Century Star will debut on the Danube before expanding operations to the Rhine as part of a three-vessel programme.
Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen has delivered Century Star to Century Cruises, marking the first river cruise ship that the China-based cruise line has had built specifically for the European market and the first in a planned series of three sister ships.
The Century Star is scheduled to enter service on the Danube in September 2026, with Rhine River itineraries set to be introduced at a later stage.
The vessel was built in collaboration with United Waterways, which assists Century Cruises in adapting to European operational standards, including regulations, safety management, crew and hospitality. The Century Star is based on Concordia Damen’s in-house designed CDS River Cruise 135 design and can accommodate 174 guests in 78 cabins. Several vessels based on this design have now been built.
Sustainability played a central role in the design. The ship is powered by a hybrid propulsion system and has a hull made from recycled steel. The interior combines elements inspired by European river destinations with references to the brand’s Asian heritage, with the aim of blending Eastern hospitality with the quality standards expected by European travellers.
Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen, says: “The delivery of the Century Star demonstrates that, as a family-run business, we are capable of entering an entirely new segment in collaboration with international partners. We are grateful to Century Cruises and United Waterways for their confidence in this first project of a series of three. It proves that Dutch shipbuilding expertise and sustainable innovation make a difference in the international river cruise market too.”
For Century Cruises, the Century Star forms the basis for a long-term presence in the European river cruise market. The second vessel in the series of three is expected to be delivered by Concordia Damen in August 2026.
“The delivery of the Century Star is a significant milestone, not only for Century Cruises but for the European river cruise sector as a whole. The ship embodies the combination of the drive for innovation and expertise of all parties involved, as well as a shared ambition to offer exceptional travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming the first guests on board,” said Thomas Rooch, Managing Director of Century ONE in Basel.
