River cruise crew secure better protection with new collective bargaining agreement between Nautilus and Excellence Cruises

A major breakthrough in employment standards has been achieved in the European river cruise sector through a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Nautilus International and Excellence Cruises.

It also means some Swiss operators will move away from controversial Cypriot employment contracts following sustained pressure from Nautilus International and the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF).

For years, some companies exploited a legal loophole allowing them to establish branches in Cyprus and employ crew under Cypriot law, where social protections are significantly weaker than in Switzerland or the Netherlands. Notably, Cyprus offers no pension fund – leaving workers without a key benefit.

Since 2020, Nautilus has worked to reverse this practice, negotiating agreements aimed at restoring Swiss employment contracts. While progress was made with several operators, enforcement proved challenging.

The turning point came when Swiss tour operator Excellence Cruises – which relies on Sea Chefs Group for hospitality staff – stepped in. This led to renewed negotiations with Sea Chefs and the Rivertech Group which is responsible for nautical personnel. By summer 2025, a new CBA was signed for Excellence Cruises' fleet of eight luxury river cruise ships.

The new CBA mandates Swiss employment contracts and enforces minimum standards, including fair wages and social protections. Nautilus Switzerland national secretary Holger Schatz hailed the outcome as a 'significant step toward safeguarding working conditions across the inland waterways sector'.