"A star cruise has been on our minds for a long time"

From star cruises to pop ships – the Zugersee Schifffahrt is starting the new season with a breath of fresh air. Carmela Arnold, Deputy Team Leader Sales, tells us what's new this year and how the ideas come about.

What new special trips are on the programme this year? 
We are particularly looking forward to the star trip together with Astro Zug. This culinary evening trip will be accompanied by exciting stories from the world of astronomy and – hopefully – a clear view through the telescope. There will also be three folk music ships on Saturday afternoons, including various formations of young star Niklaus Hess. In collaboration with the Zeitlupe, there is a disco ship for the over-60s, a Schlager ship with Maja Brunner and a party ship. Our 80s party is also brand new. And the literature ship – in collaboration with the Zug libraries – is already entering its second round, after last year's successful premiere.

How do such special trips come about?
The ideas come from the team – the idea of the star trip had been on our minds for a long time – or from feedback from guests and successes in the last year. But then partners or musicians also approach us directly. What is important to us is whether the idea offers our guests added value and whether the partner brings their own community with them. We work with regional partners. This makes it personal and fits with our philosophy.

You and Marcha Bosshart are responsible for the fine-tuning. What does that mean exactly?
We accompany special trips and scheduled trips from the initial idea to the bookable event. We coordinate closely with the catering and technical teams, with musicians, negotiate contracts, write schedules and coordinate every detail. Then we also make sure that the trips are posted in the booking system. No two days are the same, which is what makes the job so exciting.

Which of the classic events on the ship remain popular?
Our culinary evening trips, such as Sunset à la carte and Sunset BBQ, are long-running favourites. A trip into the sunset combined with fine dining is always a hit.

Have guests' preferences changed in recent years? Are there any trends?
Yes definitely: the demand for a quiet place, preferably by the window, and good food has increased. Personal advice over the phone is still very much appreciated – not everyone wants to do everything digitally. In addition, bookings are being made at much shorter notice. Many people decide spontaneously depending on their mood or the weather – some also order ‘good weather’ from us, by the way. I wonder if they hope that we have good contacts with Saint Peter (laughs)?

Which cruises will you be taking part in yourself this season?
I'll be dancing at the 80s party and I'm looking forward to the Sunday breakfast, the literature cruise and the star cruise. But I also just like going on the Saturday morning scheduled boat service for a cosy breakfast with friends.