Century Star: The New Jewel of Century Cruises
Century Cruises has announced the arrival of its new flagship, Century Star, set to sail the Danube River starting September 18, 2026.
This vessel marks a significant milestone for the Chinese company, internationally renowned for its elegant, sustainable ships offering exclusive comfort that combines Eastern hospitality with global luxury standards.
Century Star
Founded in China’s Yangtze River region, Century Cruises quickly established itself as one of Asia’s leading luxury river cruise operators. The company stands out for an approach that places the travel experience at the center, combining elegance, comfort, personalized service, and authentic cultural immersion. In recent years, Century Cruises has built four eco-friendly vessels, earning significant international recognition for the quality of its designs and solidifying its global reputation. Building on this strong foundation, the company has now brought its philosophy to Europe, aiming to offer exclusive itineraries along some of the continent’s most iconic rivers.
The arrival of Century Star on the Danube marks the beginning of a new era for the company, which seeks to blend Eastern elegance, sustainability, and contemporary comfort in a unique setting. Measuring 134.99 meters, the ship will feature 78 luxury cabins accommodating a total of 174 guests, offering an intimate and refined cruising experience. What truly makes Century Star special is its balance of modern design, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
The ship is equipped with hybrid propulsion, a hull made of recycled steel, and full compliance with EU sustainability standards, aiming for net-zero emissions performance. The use of sails, combined with eco-friendly design, significantly reduces fuel consumption and overall environmental impact, making every cruise not only elegant but also responsible. The ship’s design is the result of an international collaboration: the hull was crafted by Concordia Damen Shipbuilding, creating a modern and harmonious silhouette that blends seamlessly with the timeless beauty of the Danube. Inside, the spaces were designed by the renowned MDesigns studio, featuring interiors inspired by the landscapes and cultures of the countries the ship will traverse.
The Black Forest, the birthplace of the river, inspired the design of the main restaurant, giving it a refined atmosphere that earned it a place as a finalist in the CSI Awards 2025 for Concept of the Year. The Bar and Lounge, with references to Baroque architecture and the musical legacy of Beethoven and Strauss, evoke the warmth and intimacy of traditional Viennese cafés. The lobby pays tribute to Bulgaria’s Rose Valley, while the standard cabins welcome guests with the cozy charm of a Serbian home, enriched with touches of local folklore. Walking aboard Century Star is therefore like embarking on a true cultural journey, where the spirit of each country along the river harmoniously intertwines with the ship’s spaces.
Lounge Century Star Century Cruises Europe
The inaugural cruise, named the Blue Danube Cruise, will depart from Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” and visit iconic cities and landmarks such as Esztergom, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, and Passau. During this 8-day itinerary, guests will enjoy immersive local experiences, transported between ports and attractions by Century Cruises’ dedicated buses.
Onboard, European cuisine reaches the highest levels of excellence, with dishes prepared by the company’s expert chefs alongside beloved classics enjoyed by travelers from around the world. To enrich the experience, cultural encounters and lectures on the history of the Danube are offered, along with Eastern wellness activities such as Tai Chi and Yoga, demonstrating how multicultural influences can harmonize perfectly during the journey. In addition to the Danube, Century Cruises will also launch a second itinerary along the Rhine, from Amsterdam to Basel, promising an unforgettable journey along one of Europe’s most scenic rivers.
David Fredericks, President and General Manager for the Americas, emphasized that Century Star represents the first of many ships planned for the Danube and the Rhine, embodying the thirty-year vision of the company’s Chairman, Mr. Peng, on the banks of the Yangtze. Through dedication and hard work, Century Cruises has reached the heart of Europe, creating a seamless blend of Eastern elegance and Western style. The inaugural voyage of Century Star is scheduled for September 18, 2026, on the Danube, followed by the launch of the Rhine itinerary on November 6, 2026, while in 2027 the company plans to deploy its vessels on the Nile in Egypt. Fredericks highlighted that this expansion confirms the promising and ambitious future of Century Cruises’ river voyages.
The company thus demonstrates that its international expansion is the result of over thirty years of experience, innovation, and meticulous planning, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable luxury and uncompromising travel quality.
Suite Century Star Century Cruises
With Century Star, Century Cruises brings a new standard of luxury river cruising to the heart of Europe, combining elegance, comfort, authenticity, and sustainability. Guests can experience the Danube in an exclusive and refined way, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, immersive cultural experiences, and top-tier services. This vessel is not just a new addition to the fleet but a true symbol of the evolution of river cruising: intimate, elegant, responsible, and unforgettable.
Century Cruises continues to redefine the travel experience, offering guests the chance to explore the charm of Europe’s rivers with the spirit of an authentic journey, meticulously crafted and enriched with modern comforts and environmental awareness.
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