Dutch shipyard Concordia Damen has handed over the Century Star to China-based Century Cruises, marking the first delivery in a three-vessel series designed for the European river cruise market. The 135-meter vessel, built on the CDS River Cruise 135 platform, will commence operations on the Danube in September 2026, with itineraries later extending to the Rhine.
The project was developed in partnership with United Waterways to ensure full compliance with European Union regulations on safety, emissions, and operational standards. The Century Star accommodates 174 guests across 78 cabins, with a design that blends European river aesthetics with Asian heritage touches, aiming to bridge Eastern hospitality and Western quality expectations.
Sustainability and Hybrid Propulsion
Concordia Damen prioritized environmental performance in the vessel’s construction. The hull uses recycled steel, and the ship features a hybrid propulsion system that reduces fuel consumption and emissions during docking and slow-speed river transits. This aligns with broader industry trends toward greener river cruising, as seen with other operators like Emerald Cruises, which recently christened its own hybrid river ship in Amsterdam.
Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen, commented: “The delivery of the Century Star demonstrates that, as a family-run business, we are capable of entering an entirely new segment in collaboration with international partners. We are grateful to Century Cruises and United Waterways for their confidence in this first project of a series of three.”
Strategic Entry into European River Cruising
For Century Cruises, the Century Star represents a foundational asset for establishing a long-term presence in Europe. The company plans to operate the vessel on the Danube and Rhine, key waterways for international river tourism. The second sister ship is scheduled for delivery in August 2026, with the third to follow.
Thomas Rooch, Managing Director of Century ONE, the European operating arm of Century Cruises, stated: “The delivery of the Century Star is a significant milestone, not only for Century Cruises but for the European river cruise sector as a whole.”
The move comes as river cruise demand continues to recover and expand, with operators like APT launching ambitious multi-modal itineraries that combine river, rail, and wilderness experiences. Century Cruises’ entry adds a new Asian player to the competitive European market, which has traditionally been dominated by European and North American brands.
Industry observers note that the hybrid propulsion and recycled steel construction could set a benchmark for future river cruiser orders, particularly as European regulators tighten emissions standards for inland waterways. The vessel’s design also reflects a growing emphasis on cultural fusion in onboard experiences, catering to a diverse international clientele.
The Century Star will be marketed through Century ONE’s distribution network, targeting both Chinese outbound travelers and Western guests seeking a blend of Eastern and European hospitality. The ship’s itineraries are expected to include calls at major Danube ports such as Vienna, Budapest, and Passau, with Rhine routes extending to Amsterdam and Basel.
