By
Laura Hyde |
Century Cruises’ first European river cruise ship, Century Star, will join the cruise line’s fleet when it departs on its first sailing on the Danube on 18 September 2026.
The ship’s inaugural eight-day ‘Blue Danube Cruise’ departs from Budapest in Hungary and will visit Esztergom, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna and Linz in Austria; and Passau, Germany.
Century Star will sail a second itinerary along the Rhine from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Basel in northwestern Switzerland from 6 November 2026.
Outfitting of the ship by Concordia Damen Shipbuilding began in October 2025, with the ship expected to be delivered to Century Cruises in June 2026. The ship’s interiors have been created by MDesigns and draw inspiration from the cultures and landscapes along the Danube River, including The Black Forest, which has inspired the main restaurant design. The main lobby pays homage to Bulgaria’s Rose Valley, while the design of the bar and lounge has been influenced by Baroque architecture and the musical heritage of Beethoven and Strauss. In total, the ship will include 78 luxury cabins for 174 guests, each resembling traditional Serbian homes and including elements of local folklore.
Century Star will feature 78 luxury cabins designed to reflect traditional Serbian homes
“Century Star, the first of many vessels planned for the Danube and Rhine, is a testament to the vision set by chairman Mr. Peng 30 years ago on the banks of the Yangtze River,” said David Fredericks, president and general manager of The Americas at Century Cruises. “Through dedication and hard work, we have reached the heart of Europe – and we are incredibly proud. This is where Eastern elegance and hospitality meet Western style, on the Danube River. We are also excited about launching our vessels on the Nile in Egypt in 2027. The future of cruising is bright with Century Cruises.”