % by 2029, as Statista . By 2029, the market volume could increase to 244.925 million euros. In addition, the number of users is expected to achieve 139.121 thousand, which corresponds to a penetration rate of 1.37 %.

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

trends and challenges

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

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