Century Cruises Welcomes Century Star to Its Fleet
Century Cruises has taken a major step forward in its international expansion strategy with the delivery of Century Star, the company’s first vessel specifically designed for the European river cruise market.
The ship was officially delivered by Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen, marking the Chinese brand’s entry into Europe’s inland waterways.
Century Star
After establishing a strong presence on the Yangtze River, Century Cruises is now turning its attention to Europe through a strategic partnership with UNITED WATERWAYS. The company has supported the development of the project and the vessel’s adaptation to European operational standards, including regulatory compliance, safety management, crewing, and hospitality services.
Thomas Rooch, Managing Director of Century ONE in Basel, emphasized that the delivery of Century Star represents a significant milestone not only for Century Cruises but also for the European river cruise sector as a whole. According to Rooch, the vessel embodies the combination of Chinese innovation, European expertise, and a shared commitment to delivering outstanding travel experiences. He also expressed the company’s satisfaction in seeing the project come to fruition and its anticipation of welcoming the first guests on board.
Michaela Julian, EVP Operations at River Advice, also highlighted the symbolic value of the new vessel, describing it as a meeting point between two of the world’s great river cruising traditions. Julian explained that Century Star will bring Asian hospitality and culture to Europe’s rivers aboard a ship featuring contemporary design and advanced technology. She further reaffirmed River Advice’s commitment to maintaining the highest operational standards while helping to combine tradition and innovation within the European river cruise industry.
Thomas Rooch signs the handover of the Century Star with Chris Kornet, CEO of Concordia Damen Shipbuilding
Built in the Netherlands, Century Star is a next-generation river cruise vessel accommodating 174 guests in 78 cabins. Sustainability has been a key focus throughout the project, with features including hybrid propulsion, a hull constructed from recycled steel, and design solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact.
The interiors also reflect the vessel’s philosophy, blending elements inspired by European river destinations with references to the company’s Asian heritage. The goal is to create a product that combines Eastern hospitality with the quality standards expected by European travelers.
Following the final stages of outfitting and operational preparation, Century Star will enter service on the Danube in September 2026, with additional itineraries on the Rhine planned for a later date.
For Century Cruises, Century Star represents far more than a new vessel. It serves as the foundation for building a long-term presence in the European river cruise market and is considered the first step in a broader development strategy aimed at supporting the brand’s growth across Europe in the coming years.
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