Century Star Leaves the Shipyard
The new and elegant Century Star has left the shipyard fully in line with the schedule and is now undergoing the final outfitting stages ahead of her inaugural voyage, scheduled for 18 September 2026 on the Budapest–Passau itinerary.
In preparation for the official debut, a series of pre-inaugural cruises will begin on 11 August, during which the ship will welcome her first guests. Century Star will then offer a selection of carefully curated itineraries, including two Classic Journeys: an 8-day Danube cruise between Budapest and Passau and an 8-day Rhine cruise between Amsterdam and Basel.
Century Star
Century Star Suite
For travelers eager to explore Europe’s great waterways in greater depth, Century Star will also offer two Grand Journeys. The 15-day Danube itinerary from Passau to the Black Sea and back spans centuries of history, diverse cultures, and spectacular landscapes. The 15-day journey from Amsterdam to Budapest and back follows Europe’s legendary rivers, passing some of the continent’s most captivating cities, landscapes, and cultures.
With its launch, Century Star inaugurates a new generation of ships for Century Cruises: it is the first of three vessels that will enter service over the next two years. Designed with state-of-the-art technology, the new ships have been developed to minimize environmental impact and help safeguard the fragile ecosystem of Europe’s rivers, a value the company has promoted since its founding over thirty years ago.
David Fredericks, President and General Manager for the Americas, expressed satisfaction with the on-time delivery of Century Star, highlighting that the project is the result of international collaboration involving expertise from the United States, Europe, and China. He also confirmed the company’s expansion plans, announcing the launch of Nile cruises in 2027 and reaffirming Century Cruises’ commitment to bringing its travel vision to an ever-growing number of destinations worldwide.
Drawing on years of experience in delivering authentic cultural experiences along the Yangtze River, Century Cruises is also introducing in Europe The Heritage Collection, an exclusive selection of premium shore excursions designed to enrich every journey with deeper insight into the history, culture, and traditions of each destination visited.
Century Star on the Rhine River
Century Star Sundeck
With The Heritage Collection, guests aboard Century Star will be able to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Danube through a selection of exclusive experiences. The itinerary unfolds across centuries of history, from the legacy of the Roman Empire to the splendor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the enduring influence of the Ottoman world, which has left a lasting mark on landscapes, architecture, and local traditions. Excursions will include iconic landmarks such as Vienna and Budapest, the spectacular Iron Gates gorge, the ancient Tabula Traiana, as well as medieval fortresses and authentic local communities full of charm.
Along the Rhine as well, The Heritage Collection will offer guests the opportunity to experience the region from a privileged perspective. Between medieval castles overlooking the hills, picturesque riverside villages, and cities rich in historical heritage, each stop will be enriched with exclusive experiences, including private concerts in castles and historic churches, meetings with local winemakers, and visits to traditional markets alongside the ship’s chef, offering a close look at regional flavors and specialties.
The onboard dining experience will be defined by a meeting of East and West. Guests will embark on an authentic international culinary journey, carefully designed down to the finest detail to meet the expectations of the most demanding travelers from around the world. Life aboard Century Star will be enriched by numerous cultural experiences. From lectures on the history of the cities and regions along the route, to themed presentations and onboard classes, each day will be designed to create lasting memories.
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