Top 8 cruises in Zurich that have you dreaming of lake days year-round
You might be surprised by how many of us locals—myself included—have taken Lake Zurich for granted.
For years, I’d stroll along its shores, running errands or meeting friends, and barely gave a thought to how different the city must look from out on the water. That changed when a friend came to visit and suggested we “play tourist” and hop on a cruise.
I’ll admit, seeing my home city from a fresh (and much breezier) perspective was a revelation.
If you’re keen to find out which companies offer the best way to experience the lake, you’re in the right place. Here are my top picks for cruises in Zurich—the finest seats on the water whenever you fancy a change of scenery.
1. ZSG-Schifffahrt
Media credit: zuerichseeschifffahrt
Website: https://www.zsg.ch/
Address: Schiffsteg, Tram Bürklipl., 8001 Zürich
Contact: +41 44 487 13 33
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
ZSG-Schifffahrt operates from Schiffsteg, Tram Bürkliplatz, right in the heart of Zurich—a prime spot to begin a lakeside adventure.
These boats have been taking people across the lake for many years, offering everything from quick one-hour rides to longer trips that visit pretty villages along the water.
If you only have a short time, you can enjoy a quick cruise. If you want to relax and see more, there are longer routes too. For example, you can take a boat all the way to Rapperswil, a lovely old town at the far end of the lake.
Some trips also stop at places like Küsnacht or Meilen along the way, giving you the chance to hop off and explore. On board, you’ll find cafés offering drinks and snacks, along with outdoor seating that’s perfect for enjoying the sunshine.
Pro Tip:
You can use your regular Zurich public transport or Swiss Travel Pass on most ZSG-Schifffahrt boat routes, so there’s no need to buy an extra ticket. This lets you hop on and off at lakeside villages and explore at your own pace.
2. Cruise Centre AG
Media credit: cruisecenter.ch
Website: https://www.cruisecenter.ch/
Address: Binzstrasse 38, 8045 Zürich
Contact Details: +41 44 350 89 89
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣₣
Cruise Centre AG is a travel agency that helps plan ocean and river cruises worldwide, rather than offering cruises on Lake Zurich itself.
They can help you sort it all out, whether you fancy drifting around the Mediterranean or heading off on an adventure cruise somewhere far away.
You can choose from packages such as Last Minute Kreuzfahrten for spontaneous travellers and Fluss-Kreuzfahrten on rivers like the Danube and Mosel.
Cruise Centre AG also partners with leading cruise lines, including MSC, Costa, AIDA, TUI, Norwegian, and others. So you’ll have access to a wide range of ships, from the MSC World Europa and Queen Mary 2 to Mein Schiff 7.
Pro Tip:
If you want to combine your cruise with land tours, transfers, or multi-country travel, let Cruise Centre AG handle all the logistics. They specialise in seamless, tailor-made itineraries that save you time and hassle.
3. My Swiss Lake Tour
Media credit: myswisslaketour
Website: http://www.myswisslaketour.ch/
Address: Bederstrasse 51, 8002 Zürich
Contact Details: +41 78 421 52 97
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Pricing: ₣
My Swiss Lake Tour offers a relaxed way to explore Zürich’s beautiful lake and rivers. Small groups ensure a friendly, personal experience.
These tours are designed to suit everyone, from families to solo travellers and couples. Kids love spotting ducks and swans gliding past, while adults can soak up the peaceful Alpine views.
As you cruise along Zürich’s lake and winding rivers, you’ll see famous sites like the Old Town, the historic Grossmünster, and the elegant Opera House in a whole new light.
The company also features unique packages, such as the Lake Brienz Boat Tour, where you’ll float through dramatic mountain scenery. There’s also the popular Sunset Cruise, perfect for catching golden hour reflections on the water.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a more personalised experience or celebrating a special occasion, let My Swiss Lake Tour know. They’re happy to help with requests like themed routes, snacks, or music.
4. Cruisetour AG
Media credit: cruisetour_schweiz
Website: https://cruisetour.ch/de/
Address: Augustinergasse 17, 8001 Zürich
Contact Details: +41 44 289 81 81
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣₣
Cruisetour AG knows a lot about cruise holidays, whether you want to travel on a river or out to sea. Their office is in Zürich’s old town, close to the main sights and not far from the train station.
It’s an easy place to stop by if you’re planning a trip. They offer ready-made cruise packages, but they can just as easily help you create a holiday that’s made for you.
You’ll find options like exclusive charter sailings, solo traveller meet-ups, and accessible cruises for seniors and guests with mobility needs.
And don’t worry about language—staff speak English, German, and French, so it’s easy to ask questions. They’ll even tell you about the best cruise options, what’s popular, and they can sort out all the booking details so you don’t have to worry about forms.
Pro Tip:
Ask the team at Cruisetour AG about their themed or special-interest cruises. They often offer unique options, such as culinary cruises, music-themed trips, or itineraries centred on cultural festivals.
5. MCCM Master Cruises
Media credit: mccm_mastercruises
Website: https://www.mccm.ch/
Address: Nüschelerstrasse 35, 8001 Zürich
Contact Details: +41 44 211 30 00
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣₣
Master Cruises does things a little differently from the big ocean liners. Instead of massive ships on distant seas, they focus on smaller, more personal journeys right in the heart of Zürich.
Once you hop on board, you’ll get fantastic views of the lively lakeside promenade and the old town’s beautiful buildings—all from a fresh angle on the water. It’s a treat to glide under Zürich’s famous bridges.
You won’t go thirsty or hungry on board, either. The cruises come with handy refreshments for sale, from fresh coffee to local treats, perfect for a little pick-me-up as you take in the views.
If you’re marking a special occasion, you can even book a private charter. Birthdays, work outings or family get-togethers—all have found a happy home on board Master Cruises.
Pro Tip:
If you’re interested in Zurich’s history or architecture, let the staff know when you book. Master Cruises can arrange for guided commentary or even a dedicated tour guide, especially on private charters.
6. Kuoni Cruises
Media credit: kuonicruises
Website: https://www.kuoni.ch/kreuzfahrten
Address: Herostrasse 12, 8048 Zürich
Contact Details: +41 44 277 52 00
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣₣
At Kuoni Cruises, you have plenty of choices. If you want to stay close to home, you can take a relaxing cruise through Zürich, enjoying the beautiful lakeshore and city views.
Or maybe you’d like to visit a lovely town like Rapperswil, or relax on a smooth ride along the Limmat and Sihl rivers. Whether you love the busy city or the calm countryside, there’s a cruise that fits just what you’re looking for.
The best part? They don’t stick to just one company or one type of trip. Instead, they work with lots of different cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, and Scenic Cruises.
Their team is well-versed in ocean cruises, river trips, exciting expeditions, and even special themed cruises. You can sail the sunny Mediterranean, see the icy beauty of Northern Europe, or explore faraway rivers around the world.
Pro Tip:
Ask about exclusive perks or upgrades. Kuoni’s strong relationships with cruise lines sometimes result in added benefits, such as onboard credits, cabin upgrades, or complimentary experiences not available elsewhere.
7. Yatour Cruises
Media credit: yatourcruises
Website: https://www.yatour.cruises/
Address: Förrlibuckstrasse 190, 8005 Zürich
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ₣
Yatour Cruises is a well-loved name for local sightseeing cruises. You won’t find huge ocean liners here—just comfy boats taking you on gentle trips along the river and lake, right in the middle of Zurich.
These cruises drift along Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, giving you a fresh look at the city’s famous sights. It’s a great choice whether you’re new to Zurich or have lived here for years and just want to see things from a new angle.
There’s something for everyone with Yatour. You can hop on and off for quick rides, join special themed cruises like jazz nights or family storytelling, or even book a private trip with friends or coworkers.
Another perk? Boats leave from handy spots right in the city centre, such as Landesmuseum and Bürkliplatz. So, it’s really easy to just show up and set off whenever you feel like it.
Pro Tip:
Sign up for Yatour’s newsletter to get the inside scoop. Subscribers are often the first to hear about special cruises or exclusive events. You’ll have a better shot at snagging tickets before they’re gone.
8. MSC Cruises
Media credit: msccruisesofficial
Website: https://www.msccruises.ch/de
Address: Stockerstrasse 23, 8002 Zürich
Contact Details: +41 61 584 99 80
Pricing: ₣₣
Forget sifting through endless online offers—the MSC Cruises office is your shortcut to a personalised, stress-free holiday at sea. The staff here are knowledgeable and speak several languages, so don’t worry if your German isn’t perfect.
You’ll find a range of flexible packages to choose from, such as a 7-night Mediterranean cruise starting at around CHF 699 per person for an inside cabin. Options for balcony cabins, family suites, and drink packages are also available for an additional fee.
If you book through the local office, you might be surprised by exclusive onboard offers, like complimentary spa treatments or special dining experiences.
And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, the staff can help arrange in-cabin surprises—like a bottle of prosecco, a cake, or a personalised note—all delivered to your stateroom.
Pro Tip:
Ask about any available Swiss-specific packages or perks. Sometimes, local offices offer special booking advantages, like Swiss franc payment options, tailored travel insurance, or exclusive customer service follow-ups