Century Star to Debut on Europe's Rivers This September

Century Cruises shared that its first purpose-built European river ship, Century Star, will begin cruising this September.

According to the company, the 174-passenger vessel will begin pre-inaugural sailings on Aug. 11 before entering service on Sept. 18.

A rendering shows Century Star cruising on European waterways. Rendering: Century Cruises — A rendering shows *Century Star* cruising on European waterways. Rendering: Century Cruises

The maiden voyage is an eight-day Budapest to Passau itinerary up the Danube. The published 2026 schedule also includes the 15-day Castles & Storybook Cities cruise between Budapest and Amsterdam. Rhine sailings between Basel and Amsterdam are also planned, along with several Christmas cruises later in the year.

Many of the inclusions will be familiar to experienced river cruisers. Depending on the sailing, fares include guided shore excursions, airport transfers, and beer and wine during lunch and dinner. Selected departures also include international airfare.

A rendering of a passenger cabin aboard Century Star. Credit: Century Cruises. — A rendering of a passenger cabin aboard *Century Star*. Credit: Century Cruises.

Dining and onboard experience

Century has not yet released restaurant names or sample menus for Century Star. So, we took a look at the company’s Yangtze River cruises for a glimpse of its approach to hospitality.

Brochures for Century’s Chinese fleet describe rotating daily menus. Regional Chinese specialties are served alongside Western cuisine. The company’s larger ships also feature two restaurants with buffet dining. Beer and selected wines are included during meals, while early morning coffee, daytime snacks and late-night dining are all part of the onboard experience.

For Europe, Century has said only that Century Star will feature an “East meets West” culinary experience created for international travelers.

The ship’s restaurant offers another clue.

According to Dutch design studio MDESIGNS, the dining room takes inspiration from Germany, where the Danube begins. The design features Black Forest timber and amber-colored glass. Artwork throughout the space blends Chinese ink painting with German Romantic landscapes.

Century also plans to offer lectures, cultural presentations and guided excursions that complement the destinations visited during each voyage.

Built for Europe’s rivers

Century Star measures 443 feet in length and accommodates 174 passengers in 78 cabins.

Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen built the vessel. The company has more than a century of experience constructing inland vessels. In recent years, it has expanded into river cruising with projects including A-ROSA SENA.

Century Star undergoes sea trials ahead of its September 2026 debut on the Rhine and Danube. Credit: Concordia Damen — *Century Star* undergoes sea trials ahead of its September 2026 debut on the Rhine and Danube. Credit: Concordia Damen

MDESIGNS has designed passenger vessels including Nicko Spirit, Hondius and Excellence Crown. For Century Star, the firm developed a concept called “Rivers Entwined.” Public spaces throughout the ship draw inspiration from destinations along the Danube while also reflecting Century’s Chinese heritage.

Founded in 1995, Century began with two ships on China’s Yangtze River. Over the next three decades, it steadily expanded its fleet. Today, the company currently operates six river ships with capacity for more than 2,500 passengers.

Century Star is the first vessel in a planned three-ship European fleet. According to Concordia Damen, construction is already underway on the second ship.