The Dutch shipyard Concordia Damen has delivered the Century Star to Century Cruises. The vessel is the first river cruise ship that the Chinese company has built specifically for the European market and represents the start of a series of three sister ships.
The Century Star will begin operating on the Danube from September 2026, while later it will also run routes on the Rhine.
The ship was built in collaboration with United Waterways, which is supporting Century Cruises in adapting to European operating standards, including regulations, safety management, crew, and hospitality services. The vessel is based on Concordia Damen's proprietary CDS River Cruise 135 design and can accommodate 174 passengers in 78 cabins. Several ships based on this design have already been built.
Helmet made with recycled steel
Sustainability has played a key role in the project's development. The ship is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system and features a hull made from recycled steel.
Its interior design combines elements inspired by European river destinations with references to the brand's Asian heritage, aiming to merge Eastern hospitality with the quality standards expected by European travelers.
Chris Kornet, CEO of Concordia Damen, said: “The delivery of the Century Star demonstrates that, as a family-owned company, we are capable of entering a completely new segment in collaboration with international partners. We thank Century Cruises and United Waterways for their confidence in this first project of a series of three ships. This shows that Dutch shipbuilding expertise and sustainable innovation also make a difference in the international river cruise market.”.
For Century Cruises, the Century Star forms the basis of a long-term presence in the European river cruise market. The second ship in this series of three is scheduled to be delivered by Concordia Damen in August 2026.
Thomas Rooch, Managing Director of Century ONE in Basel, stated: “The delivery of the Century Star is a significant milestone, not only for Century Cruises, but also for the European river cruise industry as a whole. The ship embodies the innovative spirit and expertise of all parties involved, as well as a shared ambition to deliver exceptional travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming the first passengers on board.”.
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