Excellence Cruises

Exploring Europe's treasures on Excellence's sailing grand hotels

Discovering new things and leaving everyday life behind. With Excellence, travel means wandering off the beaten track. From the Baltic to the Rhine and Danube to the most beautiful destinations on the Rhône, Saône and Seine: On the luxurious Swiss river ships, cruise guests travel to the most attractive destinations in Europe. They visit both the absolute highlights of a region as well as hidden gems that are well worth exploring.

Cruise specials offer an individual holiday experience

Lovingly arranged theme cruises turn a journey with Excellence into a truly unique experience. Gourmet cuisine, sports or culture: travellers immerse themselves in their favourite theme during their holidays and are guided by knowledgeable experts.

River cruises at their best, made in Switzerland

The Swiss Excellence River Cruise shipping company is part of the Twerenbold Reisen Group, which operates the Mittelthurgau travel agency. This makes the private shipping company part of one of the oldest travel companies in Switzerland. The long-established family business  is known to be a benchmark for high-quality cruises, for which it was awarded the title of River Tour Operator of the Year in 2019.

What makes the Excellence river ships so unique?

Travelling from place to place while enjoying the comforts of a first-class hotel? At Excellence, the guest and his or her needs take centre stage. It is no coincidence that the shipping company's river cruise ships are regarded as sailing grand hotels. The river ships for the discerning guest score with luxurious design by Nazly Twerenbold. High-quality fabrics, selected woods and unusual colour combinations create a noble ambience. Lots of light, attention to detail and an excellently trained crew ensure both outstanding service and cosy warmth. A hospitality that makes the Excellence river ships a home among friends.

Generous design and exceptional itineraries for Excellence passengers

The shipping company's large luxury liners rely on an innovative room concept. Spacious cabins on the Excellence Princess, Excellence Countess, Excellence Queen and Excellence Baroness offer travellers space to relax. Thanks to French balconies, many of the rooms also allow a comfortable view of the passing river landscape. Narrow river courses and coastal areas are usually not served by larger cruise ships. Small ships like the Excellence Coral and the Excellence Pearl therefore score points with routes via less frequented waterways.

Culinary delights on Excellence river cruises

The cuisine of the Excellence ships also banks on the highest quality, great variety and exquisite ingredients. This means that both lovers of classic dishes and those who enjoy experimenting with flavours will get their money's worth. The chefs on board the ships are happy to take diets and intolerances into consideration. Vegan, vegetarian or particularly light lunch options are available on request.

Technological innovations help to make cruises more environmentally friendly

Another distinctive feature of Excellence is its focus on sustainability. In 2020, Mittelthurgau was rewarded with the MyClimate Award for its efforts in environmental protection. For example, 100% of CO₂ emissions will be compensated for on Excellence river cruise arrangements from 2023 onwards. As the world's first passenger river cruise ship, the Excellence Empress received the Green Award for its low-emission design. Further Excellence ships will gradually be upgraded to the innovative Clean Air Technology.

Come aboard the Excellence fleet and enjoy a first-class holiday experience thanks to the expertise of THE Swiss ship tour operators!