Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen has delivered the Century Star, a river cruiser designed for the European market, to China-based Century Cruises. This vessel is the first in a series of three sister ships and will begin its journey on the Danube in September 2026, with plans to sail the Rhine thereafter.

The Century Star was developed in collaboration with United Waterways, ensuring compliance with European operational standards, including regulations and safety management. Based on Concordia Damen's CDS River Cruise 135 design, the ship can accommodate 174 guests across 78 cabins. The vessel's design prioritises sustainability, featuring a hybrid propulsion system and a hull made from recycled steel. Its interior blends European river destination inspirations with Asian heritage elements, aiming to merge Eastern hospitality with European quality expectations.

Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen, remarked, “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. We are grateful to Century Cruises and United Waterways for their confidence in this first project of a series of three.”

Century Cruises views the Century Star as a foundation for long-term presence in the European river cruise market. The second vessel in this series is anticipated to be delivered by Concordia Damen in August 2026. Thomas Rooch, Managing Director of Century ONE, stated, “The delivery of the Century Star is a significant milestone, not only for Century Cruises but for the European river cruise sector as a whole.”

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