Frequently Asked Questions

Timetable

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" and the "Savoie, sail from mid-April to mid-October. As for the "Simplon" and the "Montreux", they sail from mid-June to early September. However, the Belle Epoque diesel boat "Vevey" sails 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.

Catering

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.

Fares

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 and "Fondue Festival" cruises).


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 and "Fondue Festival" cruises).


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 and "Fondue Festival" cruises). 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 and "Fondue Festival" cruises). 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.

Ticketing

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.

Logistic

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 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" and the "Général-Guisan". 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.

Weather

Do you navigate in poor weather conditions?

Strong winds can cause delays or disruptions but, if you are registered with our info system, you will be immediately informed by SMS (for lines N1, N2 and N3 only). Moreover, all information concerning possible cancellations is directly posted online on our Website.

Horizoncard

I have an SBB half-fare travel card, am I entitled to a discount on the HORIZON Card ?

No, the price of the HORIZON Card was established by taking into account all situations in order to be simple and attractive to everyone


Is there a discount for students or seniors?

No, the price of the HORIZON Card was established by taking into account all situations in order to be simple and attractive to everyone.


I have a CGN shareholder card; am I entitled to a discount?

No, the price of the HORIZON Card was established by taking into account all situations in order to be simple and attractive to everyone.


The HORIZON Card gives access to 1st class, which is something I don't need – is there a cheaper, 2nd class option?

No, the price of the HORIZON card has been defined taking into account 2nd class fares.


Can I temporarily suspend the HORIZON Card or cancel it early and receive a pro rata refund?

No, the price of the HORIZON Card was established by taking all situations into account in order to be simple and attractive to everyone.


I travel by bike; is there a solution for this?

Yes, there is a CGN day ticket for bikes at a price of 8.00 CHF.


Is there a discount for families?

As a HORIZON cardholder, you may purchase one or more 1st class day passes for children for CHF 10 per pass (max. 8 per day). These are only valid with the HORIZON cardholder and can be purchased at the ticket offices and on board the ships upon presentation of the HORIZON card. It is also possible to buy a HORIZON card for children at the standard price.


Can I travel with my dog?

Yes, we accept dogs on our boats. They pay a half-fare 2nd class ticket and can be carried in 1st class as well. However small dogs (up to 30 cm at the withers) and carried in a basket or other suitable container can travel with you free of charge. It is also possible to buy a HORIZON card for dogs at the standard price, valid only with the HORIZON card holder.


The winter offer isn't the same as the summer offer in terms of lines and schedules – is it possible to have a seasonal HORIZON Card that's cheaper?

No, the price of the HORIZON Card was established by taking seasonality into account in order to be simple and attractive to everyone.


Is the HORIZON card valid for special events?

No, the HORIZON card is valid on all scheduled cruises regardless of the on-board entertainment except on the CGN-Mobility lines N1 (Lausanne-Evian), N2 (Lausanne-Thonon/Morges-Thonon) on weekdays and N3 (Nyon-Yvoire/Nyon-Nernier-Yvoire) on weekdays at peak times (before 9.30 a.m. and after 4.00 p.m.) Note that on-board catering must be paid for separately, however you will need to pay the same additional charge as passengers who hold a CFF GA annual travelcard. That said, crossings affected by special events are excluded from the offer (Naval Parade, Fondue Festival cruises, etc.). On our website, there is an indication next to each specific product telling you whether or not the HORIZON card is applicable.


Why is the HORIZON card not valid on the CGN-Mobility lines N1 (Lausanne-Evian), N2 (Lausanne-Thonon/Morges-Thonon) on weekdays and N3 (Nyon-Yvoire/Nyon-Nernier-Yvoire) on weekdays at peak times (before 9.30 a.m. and after 4 p.m.)?

The HORIZON card is intended to promote tourism for people living in the region, with which you can take advantage of all scheduled tourist cruises as well as the cross border shuttles on weekends. During the week, the CGN-Mobility lines N1 (Lausanne-Evian), N2 (Lausanne-Thonon/Morges-Thonon) are considered as pure transport lines, subsidised by both countries. During weekday peak hours (before 9.30 a.m. and after 4 p.m.), the N3 (Nyon-Yvoire/Nyon-Nernier-Yvoire) is also considered as a pure transport line, subsidised by both countries.


As a HORIZON cardholder, am I guaranteed a seat on board, particularly on beautiful summer days when this offer could lead to overcrowded boats?

Our experience leads us to believe that this situation is very unlikely. However, we cannot guarantee a seat on board if this does occur, according to our General Terms and Conditions of Sale.


If there are no places left on the boat, can I request a refund / reimbursement?

No, the HORIZON card does not guarantee you a place on board, either in 1st class or in 2nd class. No refunds or reimbursements whatsoever may be requested.


What should I do in the event of accident/injury?

Passengers may request a pro rata refund if illness/accident prevented them from using their travelcard for at least 30 consecutive days in an individual case, all within its period of validity. This refund may be requested no more than 30 days after the travelcard has expired unless the passenger's inability to travel is certified beyond the end of the validity period. In all cases, they are required to provide a medical certificate stating their "inability to travel" in order to claim a refund. To this end, the medical certificate, travelcard and bank details should be sent to CGN SA Customer Service, Rhodanie 17, P.O. Box 390, 1000 Lausanne 1. Formula for calculating refunds: (Price paid x number of days not used) / 365.


What happens if the person holding the subscription passes away?

Please send us the death certificate, the subscription and your banking details to: Service clientèle CGN SA, Rhodanie 17, case postale 390, 1000 Lausanne 1. How the reimbursement is calculated: (Price paid x number of days not used) / 365. For the family deal, the subscription remains valid for the other holders and no reimbursement is made.


I can no longer use my travelcard (living abroad or another reason). Can I receive a refund for it?

No, the HORIZON Card constitutes a unique initial offer, at a simple and attractive rate, which cannot be subdivided during the calendar year in which it is valid.


The HORIZON card is valid on the N1/N2/N3 lines on weekends and on public holidays. It is also valid on weekdays on the N3 between 9.30am and 4pm. What are the public holidays?

The public holidays are: 01-02.01.22, 15.04.22, 18.04.22, 26.05.22, 06.06.22, 01.08.22, 19.09.22, 25.12.22.


Does my excursion have to include a boat journey in order to enjoy discounts with your partners?

No, you simply have to present your HORIZON Card at the ticket windows of our partners.


Can I order tickets online from your partners using the HORIZON Card discount?

No, not with this initial offer; you must present your HORIZON Card at the ticket windows of our partners.


Are the discounts shown for your partners guaranteed?

For the 2022 calendar year, yes, subject to other conditions specific to our partners.


What is the process to get a 10% discount on a boat rental?

A 10% discount will be granted for any private charter in 2022 and upon presentation of your HORIZON card. To request an offer, please contact the CGN Private Cruise Department by telephone at 021 614 62 18 or by e-mail at exclusive@cgn.ch.


What is the process to get a 10% discount at the CGN La Boutique store?

A 10% discount will be granted for all purchases at the CGN Online store at the ticket offices and on board the boats in 2022 upon presentation of your HORIZON card.


Do I get a free coffee as soon as I come on board?

No, coffee or a hot drink will only be offered to you after you have ordered a dish of the day or a menu from Café Léman, valid in 2022. To do this, you must present your HORIZON card to the waiter.


If I do not take up on this offer between 1 November 2021 and 31 January 2022, can I still buy a card during 2022?

No, it won’t be possible to buy the HORIZON card during the year.


What 1st class advantages does it offer me?

Depending on the boats, access to the upper deck as well as more space on the outdoor decks.


My HORIZON Card was lost/stolen; what should I do?

Please inform CGN by phone or email to obtain a replacement copy at a cost of 30.00 CHF. Should the original travelcard be found, it must be returned to CGN.


I forgot my card; what happens now?

You will have to purchase a ticket at the current rate for the journey made. No refunds may be requested.


When ticket inspectors ask to see my HORIZON card, can I just show them a photocopy or photo of it?

No, only the physical card (Horizon card or Swisspass) itself will be valid.


My card is damaged; can you replace it for me?

Yes, please contact CGN by phone or email to obtain a replacement copy for a fee.