• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
China's travel brand Century River Cruises has confirmed that its first purpose-built European river vessel, Century Star, has departed the shipyard on schedule and entered the final outfitting phase.
The boat's inaugural voyage is scheduled to sail from Budapest to Passau on September 18th. A series of preview sailings will begin on August 11th as the vessel prepares to enter commercial service.
Century Star is the first of three new European riverboats planned for delivery over the next two years.
Designed specifically for Europe's inland waterways, the Concordia Damen-built vessel incorporates hybrid propulsion, a recycled-steel hull, and technology intended to reduce its environmental footprint while complying with European sustainability standards.
The ship's interior has been created by Mdesigns BV, with décor inspired by the regions served along its itineraries. Public spaces draw on local materials and cultural influences, including Black Forest timber in the main restaurant, rosewood reflecting Bulgaria's heritage, a Viennese-inspired coffee lounge and staterooms styled after traditional Serbian homes.
The vessel will enter service with two 8-day itineraries - on the Danube (between Budapest and Passau) and on the Rhine (between Amsterdam and Basel).
Century River Cruises will also introduce two extended 15-day Grand Journeys, one exploring the Danube between Passau and the Black Sea and another connecting Amsterdam and Budapest through Europe's principal river systems.
Drawing on its experience operating on China's Yangtze River, the company will introduce The Heritage Collection, a programme of premium shore excursions developed to provide deeper cultural and historical insights. Along the Danube, excursions will highlight the legacy of the Roman, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires through visits to Vienna, Budapest, the Iron Gates Gorge, the Tabula Traiana and medieval fortifications. Rhine itineraries will include private concerts in historic venues, visits to boutique wineries and guided market tours accompanied by the ship's culinary team.
Dining aboard Century Star has been designed around a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine, while the onboard programme will feature lectures, presentations and cultural activities focused on the history and traditions of the regions visited.
Century Cruises President and General Manager for the Americas David Fredericks stated that the on-time delivery of Century Star reflected close international cooperation involving partners from Europe, China and the United States. He added that the company is preparing to launch vessels on the Nile in Egypt in 2027 as part of its continued international expansion.
