Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava are preparing for increased activity in the higher-end river cruise segment as Century Cruises begins its European expansion with the introduction of the Century Star.
The vessel, designed specifically for river operations, is scheduled to enter service on the Danube in September 2026, bringing the company’s established Chinese hospitality standards to one of Europe’s most prominent waterways. Measuring nearly 135 metres and accommodating 174 passengers across 78 cabins, the ship has been planned to offer a compact, upscale cruising environment that blends Eastern and Western design influences. Its deployment is expected to contribute to tourism growth along UNESCO-listed stretches of the river and to support local economies through increased visitor spending. The ship’s hybrid propulsion systems and environmentally compliant features also position it as a new benchmark in sustainable river cruising.
The ship’s inaugural sailing, an 8-day Blue Danube itinerary departing Budapest on September 18th, 2026, will take guests through Esztergom, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau, highlighting architectural, cultural and musical heritage along the route. Port-to-shore transfers by dedicated coaches are planned to facilitate efficient access to historic sites and regional attractions, providing extended time ashore and increasing opportunities for local businesses. In this deployment strategy, Budapest functions as the principal gateway, offering visitors access to the city’s thermal and architectural landmarks before the ship proceeds upstream.
Vienna is expected to benefit from longer calls that allow passengers to spend more time within the city’s cultural institutions, imperial landmarks and traditional cafés. This positioning is anticipated to support museum attendance, concert venues and artisan retailers who rely on high-value cruise patronage. Riverfront berthing will give passengers direct access to the city while onboard culinary offerings reflect regional European traditions.
Bratislava, with its compact old town and vantage points along the Danube, is likely to attract interest from smaller cruise groups seeking manageable half-day excursions. The ship’s limited capacity suits the city’s scale, supporting local enterprises such as boutique hotels, independent restaurants and wine producers. Its proximity to Vienna provides opportunities for extended land programmes.
The vessel’s sustainable build—including hybrid propulsion and a hull produced with recycled steel—has been designed to meet EU net-zero objectives. These measures are intended to reduce environmental impact on protected areas such as the Wachau Valley and to appeal to passengers seeking river travel aligned with conservation aims. Improved environmental credentials also support the destination’s wider efforts to modernise port infrastructure.
Following its Danube introduction, the Century Star will begin operating Amsterdam-to-Basel itineraries on the Rhine from November 6th, 2026. This 2-river approach is expected to diversify tourism flows across both regions while bringing Chinese travellers to emerging ports along the Rhine and Danube. Cities such as Amsterdam and Basel, which contend with high visitor volumes, may benefit from the smaller passenger numbers associated with the ship’s design.
Century Cruises’ entry into the European market builds on three decades of operations on China’s Yangtze, bringing service practices developed in Asia to the European river cruise sector. The line has outfitted the Century Star with panoramic lounges and interiors influenced by Asian cultural motifs, aiming to provide an experience distinct from long-established European operators. Tailored excursions are planned to combine regional experiences with wellness elements familiar to the company’s Yangtze clientele.
Ports such as Linz and Passau are also expected to gain from the vessel’s upstream operations. Linz offers industrial heritage sites and musical attractions, while Passau’s historic confluence of three rivers together with its baroque architecture attracts cultural travellers. Longer port calls may generate increased participation in cycling and outdoor activities beyond conventional sightseeing.
In Esztergom, the ship’s schedule supports the city’s role as a spiritual destination along the Danube Bend, with its basilica and pilgrimage routes providing opportunities for small-group excursions that suit the vessel’s capacity. Local guides and small vendors are expected to benefit from this type of traffic.
With a capacity limited to 174 passengers, the Century Star targets higher-yield markets, generating increased per-guest spending on tours, dining and retail while avoiding the infrastructure pressures associated with larger vessels. This approach supports seasonal stability in employment and business activity along the river.
Looking beyond Europe, Century Cruises is exploring future deployment on the Nile from 2027 onward, building on the anticipated success of its Danube introduction. The company’s growing presence across multiple rivers reflects its intention to build a global tourism portfolio supported by partnerships with a range of international ports.
Overall economic projections suggest that Century Star operations will contribute significantly to regional revenues through direct spending, taxation and supply chain activity. The resulting financial impact is expected to support heritage conservation, sustainable development and increased competitiveness for Danube ports. Early booking activity indicates strong pre-launch interest, positioning Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava as focal points for an expanding luxury river cruise market.