two days in Lucerne and surrounding areas

And finally, how do I find the boats covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.

All the public transport boats are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. See them at www.sbb.ch/en.
One strategy to save money is to buy Saver Day Passes. They cost 52 CHF if you buy them well in advance, like at least 60 days. so 3 days of unlimited travel would cost 156 CHF, rather than the 232 CHF for a 3-day Swiss Travel Pass.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/tickets-for-switzerland/day-pass/saver-day-pass.html

Mt Rigi is included in the Swiss Travel Pass and Saver Day Pass, but not Pilatus and Titlis, With the Swiss Travel Pass, you will get a discount on these, but not with the Saver Day Pass.

Thank you Sam. So the Saver Day Pass covers all travel. I assume the same boats as the STP and buses. I just need to add up what Mountain we want to visit. I assume when I buy the Saver Day Pass, I don't need tickets, but I still need reservations. I assume reservations cost extra, right? I understand we need reservations for trains and gondolas to ensure seats and reduce time in lines. Sorry to be a pain, but this is new to me and quite confusing

No body in Switzerland reserves seats. Train and boats are so frequent that there are almost always plenty of seats.

Does that apply to gondolas too? I read it somewhere and thought I had to do it to ensure a time and seat. Thanks for the clarification. You are very helpful.

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Lucerne+mountains&utf8=%E2%9C%93

Perhaps the above Search will help with info.

If your flight is not too early, spend the last night in Lucerne. It's just an hour plus train from Lucerne directly to the Zurich airport.

Safe travels!

Does that apply to gondolas too?

Yes. The only gondola (cable car) I have ever heard of anyone reserving is the Eigergltscherbahn in Grindelwald for people going to the Jungfraujoch. Remember, cable cars load about every 10 or 15 minutes, as when one departs, its partner is on its way down to gather the next load.

If you are using the STP strictly for the Lucerne area, have you investigated the Tell Pass? The website has a coverage map but doesn't provide a clear list of what is included. It seems to cover more area attraction trains and cable cars than the STP.

Dave, I have not reviewed the Tell Pass. I am having trouble doing my estimate. We arrive in Basel, around 1 in the afternoon, and travel to by train Lucerne 35. We tour the city that afternoon and evening. We decided to go to Mt. Titlus on our full day. The train to Engleberg is 38. The Gondola/ice flyer ticket is 108. We might do a cruise that evening, but none chosen yet. Our third day will include travel Zurich (we fly out of there) and that train is 35. We plan to walk or use the little city train to see Lucern itself. When I add that up, it seems that the Tell Pass cost is 190 and I think it would only cover Mt Titlis 108 and Engleberg 38. I don't think it would cover the train from Basel or to Zurich. I am still trying to see if there are additional attractions, like a boat cruise, we can squeeze in to make it viable. So far, it appears buying. Point to point is our best option.
I'm just afraid I'm not understanding the value of the tell pass or the saver pass or that my estimates are not accurate. I am open to critique or comment. All help appreciated.

Does the Saver Day Pass cover all train/boat cost? Or is it a half price pass and we still pay as we go? For instance if it is 22 for a trip without discount, does it cover the full price or just 11?

I believe, after son Ian & I just spent 2 nice days in Luzern (28-30 Sept 23) that you are over thinking and over planning.

A train to /return from Grindelwald would take most of a day. Even the mts around Luzern would take a serious amount of time, but they are closer.

We utilized a half fare card for our dozens and dozens of public transports in and thru the country for 10 days (we adore trains, especially the Swiss). This card does not cover private company trips, like our very enjoyable cruise on Lake Luzern.

Walking & discovering Luzern was pleasurable. So much to see and do w/o leaving the city.

As an art lover, I planned and we toured Sammlung Rosengart. Highly recommended.

Schweiz is very expensive, but if you are going, spend time to be in the moment and forget a few CHF expenses.

Thank you Alan.

Yes, I was over thinking. I took the advice earlier and checked into a tell pass and visitor pass. We have decided on it. We will pay full price for the trains from Basel to Lucerne and Lucerne to Zurich. We do not get in until afternoon on the 28th. We will explore the city that evening using the visitor card if we need to. The tell pass will be for the 29th and 30th. It covers two mountains and a lake cruise for free. The price of 190 is made up in just those two and we feel happy with our alternative options as well. We will leave Lucerne as late as possible on the 30th, choosing to just go to the Zurich airport hotel directly so we are there for our flight out on the 32st.

This forum has made our process and decisions possible. Thank you all.

If you want amazing views while in Lucerne- we loved Mt Rigi!! We also loved Mount Stanserhorn. If you buy a three day swiss travel pass all of your train travel will be covered as well as these two mountains. I highly recommend!!! All boats and all buses are also included. Some museums are included. It is the best way to travel and we loved having the swiss travel pass.