By
Kasturi Datta |
Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen has delivered the first of three new river cruise ships it is building for China-based cruise line Century Cruises. The vessels will be the first in the fleet to operate in Europe.
The new ship, Century Star, will start its maiden voyage on the Danube River in southwestern Germany in September 2026. It will then sail itineraries on the Rhine in Switzerland at a later date.
“We aim to make ourselves the first choice for European river cruises for both Chinese and international guests,” said Richard Xie in an interview last year with Cruise and Ferry Review.
Century Star has 78 cabins and a capacity for 174 guests. The hull is made from recycled steel and the vessel is powered using a hybrid propulsion system.
The ship’s interior design includes elements inspired by European destinations with references to Century Cruises’ Asian heritage.
Century Cruises collaborated with ship management services provider United Waterways during the build project to ensure the brand adapted to European operational standards. This included regulations, hospitality, safety management and crew.
“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,” said Chris Kornet, managing director of Concordia Damen. “We are grateful to Century Cruises and United Waterways for their confidence in this first project of a series of three. It proves that Dutch shipbuilding expertise and sustainable innovation make a difference in the international river cruise market too.”
Concordia Damen expects to deliver the second vessel in August 2026.