Century Cruises is preparing to make a major entrance into the European river cruise market with the debut of the Century Star, the company’s first ship designed to sail the Danube and the Rhine.
Known for its long-standing presence on China’s Yangtze River, the cruise line is expanding its global footprint with a vessel that blends Asian hospitality with European-inspired design. The Century Star will launch in September 2026, introducing guests to a fresh style of river cruising rooted in cultural fusion and modern sustainability.
The ship’s inaugural sailing will be an eight-day Danube itinerary beginning September 18, departing from Budapest and visiting ports including Esztergom, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, and ending in Passau.
Later in November, the ship will begin sailing the Rhine, offering another classic European river route between Amsterdam and Basel. With capacity for up to 174 guests across 79 staterooms, the Century Star aims to deliver an experience that balances intimacy, comfort, and elegance.
Sustainability plays a central role in the ship’s design. Century Cruises has equipped the vessel with a hybrid propulsion system to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The hull, made from recycled steel, further reflects the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and full compliance with EU sustainability standards aimed at progressing toward net-zero carbon emissions. These features place the Century Star among the most forward-thinking new builds joining Europe’s rivers in the coming years.
Inside, the ship draws inspiration from the destinations along its routes. MDesigns, the firm behind the interiors, crafted spaces that echo local landscapes and cultural traditions. The main restaurant takes cues from Germany’s Black Forest, a design that has already earned recognition as a CSI Awards 2025 Finalist for Concept of the Year.
The bar and lounge showcase influences from Baroque architecture and Vienna’s legendary coffee houses, while the lobby pays tribute to Bulgaria’s Rose Valley. Staterooms have been styled to evoke the warmth of a Serbian home, enhanced with subtle folkloric details.
Onboard programming will combine familiar European river cruise elements with enriching practices inspired by Century Cruises’ Asian roots. Guests can expect fine dining, destination lectures, and cultural activities alongside wellness offerings such as yoga and Tai Chi. This blending of traditions reflects the company’s goal to create an experience where, as president David Fredericks notes, “Eastern elegance and hospitality meet Western style.”
The Century Star marks only the beginning of the company’s expansion in the region. Century Cruises has plans for additional ships on both the Danube and the Rhine, along with future vessels scheduled to debut on the Nile in 2027. For a brand that began on the Yangtze three decades ago, the move into Europe signals a new chapter of global ambition and continued innovation.
