Century Cruises has announced the Century Diamond, the second vessel in its new generation of river ships in Europe, with the ship’s inaugural voyage scheduled for August 2027.
The announcement follows the inaugural voyage of the Century Star on the Danube.
The 135-meter-long ship will feature 76 cabins and suites across four decks and accommodate up to 174 guests. The ship will be equipped with hybrid propulsion and constructed using approximately 60 percent recycled steel.
The Century Diamond is the second of four new ships planned for the company’s European fleet.
The company announced that vessel will be based on the Rhine, sailing primarily eight-day voyages between Basel and Amsterdam, while select sailings will venture beyond the traditional Rhine itinerary to other waterways in the company’s European program.
The ship’s design follows the company’s “Rivers Intertwined” philosophy, which links its heritage on China’s Yangtze River with Europe’s waterways. The main restaurant will draw inspiration from Germany’s Black Forest with subtle nods to the brand’s Chinese roots, while the lounge will be modeled on a traditional Viennese coffee house and feature artwork inspired by the company’s Asian origins.
“Thomas (Rooch) and the team at Century One in Basel have brought our vision for ‘Rivers Intertwined’ to life,” said David Fredericks, president and general manager, The Americas, Century Cruises.
Fredericks said the company’s European ships were designed specifically with North American and European travelers in mind, featuring strong European influences throughout public spaces and staterooms along with reminders of the brand’s Asian heritage.
The culinary program will include regional foods, local wines and beers from the destinations visited, as well as a Chinese dish on the menu reflecting the company’s Yangtze origins.
“We are not trying to recreate what already exists,” Fredericks added. “We are bringing two worlds together, East and West, the Yangtze and the great rivers of Europe, as Century Cruises continues its expansion around the world.”
