Concordia Damen Delivers Century Star, Marking Century Cruises’ European Debut

Concordia Damen Delivers Century Star to Century Cruises for European River Cruise Expansion.

Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen has officially delivered Century Star to Century Cruises, marking the Chinese cruise operator’s entry into the European river cruise market. The vessel is the first in a planned series of three sister ships built specifically for European operations.

Designed for deployment on Europe’s major inland waterways, Century Star is scheduled to begin service on the Danube in September 2026, with Rhine itineraries expected to follow at a later stage.

The vessel was developed in close cooperation with United Waterways, which is supporting Century Cruises in adapting to European market requirements, including regulatory compliance, safety standards, crew management, and hospitality operations.

Built on Concordia Damen’s in-house CDS River Cruise 135 platform, Century Star accommodates up to 174 guests across 78 cabins. The design has already proven successful, with several vessels based on the same platform delivered in recent years.

Sustainability was a key focus throughout the construction process. Century Star features a hybrid propulsion system and a hull made from recycled steel, reflecting the growing push toward greener operations in the river cruise sector.

Inside, the ship blends design elements inspired by iconic European river destinations with subtle references to Century Cruises’ Asian heritage. The concept aims to combine Eastern hospitality with the premium service expectations of European travelers.

Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen, highlighted the significance of the delivery: “The delivery of Century Star demonstrates that, as a family-run business, we are capable of entering an entirely new segment in collaboration with international partners. We are grateful to Century Cruises and United Waterways for their confidence in this first project of a series of three.”

He added that the project underlines how Dutch shipbuilding expertise and sustainable innovation continue to create value in the international river cruise market.

For Century Cruises, Century Star represents the foundation of a long-term expansion strategy in Europe. The second vessel in the three-ship series is already under construction and is expected to be delivered by Concordia Damen in August 2026.

Thomas Rooch, Managing Director of Century ONE in Basel, described the delivery as a milestone for both the company and the wider industry. “The delivery of Century Star is a significant milestone, not only for Century Cruises but for the European river cruise sector as a whole. The ship embodies the innovation, expertise, and shared ambition of all partners involved. We look forward to welcoming the first guests on board.”