What basler personenschifffahrt does

Basler Personenschifffahrt AG operates scheduled passenger cruises, corporate and private event charters, and themed culinary trips on the Rhine in Basel, Switzerland, serving individual tourists, corporate clients, and local associations and school groups during a May-to-October operating season. The service is delivered through a three-vessel fleet — MS Rhystärn, MS Christoph Merian, and MS Baslerdybli — with capacity scaling up to roughly 200 passengers per vessel, and distributed via three physical ticket outlets in Basel and an online shop, supplemented by partnerships with Basel Tourismus and Tourismus Rheinfelden.

The business model is a hybrid of B2C scheduled ticketing (regular cruises priced at CHF 20), premium B2C themed cruises (CHF 60–165, co-branded with regional suppliers such as Ueli Bier, Jenzer Fleisch, Siebe Dupf Kellerei, Finca Binigrau, and Schweizer Salinen), and B2B/group charter bookings. The operator carries a heritage brand traceable to 1832 and was re-established as an AG in 1968; in 2025 it marked its 100-year anniversary, and effective January 1, 2026 it became a subsidiary of UNITED WATERWAYS. Forward product investment is centered on a 2026 MS Baslerdybli renovation, a new Mother's Day cruise product, a new boarding ticket-validation system, and route adjustments including a new Muttenz Waldhaus station replacing the discontinued Birsfelden stop.

The underlying technology stack is conventional: a standard e-commerce ticketing platform, an online shop, an onboard audioguide service, and a new at-boarding ticket control system. No proprietary AI, ML, or advanced analytics capabilities are evidenced in the source material; the operating model is constrained by a regulated concession framework and a 6-month seasonal window, which together shape both the upside ceiling and the structural risk profile.

Name

basler personenschifffahrt

Legal name

Basler Personenschifffahrt AG

Website

https://bpg.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Basler Personenschifffahrt AG operates scheduled passenger cruises, event charters, and themed culinary trips on the Rhine in Basel, Switzerland, serving tourists, corporate clients, and local groups from May to October via a three-vessel fleet.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Passenger River Cruise Services

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (48721)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Tourist & Sightseeing Cruise Operators (Day Cruises) (TLAFALAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Theme & Specialty River Cruises (Culinary/Wellness/Music/etc.) (THAEACAL), River Cruise Charters (Private/Group) (THAEACAE)

Keywords

• Passenger shipping services
• River cruise experiences
• Event charter services
• Culinary cruise tours
• Group boat excursions

Headquarters

HQ city

Basel

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales - Regular Cruises: Revenue from scheduled round trips including Stadt- & Hafenfahrt (75-minute city and harbor tour), Abendfahrt (evening cruise), and Schleusenfahrt (lock cruise to Rheinfelden). Tickets sold online and at physical outlets.
2. Culinary and Event Cruises: Premium kulinarikfahrten including BBQ-Special, Wine & Dine, Beef & Beer, and themed seasonal events with bundled dining experiences at additional cost.
3. Ship Charter (Schiffsmiete): Private vessel rental for corporate events, celebrations, weddings, and group outings. Full charter of MS Rhystärn, MS Christoph Merian, or MS Baslerdybli for exclusive use.
4. Gastronomy Onboard: Food and beverage service during cruises including à la carte dining, buffet options, and specialty menus for events. Bordkiosk with snacks and drinks on regular tours.
5. Annual Pass (Jahresabo): Annual subscription for unlimited rides on regular scheduled cruises. Personal annual pass at CHF 150 and transferable corporate pass at CHF 1,000 for 12 months validity.
6. Gift Vouchers (Gutscheine): Sale of gift vouchers redeemable for cruises, dining, and other services. Sold via online shop and physical outlets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Basler Personenschifffahrt AG (BPG) operates scheduled passenger cruises and private ship charters on the Rhine in Basel, Switzerland, using three vessels (MS Rhystärn, MS Christoph Merian, MS Baslerdybli). Core offerings include city and harbor tours, evening cruises, full-day lock cruises to Rheinfelden, themed culinary and party cruises, and full-vessel charter for corporate events and private celebrations, complemented by onboard gastronomy and an annual pass subscription.

Product overview

Basler Personenschifffahrt AG (BPG) operates a fleet of three passenger vessels (MS Rhystärn, MS Christoph Merian, and MS Baslerdybli) offering scheduled cruises and charter services on the Rhine in Basel, Switzerland. The core product portfolio centers on scheduled round-trip cruises comprising Stadt- und Hafenfahrt (city and harbor tours at 75 minutes), Abendfahrten (evening cruises), and Schleusenfahrten (full-day lock cruises to Rheinfelden). Add-on experience modules include Kulinarikfahrten (themed culinary cruises with specialty menus like BBQ, burger, wine-pairing, and seasonal specialties), Partyfahrten (themed party cruises featuring music genres), and Gruppenerlebnisse (customized group packages with dining and land activities). Supplementary offerings include annual passes (Jahresabo), gift vouchers, and Schiffsmiete (private ship charter for events). The company also provides an Audioguide service for self-guided city tours during cruises. Since January 2026, BPG has been owned by UNITED WATERWAYS.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MS Rhystärn Primary cruise vessel featuring a 360-degree panoramic sundeck, restaurant on the main deck, and barrier-free accessibility. Used for regular city tours, harbor tours, evening cruises, and lock cruises between Basel and Rheinfelden.
• MS Christoph Merian Multi-purpose cruise vessel primarily used for party cruises and themed events including ABBA Boat, Sunset Cruise, Golden Wave Cruise, and Mother's Day cruise. Features summer deck and partial barrier-free access.
• MS Baslerdybli Historic cruise vessel built in 1980 serving as a cultural ship for nostalgic cruises. Used for special occasions and the '100 Joor uff em Rhy' centenary celebrations. Not barrier-free.
• Stadt- und Hafenfahrt (City & Harbor Tour) 75-minute scheduled cruise from Basel Schifflände passing Dreiländereck, harbor area, Mittlere Brücke, Roche towers, Basler Münster, and Kraftwerk Birsfelden. Includes audioguide. Targeted at tourists and families.
• Schleusenfahrt (Lock Cruise) Full-day cruise from Basel to Rheinfelden and back through Birsfelden and Augst locks. Highlights include Augusta Raurica, Salina Helvetica, and Rheinfelden old town. Includes 2-course lunch menu.
• Abendfahrt (Evening Cruise) Regular evening cruise with dinner service on scheduled routes with hourly stops at Schifflände. Basis for many themed culinary specials.
• Kulinarikfahrten (Culinary Cruises) Themed evening cruises featuring specialty menus including BBQ-Special, Burger-Special, Spargel-Special, Mezze/Apéro-Special, Knusperli-Special, Wine & Dine, and Beef & Beer with multi-course menus paired with beverages.
• Partyfahrten (Party Cruises) Themed party cruises on MS Christoph Merian including ABBA Boat, Sunset Cruise, Funky Firework Cruise, Schlager Schiff, and Golden Wave Cruise for guests 60+. Music, dancing, and drinks included.
• Schiffsmiete (Ship Charter) Private full-vessel rental for corporate events, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and team outings. Offers apéros, lunches, dinners, summer parties, and exclusive charter cruises on the Rhine in Basel.
• Gruppenerlebnisse (Group Experiences) Customized group cruise packages for groups of 20+ persons including city tours, lock cruises, land activities (Saline Schweizerhalle, Brauerei Feldschlösschen, Basel city tours), and group dining menus.
• Jahresabo (Annual Pass) 12-month subscription offering unlimited rides on regular scheduled cruises. Personal annual pass at CHF 150 and transferable corporate pass at CHF 1,000, valid for 12 months on Stadt-, Hafen-, Abend- and Schleusenfahrten.
• Gutscheine (Gift Vouchers) Gift vouchers redeemable for cruises, onboard dining, and other services. Sold online via e-guma.ch platform and at physical ticket outlets.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Basel TourismuscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial tourism partnership for cross-promotion. Basel Tourismus is the primary tourism organization for Basel, promoting the city and its attractions including BPG cruises to visitors. BPG appears in Basel Tourismus listings and promotional materials.
• Tourismus RheinfeldenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for ticket sales and tourism promotion in Rheinfelden. BPG cruises terminate in Rheinfelden, creating natural synergy with local tourism efforts.
• Schweizer SalinenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSalt mining company in Pratteln/Rheinfelden area. Partnership enables combined 'Salz & Rhein' (Salt & Rhine) group excursion packages combining salt mine visits with boat cruises.
• Gemeinde MuttenzminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipality partnership enabling new Muttenz Waldhaus station stop starting 2025, expanding service coverage in the Muttenz area.
• Pro Senectute beider BaselminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation for 'Golden Wave Cruise' - a dance party event for guests 60+ featuring 80s/90s music. Pro Senectute provides event partnership and participant outreach.
• StadtKonzeptBaselminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for LoveYourCity Jooresabo-Special '100 Joor, 100 Stutz' - joint promotional offer for the 100-year anniversary celebration.
• Ueli BierminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Basel craft brewery supplying beer for 'Beef & Beer' cruise events. Beer tap ceremony featured as part of the event experience. Exclusive partnership for specialty beer cruises.
• Jenzer FleischminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Basel butcher supplying meat for 'Beef & Beer' cruise BBQ events. Partnership features live commentary from the butcher about cuts and preparation.
• Siebe Dupf KellereiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWine cellar from Liestal partnering for Wine & Dine cruise events. Provides wine pairing and sommelier presence for themed culinary cruises.
• Finca Binigrau (Bodega Binigrau)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMallorca winery featured in Wine & Dine Mallorca event. Winery owners present personally to showcase wines paired with Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Schweizerische Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Untersee-Rhein: Operates passenger ferry and scheduled cruise services on the Untersee and High Rhine between Schaffhausen and Kreuzlingen/Konstanz. Most directly comparable Swiss inland passenger shipping peer with similar scheduled tours, gastronomy offerings, and short-horizon day cruises.
• BLS Schifffahrt: Operates passenger shipping on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with scheduled cruises, themed culinary events, and ship charter. Comparable Swiss lake/river operator offering scheduled cruises, premium dining experiences, and event charters for individuals and corporate clients.
• Schifffahrtsgesellschaft des Vierwaldstättersees (SGV): Operates scheduled passenger cruises, gastronomy, and events on Lake Lucerne with a fleet of multiple vessels. Closest analogue in business model — combined sightseeing, culinary cruises, and charter business on a Swiss inland waterway.
• Primus-Linie: Operates Rhine cruise events in Cologne including party, music, and culinary themed cruises. Comparable in product mix (partyfahrten, themed dining events, charter) but on a different Rhine segment.

Regional players

• Compagnie des Bateaux du Rhin ( Strasbourg ): Operates passenger sightseeing and dining cruises on the Rhine in Strasbourg/Alsace. Closest cross-border peer serving the same Dreiländereck tourism corridor from the French side, though with a different geographic base.

Broad incumbents

• Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) Rheinschifffahrt: Germany's largest Rhine passenger shipping operator with scheduled day cruises, themed events, and charter services across the Middle and Lower Rhine. Broad incumbent in the same product category at much larger scale.
• Viking River Cruises: Largest river cruise operator in Europe with multi-day Rhine itineraries. Indirect competitor for tourist wallet share on the Rhine, but at very different price point and trip duration.
• A-Rosa Schifffahrt: German river cruise line operating multi-day cruises on the Rhine among other European rivers. Thematic competitor for tourism spending rather than direct service overlap, given multi-day vs day-cruise difference.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@baslerpersonenschifffahrt
• Facebookfacebook.com/BaslerPersonenschifffahrt
• Instagraminstagram.com/basler_personenschifffahrt
• TikToktiktok.com/@uff.em.rhy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/basler-personenschifffahrt

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about basler personenschifffahrt