Chinese cruise operator Century Cruises has officially taken delivery of Century Star, the company's first river cruise ship specifically designed and built for operations in Europe. The vessel was constructed by Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen and marks a significant step in Century Cruises' expansion into the European river cruise market.
Century Star is the first of three river cruise vessels being built for European service. The ship is scheduled to begin passenger cruises on the Danube River in September 2026, with future operations also planned on the Rhine River.
The vessel was developed using Concordia Damen's CDS River Cruise 135 design and can accommodate 174 passengers. The project combines modern passenger comfort with environmentally friendly technologies, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable river cruising in Europe.
One of the vessel's key features is its hybrid propulsion system, which helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions during operations. In addition, the hull was constructed using recycled steel, further supporting the industry's transition toward greener shipbuilding.
The project is being delivered in cooperation with United Waterways, which is assisting Century Cruises in adapting to European operating standards. This includes regulatory compliance, safety management, crew organization and onboard hospitality services to ensure the vessel meets the expectations of European passengers.
The delivery of Century Star highlights the increasing cooperation between Asian cruise operators and European shipbuilders. As demand for river cruises continues to grow, modern vessels equipped with hybrid technologies and sustainable design are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of inland passenger shipping.
