Century Cruises, a leading Chinese river cruise operator specializing in inbound tourism, has announced its entry into the European market with the order of a new river vessel from Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen.
The vessel, to be named Century Star, is scheduled for delivery in June and inauguration in September 2026.
MS Century Star is being developed from one of Concordia Damen’s pre-constructed standard hulls, a 135-meter model designed to accommodate 76 passenger cabins for a total capacity of 176 guests. The hull, originally built on speculation in anticipation of market demand, recently arrived at the shipyard’s facility in Werkendam for outfitting.
Concordia Damen, which has a long-standing tradition in inland vessel construction, entered the cruise segment in 2022 with the delivery of Arosa Sena. The shipbuilder has since expanded its focus. By the same design is the 2025-launched Excellence Crown, operated by the Swiss family-owned company Excellence Cruises.
Concordia Damen's ship design (CDS River Cruise 135) will be adapted to the client’s specific requirements, combining Asian aesthetic elements with European craftsmanship. By employing a standard hull as the base structure, the shipbuilder reduces overall delivery time while maintaining flexibility in customization.
The vessel will incorporate hybrid propulsion technology and a low-draft configuration, enhancing maneuverability and accessibility across various European waterways.
Century Cruises, founded in 1992, operates a fleet of luxury river vessels on China’s Yangtze River, carrying more than 300,000 passengers annually—approximately one-third of whom are international tourists. The company has outlined a long-term goal to expand its fleet to twelve vessels and to enhance its itineraries through ongoing innovation.
The line’s European expansion is being undertaken in cooperation with Basel-based United Waterways, which provides operational, infrastructure, and hospitality support for multiple river cruise brands.
Industry observers note that, prior to the pandemic, Europe experienced a marked rise in demand from Chinese travelers, with several river cruise lines—including Viking—dedicating vessels to this market segment. Century Cruises aims to capitalize on its established reputation in China to secure a position within the competitive European river cruise sector.