50 When Century Star sets sail on the Danube in summer 2026, it will mark more than the launch of a new luxury river cruise vessel – it will symbolise the start of Century Cruises’ journey beyond the Yangtze and into Europe’s waterways. For over three decades, Century Cruises has been China’s major river cruise operator, welcoming thousands of Chinese and international travellers aboard its fleet on the Yangtze. Now, through a strategic collaboration with turnkey partner UNITED WATERWAYS and a newbuild constructed by Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen, the company is preparing for its international debut. “We’re very experienced in operating river cruises and receive many international visitors on the Yangtze,” says Richard Xie, vice president at Century Cruises. “Now, a lot of Chinese people are travelling internationally, so we want to reposition our offering and provide them with cruise experiences in Europe. We aim to make ourselves the first choice for European river cruises for both Chinese and international guests.” Century Cruises chose Mdesigns to create Century Star’s interior design, which will feature a blend of Eastern and Century Cruises will join Europe’s rivers in 2026. CFR asks executives from the brand, UNITED WATERWAYS and Mdesigns how they are creating its new ship East meets West INTERVIEW “ We aim to make ourselves the first choice for European river cruises for both Chinese and international guests” Richard Xie Century Cruises Mdesigns has mixed Chinese and European cultures in the cabins, with the circular patterns on the carpet reflecting both a design approach popular in China, and Kolo, a folk dance from Serbia where dancers move in a circle Photo: Mdesigns
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