Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen has delivered Century Star to Century Cruises (China), marking the Chinese operator’s first newbuild boat for the European cruise market and the first of three sister ships planned for the region.
The delivery represents a significant step in the brand's expansion beyond its long-established Yangtze River operations and into the waterways of Europe.
The vessel was developed in partnership with United Waterways, which is supporting Century Cruises in adapting to European operating requirements, including regulatory compliance, safety management, crewing and hospitality standards.
Built to Concordia Damen’s CDS River Cruise 135 design, the vessel accommodates 174 guests in 87 staterooms. The design has already formed the basis of several river cruisers operating in Europe, reflecting the Dutch shipbuilder’s growing presence in the sector.
Environmental considerations played a central role in the vessel’s development. Century Star is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system and features a hull constructed from recycled steel. Her interiors combine design influences drawn from European river destinations with references to Century Cruises’ Asian heritage, creating an onboard environment intended to unite Eastern hospitality with the standards expected by European travellers.
Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen, stated that the delivery demonstrated the ability of the family-owned shipbuilder to enter a new market segment through international collaboration. He noted that the project highlighted the value of Dutch shipbuilding expertise and sustainable innovation within the global river cruise industry, while also expressing appreciation for the confidence shown by Century Cruises and United Waterways in launching the first vessel of a three-ship programme.
For Century Cruises, the vessel establishes the foundation for a long-term presence in Europe. Thomas Rooch, Managing Director of Century ONE in Basel, described the delivery as an important milestone for both the company and the wider European river cruise sector. He indicated that the vessel reflected the combined expertise and innovation of the partners involved, while supporting a shared ambition to deliver high-quality travel experiences on Europe’s rivers.
Century Star's inaugural cruise is scheduled for September 18th, 2026. The Blue Danube itinerary is between Budapest and Passau, visiting Hungary (Esztergom), Slovakia (Bratislava), and Austria (Vienna and Linz).