Where can I find suggestions for cruises leaving from each town?
We offer several suggestions under "Cruises & Experiences". From this page, you can select a departure town and the season.
Do the Belle Epoque boats sail all year round?
The Belle Epoque steam boats, the "La Suisse", the "Savoie" and the "Montreux", sail usually from mid-April to mid-October. However, the Belle Epoque steam boat "Rhône" and the Belle Epoque diesel boats "Vevey" and "Italie" sail all year. Check out on which routes they are running under the "Belle Epoque Fleet" tab.
How long before the boat's departure (tourist lines) should we be at the jetty?
We advise you to arrive at least 10 minutes before the boat’s departure.
Is it necessary to have a 1st class transport ticket to eat on board the boats?
Our dining areas are accessible with a 2nd class ticket during meal hours only. Outside meal hours, the main deck dining room as well as the upper deck are reserved for 1st class ticket holders only. Upgrades can be purchased on board all our boats.
Is it compulsory to book a table?
For our gourmet cruises, it is not necessary to book a table in advance, but in order to guarantee a table, we strongly recommend that you contact us by email at info@cgn.ch or by phone on +41 (0) 848 811 848 or indicate when you buy your online ticket that you wish to eat. However, it is compulsory to book a table on our Friday evening "Fondue Festival".
Is it possible to know the dining options in advance?
Yes, the dining options are posted online on each gourmet cruise page. If you wish to receive these, please contact us by email at info@cgn.ch or by phone on +41 (0) 848 811 848
Is it possible to pay with an AMEX card to the caterer on board ?
No, the AMEX cards are not accepted by our caterer.
What differences are there between the 1st and 2nd class?
The first class is more comfortable and roomy. It also allows access to all parts of the boat such as the upper decks.
From what age must children pay?
Tickets for children from the age of 6 are half price. Children under the age of 6 travel free of charge.
Are the SBB Junior Card and SBB Grandchild Card valid?
Yes, these cards for children from 6 to 16 years of age are valid on all our cruises (except for events).
Is the SBB legitimation card for disabled travellers (companion card) valid?
Yes, the legitimation card for disabled travellers issued by SBB is valid on all our cruises. Transport is therefore free for the accompanying person on presentation of the card (person and/or assistance dog).
Do you offer reduced fares for pensioners or students?
No, we do not offer reduced fares for pensioners or students.
Are public transport travel passes (e.g. Mobilis, unireso) valid?
No, public transport travel passes (e.g. Mobilis, unireso) are not valid on our boats.
Are half-fare and general travel (AG) passes valid?
Yes, half-fare and general travel (AG) passes are valid on all our cruises (except for events).
Are CFF Swiss rail 1-day travel passes and municipal 1-day travel passes valid?
Yes, 1-day travel passes cards issued by municipalities are valid on all our cruises (except for events). They can be obtained from the municipality where you live.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid?
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass is valid on all our cruises (except for events). It is designed for foreign visitors to Switzerland.
What is the CFF Half-Fare Card?
This card allows the holder to travel at half price with many transport companies in Switzerland. You can purchase this half-fare travel card at our Lausanne and Geneva Mont-Blanc ticket offices and online on cff.ch.
Can I buy my ticket at the ticket offices or on board a boat?
Yes, you can buy your tickets at the ticket offices or on board the boats at no additional cost. It should be noted that sometimes exclusive promotional offers on our Website are not available at ticket offices or on board.
Does the online purchase of a ticket guarantee a seat on board?
No, buying your ticket online in advance does not guarantee a seat on board as our seats are not numbered.
Is it possible to purchase a ticket that includes the train and the boat?
Yes, it is possible to buy such transport tickets from our sales outlets. These tickets are also sold at all CFF railway stations in Switzerland.
Are there any extra charges when buying the ticket directly on the boat?
No, there is no extra charge if the ticket is purchased directly on the boat.
What is the procedure for purchasing tickets online?
You can buy your ticket via the "Cruises & Experiences" and "Timetable & tickets" sections. You can also specify if you want to eat on board. You must then fill in your personal details, the names on the tickets and payment details.
What payment methods do you accept?
When purchasing your ticket online, you can pay by Postcard, Mastercard, Visa, Twint or Giftcard CGN. At our ticket offices and on board the boat, we accept other means of payment: cash, Reka Card, credit card (Amex, Diners Club, Visa, Eurocard/Mastercard or JCB) or debit card (Maestro, V Pay or Postcard).
Is payment using a credit card secure?
Online payment is totally secure thanks to our partner Saferpay and our European security standards.
What is the time limit for cancellation when tickets are bought online?
According to our terms and conditions for online purchases of tickets, it is not possible to cancel, unless you present a medical certificate as justification.
How long does it take for a gift card to be issued?
We send gift cards by mail within 2 to 3 working days of the order.
Are dogs allowed on board?
Yes, we do accept dogs on our boats. Dogs generally need a second-class half-fare ticket. They may also travel first class. However, small dogs (no more than 30 cm shoulder height), transported in a basket or similar transport bag, travel free of charge.
Is it necessary to have a passport to travel to France?
To enter French territory, Swiss and European citizens must have a valid identity document (ID card or passport). All others will need an ID card or passport with a valid visa, if required.
Is it possible to board with a scooter?
Scooters, whether electric or not, can travel with you on the boat. If your scooter can be folded and stored like a hand luggage, you do not need a separate ticket. If your scooter does not fold, you must buy a ticket as for an ordinary bicycle. The daily fare is CHF 15.-.
Is it possible to board with a bicycle?
Bicycles are not allowed on our cruises bearing the symbol and, since we generally accept no more than 10 bicycles per boat, you should contact us by email at info@cgn.ch or by phone on +41 (0) 848 811 848 to notify our crew. The charge for transporting a bicycle is CHF 15.00 (valid for the full day).
Are the boats accessible for wheel chairs users?
Wheelchair access is usually possible but it depends on how busy the boat is and its size. Toilets for disabled people are available on all our boats except the "Col-Vert". We therefore recommend that you contact us by email at pmr@cgn.ch.
Where are the ticket offices located?
All the addresses of our ticket offices are indicated on our Website under the "Contact & Access" section.
If we arrive late, is it possible to board the next boat?
Yes, your transport ticket is valid for one day (until 5:00 AM the next day) according to the various timetables except for Supersaver tickets.
Do you navigate in poor weather conditions?
Strong winds can cause delays or disruptions but, if you have subscribed to the Whatsapp channels, you will be immediately informed ( lines N1, N2 and N3). Moreover, all information concerning possible cancellations is directly posted online on our Website.