Century Star Danube cruise launches on 18 September 2026
Century Cruises launches its new Century Star river cruise ship on the Danube and Rhine. The inaugural Danube sailing starts on 18 September 2026, with Rhine itineraries slated for 6 November 2026, expanding options for European river cruise travellers.
Dans cet article
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L’essentiel
- What changes
- Century Star river ship added to Danube and Rhine itineraries
- Timing
- Inaugural Danube sailing 18 September 2026, Rhine start 6 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Travelers booking Danube or Rhine luxury river cruises
Les détails
- Annoncé par
- Century Cruises
- Entrée en vigueur
- 18 September 2026
- Règle précédente
- Century Cruises previously operated only on China’s Yangtze River and had no European river cruise offerings.
- Nouvelle règle
- The company now operates the purpose‑built Century Star on the Danube and Rhine, offering eight‑day itineraries and longer journeys from September 2026 onward.
Launch of Century Star
Century Star was delivered by Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen in June 2026 and handed over to Century Cruises on 16 June 2026. The vessel marks the operator’s first purpose‑built ship for European waterways and was introduced together with European partner United Waterways.
Danube itinerary
The inaugural Danube voyage departs on 18 September 2026, sailing between Budapest, Hungary and Passau, Germany. The eight‑day “Blue Danube” route visits historic cities such as Bratislava and Vienna, allowing guests to explore Central European culture without arranging separate accommodation.
Rhine itinerary
Rhine sailings are scheduled to begin on 6 November 2026, offering an eight‑day “Romantic Rhine” cruise between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Basel, Switzerland. The programme highlights castles, wine regions and historic towns along the river, providing a complementary option to the Danube schedule.
Ship specifications
Century Star measures 134.99 metres in length and can carry up to 174 guests. Accommodation includes standard cabins, French‑Balcony cabins and Executive Suites, with cabin counts reported between 78 and 87. The hull is built from recycled steel and the vessel uses a hybrid propulsion system suited to lock and bridge restrictions on European rivers.
Ce que cela change pour les voyageurs
Préparation du voyage
- Existing bookings on other operators are unchanged; new Century Star sailings can be added to travel plans from September 2026.
- Travelers can now choose a luxury Danube cruise starting 18 September 2026 or a Rhine cruise from 6 November 2026.
- Advisers should update their product lists to include the Century Star itineraries for the 2026‑2027 season.
Coût et documents
- No additional fees or visa requirements are mentioned beyond standard cruise booking costs.
- Travel documents required remain those normally needed for European river cruises, such as a passport and any applicable Schengen visa.
Ce que vous devez faire
- Check the Century Cruises website or contact United Waterways for exact departure dates and cabin availability.
- Book the desired itinerary before the ship reaches full capacity, especially for the inaugural Danube sailing.
- Verify that travel insurance covers river cruise itineraries and any shore‑excursion activities.
Qui est concerné
-
Danube river cruise travellers
New luxury vessel and eight‑day itinerary begin on 18 September 2026.
À faire Book the Century Star Danube cruise or consult an adviser for availability.
-
Rhine river cruise travellers
Rhine itineraries start on 6 November 2026 with the same ship.
À faire Reserve a spot on the Romantic Rhine programme once bookings open.
-
Travel advisers selling European river cruises
Century Star adds a new product to the luxury river market.
À faire Update portfolio and provide clients with details of the new ship and routes.
-
Existing Century Cruises customers
The operator now offers European cruises in addition to its Asian fleet.
À faire Consider the new European options when planning future trips.
Questions fréquentes
When does the Century Star Danube cruise start?
The inaugural Danube sailing begins on 18 September 2026, running an eight‑day itinerary between Budapest and Passau.
What date do the Rhine itineraries launch?
Rhine cruises on Century Star are scheduled to start on 6 November 2026, offering an eight‑day journey between Amsterdam and Basel.
How many passengers can Century Star hold?
Century Star accommodates up to 174 guests across standard cabins, French‑Balcony cabins and Executive Suites.
Who built the Century Star vessel?
The ship was constructed by Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen and delivered to Century Cruises in June 2026.
What are the main cabin categories on Century Star?
Guests can choose from standard cabins, French‑Balcony cabins and Executive Suites, each offering different space and décor themes.
What is the length of the Century Star ship?
Century Star measures 134.99 metres long, designed to meet the dimensional limits of European river locks and bridges.
