Century Star

The 2026-built Century Star cruise ship is a newbuild riverboat and the first European vessel of the Chinese company and travel brand Century River Cruises (aka Century Cruises China, 1992-established). This modern, 174-passenger ship was delivered in June and is scheduled for inauguration in September 2026.

The vessel (ENI number 02341108) is currently Switzerland-flagged (MMSI 269057200) and registered in Basel.

Century River Cruises has ordered the construction of two more vessels of the same design (Century Star's sisterships), scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.

History - construction and ownership

Being Century River Cruises' first owned ship deployed year-round in Europe, Century Star is managed by UNITED WATERWAYS AG (a Basel-based maritime company specializing in premium ship management for river cruise ships and floating venues).

The ship design (CDS River Cruise 135) was developed by the shipbuilder Concordia Damen Shipbuilding (Werkendam, Netherlands). It allows for a maximum of 210 passengers and 52 crew/staff. Concordia Damen entered the cruise ship building segment in 2022 with Arosa Sena.

By design, Century Star is a sister ship to the Concordia Damen-built Excellence Crown (2025, owned by Twerenbold Reisen's Excellence River Cruises).

The boat's interior design was developed by Mdesigns BV - a 2007-founded (by Marloes Boele) globally operating interior design and architecture company headquartered in Woerden (Netherlands). It specializes in custom and sustainable interiors for maritime, hospitality, and office environments.

Century Star completed the yard sea trial on June 5th, the official sea trial on June 9th, and was delivered to the shipowner on June 16, 2026.

The corporate shipowner behind Century Cruises is Chongqing Gaund Holding Group Ltd Co, which owns the subsidiary Chongqing Grand Century Cruises Ltd (fka Century Cruises). Century's fleet consists of several large riverboats deployed on the Yanze River in China.

Century Cruises' CEO is Alex Ye.

In October 2025, Alexis McKinnon Puma was appointed Global Sales and MICE Strategist. She was previously employed by major cruise companies, including Royal Caribbean Group, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn. Also in October, Ralph Monteleone was appointed VP of Century Air, being responsible for developing the company's programs (in the Americas and Europe) spanning flights, transportation, hotel, and land services. He was previously employed by United Airlines, Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises, Vantage Tours, and Viking.

In December 2024, Century Cruises appointed David Fredericks as Senior VP of Sales and Marketing. In December 2025, he was promoted to President and General Manager of the Americas. David Fredericks was previously employed by Carnival Corporation, Viking Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, among other large companies.

On May 13, 2025, Century Cruises' North American corporate office in Sunrise (Florida, USA) was officially opened. The hub houses the company's Reservations, Sales, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), and Marketing departments. The facility generally serves North American travel agencies and clients.

In April 2026, Century Cruises announced plans to expand its Chinese fleet and to start Nile River cruises in Egypt in 2027.

Concordia Damen river cruise ship technology

The vessel features a hybrid propulsion (diesel-electric) system and a low draft, enhancing maneuverability and accessibility across Europe's main inland waterways.

The propulsion is integrated with smart peak-shaving technology, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The system also incorporates advanced battery technology and shore-power capability.

The Smart Peak Shaving technology allows the boat's diesel generators to run at optimal efficiency, with the surplus power/electricity stored in batteries. The high-capacity battery pack covers peak power demands, reducing overall fuel use. The battery-stored electricity also allows silent in-port operations (mooring and maneuvering) and fully-electric navigation in protected zones, like Wachau Valley.

Solar and Shore Power - the boat is fitted with electrical charging technology (via shore power connections at river ports) and with solar panels (integrated directly into the railings).

The low-draft hull design (max ballast draft 2,1 m/6,6 ft; air draft 6 m/20 ft) enables safe navigation during low-water seasons. The hull itself was produced with recycled steel.

Decks and Cabins

Most (79%) of the Century Star staterooms (87 total) are French Balcony, including cabins (61) and suites (8). Only the Lower Deck's cabins (18) lack balconies and instead have fixed/non-opening windows positioned near the ceiling.

All French Balcony accommodations feature drop-down windows that convert the seating area into an indoor balcony lounge.

All staterooms include as standard amenities Queen bed (convertible to twin beds), headboard with reading lights, bedside tables, mirrored panels, a seating area (a coffee table with two chairs), en-suite bathroom (WC, single-sink vanity, shower cubicle, mirrored cupboards, clothesline, luxury bath products, bathrobes), mirrored wardrobe, digital safe (iin the closet), direct-dial phone, HDTV (satellite channels, infotainment system, movies on demand, "View From the Bridge" webcam views), minibar (extra charge, Nespresso machine), individual climate control, 220V outlets, umbrella, shoe cleaner, and two sets of earplugs.

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 have cabins.

All crew cabins (29 total) are on the Lower Deck and include 13 single and 16 double, accommodating a total of 45 crew and staff.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship's facilities include the CENTURY Lounge & Bar with an adjacent outdoor Alfresco Lounge/Bow Terrace (Deck 3 forward), Aft Lounge & Coffee Corner (Deck 3 aft, functions as Library/Bar/Cafe), CENTURY Restaurant (full-capacity Dining Room on Deck 2 forward) with an adjacent Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for provisions), wellness facilities (Gym, Sauna, Beauty & Spa/massage room for treatments), Lobby Hall (Reception, Shop, ship entrances).

In the Atrium, one lift/passenger elevator and a grand staircase interconnect all cabin decks (1-2-3/Lower-Main-Upper).

The cruise company provides complimentary WiFi throughout (shipwide coverage).

Next are reviewed the Century Star ship's venues, facilities and amenities by deck.

Lower Deck (1st floor)

The midship Wellness Complex consists of a Fitness Center (modern Gym with cardio and strength-training equipment), Sauna Room, and Spa and Massage Room (for treatments).

The forward and aft sections contain crew cabins, service rooms, and technical spaces that are not accessible to passengers.

Main Deck (2nd floor)

Century Restaurant is the ship's main dining venue, inspired by Germany's Schwarzwald (Black Forest). The Restaurant combines rustic wooden decor with elegant golden details. The design pays tribute to Bavaria's culinary traditions. Century Restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast, multi-course lunches, and dinners. The menu lists regional specialties, authentic Chinese cuisine, and international dishes. The food is prepared mainly with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Complimentary drinks (tea, coffee, and selected beverages) are served during meals. The dining room's floor-to-ceiling windows provide unobstructed views.

A Bakery/Patisserie is integrated into the Dining Room.

Adjacent to the Century Restaurant is the Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for provisions).

The Lobby Hall/Foyer (midship) is the ship's entrance and central meeting point. The design is inspired by Bulgaria's Rose Valley, featuring floral motifs, soft colors, and refined decorative details. The Lobby houses the Reception Desk (24-hour general assistance, guest services, cruise and shore excursions information) and comfortable seating areas.

The Shop is a small boutique selling souvenirs, travel essentials, and locally made gifts.

Upper Deck (3rd floor)

The forward Century Lounge & Bar has its own bar and features wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating (sofas and armchairs), a grand piano (for performances by a resident pianist in the afternoons and evenings), and a dance floor. During the day, it serves as an observation lounge for socializing, enjoying the passing scenery, lectures and media presentations, trivia games, and pre-dinner destination briefings (Cruise Director's port talks). Century Lounge's evening entertainment programming includes live music and dancing, cultural performances (by local artists boarding the ship), movie screenings, prescheduled social events, and the signature Crew Show (held here once per cruise). The Lounge's full-service Century Bar serves specialty coffees and teas, cocktails, wine, and premium spirits.

The Century Lounge has a 24-hour beverage station (with a coffee machine, hot water, tea selection, and drinking water) and provides Afternoon Tea and Coffee service.

The forward Bow Lounge (aka Alfresco Lounge/Bow Terrace) is an outdoor observation area with open-air seating, and is open depending on weather. The venue is directly accessed from the Century Lounge and also from the Sun Deck (above) via outside stairs.

The Aft Lounge & Coffee Corner is an indoor venue designed as a quiet retreat that doubles as a Library/Bar Lounge/Cafe, offering river views from the stern. The Aft Lounge features modern, comfortable seating (armchairs and sofas), soft lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows (overlooking the ship's wake), and a peaceful atmosphere. The Coffee Corner/Bar offers complimentary coffee, tea, hot water, specialty coffee drinks, light refreshments, and light snacks (cookies/biscuits, small pastries/cakes, occasionally finger sandwiches or sweet treats during Afternoon Tea), making it a great alternative to the busier Century Lounge.

Also serving as the Library, the Aft Lounge offers a selection of books and travel guides, and playing cards and popular board games, including mahjong.

The midship Atrium (Lobby's upper level) has comfortable seating areas and two small step-out balconies (portside and starboard).

Sun Deck (4th floor)

The Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse is hydraulic.

The forward Sky Lounge is a casual open-air venue for relaxation and enjoying refreshments and beverages, including freshly brewed coffee and signature cocktails. Thanks to its elevated position, the Sky Lounge provides exceptional views over both riverbanks. The Sky Lounge's bar service is provided from the Century Lounge (on Deck 3 below), accessed via outside stairs.

Also forward is the ship's deck games area designed for outdoor leisure activities. Depending on the weather, guests can enjoy playing Giant Chess and Giant Tic-Tac-Toe.

The spacious Sun Deck has shaded seating areas (covered by retractable awnings) furnished with comfortable sun loungers, tables and chairs. A walking track surrounds the entire sundeck area.

SkyLight is a glass roof over the Atrium, allowing natural light into the ship's interior.

All sundeck structures (Wheelhouse, awnings, railings) are collapsible and lowered when the ship passes under low bridges. During these periods, the Sun Deck closes temporarily, all furniture is secured, and passengers must leave the deck until clearance is restored.

Itineraries

Century Star's inaugural cruise/maiden voyage is currently scheduled for September 18th, 2026. The Blue Danube itinerary is between Budapest and Passau, visiting Hungary (Esztergom), Slovakia (Bratislava), and Austria (Vienna and Linz).

Before the official inauguration/revenue service, the company scheduled a series of preview cruises starting on August 11th.

In addition to the Danube itinerary, Century Cruises also scheduled a Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, visiting Germany (Cologne, Rudesheim, Loreley in the Middle Rhine Valley, Koblenz, Speyer) and France (Strasbourg).