1.      Scope

These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) govern all contracts between Basler Personenschifffahrt AG (BPG) and its guests.

They apply to cruises (city and port cruise, evening cruise and lock cruise) and event cruises (experience, culinary, and themed cruises and events). Deviating conditions apply only if they have been confirmed in writing by BPG.

Extra trips are regulated separately. A booking is considered a group booking from 21 persons.

2.      Conclusion of Contract & Booking

The contract is concluded with the electronic, telephone, or written confirmation of the booking by BPG. Bookings can be made online, by phone, or in writing.

Groups: For group bookings, the confirmation applies with the indication of the agreed services and prices. The booking person is liable for the fulfillment of the obligations of all persons registered by him/her.

3.      Ticket Sales

Tickets for cruises and event cruises can be purchased online at www.bpg.ch and at various sales outlets. The availability of individual offers may vary depending on occupancy and season.

Groups: For group bookings, the payment and booking conditions listed in the respective offer or confirmation apply.

4.      Prices, Payment Conditions & Discounts

Prices: All prices are in CHF including VAT. Price changes are reserved but only affect future bookings.

Payment Conditions: Accepted payment methods are listed on the website, on board our ships, at our sales points, and in the booking system (including credit card, PostFinance, invoice for groups). The total amount is due at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed.

Discounts:

• The BPG annual pass entitles holders to free travel on all scheduled round trips and discounts on selected event cruises with the corresponding note.
• Subscriptions and discounts of public transport (GA, half-fare, SBB day passes, U-subscription, etc.) are not valid.
• Further discounts such as SBB discount promotions, promo codes, etc. apply according to the specified conditions.

5.      Service Description

The services provided by BPG can be found in the official publications (online & print). Special requests are only part of the contract if they have been confirmed in writing. Changes to services are reserved as long as they are equivalent.

6.     Validity period of tickets and vouchers

Tickets are valid for the printed trip, the printed date, the printed route, or the printed event:

• city and port cruise: Ticket valid for a 75-minute cruise.
• Evening cruise: Ticket valid for the entire evening.
• lock cruise: Ticket valid for the booked route between the chosen stops.
• Event cruise: Ticket valid for the service specified on the ticket, including table reservation.

Unused or only partially used tickets lose their validity and do not entitle to a refund or replacement, unless BPG has canceled the cruise (see §12).

Value vouchers and also vouchers with a specified service retain their validity until the printed expiration date or the value of the voucher for five years from the date of issue. After the 5 years, the value also expires. Cash payment is excluded.

At the time of payment, the voucher must be present and cannot be redeemed afterwards.

 7.      Ticket control

Passengers are required to present a valid ticket during the ticket control.

 8.      Ship deployment

There is no entitlement to the operation with a specific ship. BPG reserves the right to use another ship depending on deployment planning or operational reasons.

 9.      Table reservation

For regular round trips (excluding city and port cruise) with catering service, a table reservation for up to 20 people in the restaurant area is possible online in advance.

Tables are allocated based on availability. There is no entitlement to specific seats such as window seats or similar.

Reserved tables remain reserved until 15 minutes after departure. After that, BPG can dispose of the tables without any entitlement to a refund or compensation.

No-show tables or no-show persons will be fully charged. A refund of the ticket price or catering services is excluded in this case.

Experience, culinary, and themed cruises automatically include a table reservation.

Groups: For groups of 21 or more, table reservations are only possible by phone or via email. For groups that do not take advantage of catering services, e.g., school classes, a fixed table reservation in the restaurant area is not possible.

 10.      Cancellation, rebooking, and change of the number of persons

Regular round trips and event trips: Tickets are non-cancellable.

Catering service: from 21 persons, catering services are only available by prior arrangement (à la carte is not possible).

11.      Minimum number of participants

For certain event cruises, a minimum number of participants applies. If this is not reached, the cruise can be canceled without replacement up to 3 days before departure. Guests are entitled to a refund or rebooking.

12.      Cancellations and short-term schedule changes

Operational interruption due to uncontrollable reasons:

BPG reserves the right to cancel trips due to uncontrollable reasons such as unfavorable weather conditions (e.g. storm), water levels (e.g. high or low water or strong fluctuations in levels), official orders (e.g. lock closures or events on the Rhine) as well as force majeure (e.g. failure of a lock) or to adjust the program or schedule. Guests will be informed about such interruptions as far as possible via the website as well as by email or phone.

It is the responsibility of the guests to inform themselves before the trip on www.bpg.ch about any short-term schedule changes or cancellations. All published schedules explicitly state that cancellations and short-term changes are reserved.

BPG assumes no liability in cases of such operational interruptions and is released from any obligation to provide compensation by guests.

BPG can offer a replacement trip, which eliminates the right to a refund.

Operational interruption by BPG:

If trips have to be canceled due to technical problems with the BPG or ship failure, already paid tickets can be refunded or rebooked upon request. There is no claim for further compensation, e.g., for services from third parties, or damages. Guests will be informed about the cancellation via the website and, if possible, via email or phone.

The BPG can offer a replacement trip, which eliminates the right to a refund.

13.      Behavior on board

The instructions of the crew are binding. Passengers must comply with safety regulations. Animals, bicycles, and bulky items may only be transported with the consent of the BPG. Bicycles, scooters, etc. with batteries must be transported outside on deck. Damages caused by guests will be charged to the perpetrator. Parents are responsible for their children, and they must always be kept under supervision.

14.      Travelers with disabilities / companions

The BPG strives to enable people with limited mobility to participate in trips as much as possible. To ensure smooth transportation, we recommend that guests with disabilities inform the BPG about any special needs or necessary assistance when booking or at least 48 hours before the trip.

Persons with a valid identification for travelers with a disability (e.g., 'companion card' or equivalent identification) can bring a companion free of charge, provided this is stipulated by legal regulations. The companion must travel together with the eligible person for the entire trip. A right to transportation exists only if the structural conditions and safety requirements of the respective ship allow it.

15.      Transport of animals, bicycles, and e-scooters

The transport of animals, bicycles, e-scooters, and similar items is generally possible, but is subject to capacity limitations and cannot be guaranteed.

• Animals: Dogs are allowed to travel free of charge and without a transport container, provided they do not endanger or disturb other passengers. They must be kept on a leash.
• Bicycles / E-Bikes: The transport of bicycles and E-Bikes is only possible if there is available capacity. There is no entitlement to transport. Devices with batteries may only be taken in the outdoor area (foredeck).
• E-Scooters / Kick Scooters: These must be transported folded and secured. Devices with batteries may only be taken in the outdoor area (deck).
• Liability: BPG assumes no liability for damages or loss of items brought along.

The crew is entitled to refuse the transport of items for reasons of space or safety.

16.      Liability

The liability of BPG is governed by statutory provisions. For property and financial damages, BPG is only liable in cases of intent or gross negligence. Liability for property and financial damages caused by slight negligence is excluded. Liability for items and luggage brought along is excluded to the extent permitted by law.

17.      Complaints

Complaints must be submitted in writing to BPG within 14 days after the trip. If a defect is acknowledged, compensation will be provided at BPG's discretion.

18.      Image and video recordings

As part of regular tours, event trips, and Charter on board, images and video recordings may be made by the BPG or persons commissioned by them. These may be used for documentation, communication, advertising, or marketing purposes in print and online media (e.g. website, social media, newsletter) of the BPG.

By entering the ship, guests agree that recordings on which they may be recognizable may be used and published free of charge. The BPG ensures a respectful and appropriate handling of image material.

Guests who do not wish to appear in such recordings are requested to inform the onboard staff before the trip or at the latest during boarding.

19.      Data Protection

The BPG processes personal data in accordance with the Swiss Data Protection Act (revDSG). Details are regulated in the privacy policy (www.bpg.ch/datenschutz). Advertising occurs only with explicit consent (Opt-in). A revocation is possible at any time.

20.      Changes to the Terms and Conditions

The BPG can change these Terms and Conditions at any time. The version valid at the time of booking is decisive. Changes will be published on the website.

21.      Applicable Law & Jurisdiction

Swiss law exclusively applies. The place of jurisdiction is Basel, mandatory statutory places of jurisdiction remain reserved.

Status: April 7, 2026