Lake Lucerne Cruise - suggestions please

You can check timetables for the lake cruises here https://www.lakelucerne.ch/en/timetable-fares/timetable/ (just click on the correct season)
If you want to ride on one of the steamships, look for the little 'steamship' symbol above the journey.
The simplest way to do a short cruise for 1-2 hours is just ride one of the circular routes (usually the 2nd page of the timetable) - I'd suggest either the Lucerne-Küssnacht am Rigi or Lucerne-Alpnachstad routes, as then you get further out from the sheltered area around Lucerne (the Meggenhorn route and "Panorama Yacht" stay close to town). You'll get a better idea of how big the lake is by going a bit further out. Just fyi, the Alpnachstad route can be busier because it hooks up to the Mt Pilatus cog railway.

This might be a start.
https://www.lakelucerne.ch/en/offers/round-trips/short-lake-cruise/

We did this in October: just walked up to the docks near Schweizerhofquai (north side of the river) and there were two or three companies offering short cruises. I'm not sure I'd book in advance (if you can) because the weather would make a difference.

talie,

I'd suggest stopping at the Tourist Information office in the Lucerne station, as the helpful staff there will have information on all the cruises, and you can buy your tickets there.

Lake steamers are part of the normal integrated Swiss Transport system so if it’s just a ride you’re looking for then jump on at Lucerne and go visit one of the lake side villages like Weggis or Vitznau, etc. there’s a small dining area on board for snacks and things. Just buy a ticket from the SBB ticket window and indicate you want a route via boat. Your Swiss Travel Pass also fully covers it.

Of course there may also be private cruise lines for your enjoyment, but why pay more if your STP already covers the journey??