Century Diamond unveils Century Diamond for 2027 Rhine Debut

2026-09-28

Century Cruises is expanding its presence in Europe with the introduction of Century Diamond, a new luxury river ship scheduled to make its inaugural voyage in August 2027.

The announcement follows the launch of Century Star, the company’s first new-generation ship for Europe’s rivers. While Century Star is based on the Danube, Century Diamond will make the Rhine its primary home, marking the next stage in Century Cruises’ European expansion.

A New Ship for the Rhine

Measuring approximately 135 metres in length and accommodating up to 174 guests across four decks, Century Diamond has been designed specifically for European river cruising. Its primary itineraries will be eight-day voyages between Amsterdam and Basel, with selected departures extending beyond the traditional Rhine route to other waterways in Century Cruises’ growing European program.

Onboard spaces will include French balcony accommodations, executive suites, a main restaurant, several lounges, a fitness area and an open-air sun deck designed to take advantage of the passing river scenery.

Where East Meets West

Century Cruises describes the design philosophy behind Century Diamond as “Rivers Intertwined,” bringing together the company’s heritage on China’s Yangtze River with the culture, landscapes and traditions of Europe.

That concept will appear throughout the ship. The main restaurant takes inspiration from Germany’s Black Forest while incorporating details reflecting Century’s Chinese heritage. The ship’s lounge draws on the atmosphere of traditional Viennese coffee houses, combined with artwork influenced by the company’s Asian roots.

The same approach will extend to dining. Menus are expected to feature regional foods, wines and beers from destinations visited along the route, alongside dishes representing Century Cruises’ Chinese culinary heritage.

A Focus on More Sustainable River Cruising

Century Diamond will feature hybrid propulsion and is being constructed using approximately 60 percent recycled steel. The ship is part of Century Cruises’ effort to develop a new generation of vessels combining luxury river travel with more environmentally conscious construction and operation.

The vessel’s hull was designed by Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen, while its interiors are being developed by MDesigns. The result is intended to combine European craftsmanship and contemporary river ship engineering with the hospitality traditions Century Cruises has developed over more than three decades of operating on the Yangtze.

Century Cruises Expands in Europe

Century Diamond will be the second of four new ships planned for Century Cruises’ European fleet. Together with sister ship Century Star, it represents a significant expansion beyond the company’s established operations in China and positions Century Cruises for a larger presence on Europe’s major waterways.

With Century Star introducing the brand to the Danube and Century Diamond arriving on the Rhine in 2027, Century Cruises is bringing a distinctive combination of Asian hospitality, European design and modern river ship technology to two of Europe’s most important cruising regions.