Century Diamond Floated Out Ahead of 2027 Rhine Debut
Century Diamond’s main restaurant will draw on Germany’s Black Forest, while its lounge takes cues from a traditional Viennese coffee house and Asian-inspired artwork.
Century Cruises’ new European river ship, Century Diamond, has been floated out in Kladovo, Serbia, with hull construction complete and afloat outfitting now beginning. The vessel is scheduled to sail its inaugural voyage in August 2027. Century Cruises confirmed the construction progress in a social media post.
The newbuild is the second of four ships planned for the company’s European fleet, following Century Star, which began operating on the Danube in September. Century Diamond will be based on the Rhine, operating mainly eight-day itineraries between Basel and Amsterdam.
Hybrid propulsion and recycled steel
Concordia Damen Shipbuilding is building the approximately 2,900-gross-ton vessel. At 135 meters long, Century Diamond will accommodate up to 174 guests in 76 cabins and suites across four decks, with approximately 45 crew members.
The ship will use hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and is expected to incorporate approximately 60 percent recycled steel. Its low-draft hull is designed for European inland waterways, with a draft of up to about 2.1 meters.
The European newbuild is separate from the older Century Diamond operating on China’s Yangtze River. That vessel entered service in 2008 and accommodates 264 passengers.
European interiors with Yangtze influences
Century Diamond’s interiors follow the company’s “Rivers Intertwined” design approach. David Fredericks, president and general manager, The Americas, at Century Cruises, said the European ships were developed with North American and European travelers in mind.
“We are bringing two worlds together, East and West, the Yangtze and the great rivers of Europe,” Fredericks said.
The main restaurant will take its design cues from Germany’s Black Forest, alongside references to the company’s Chinese origins. The lounge will draw on a traditional Viennese coffee house, with artwork inspired by the brand’s Asian heritage. Fredericks credited Thomas Rooch and the Century One team in Basel with developing the design vision.
The dining program will feature regional dishes and wines and beers from destinations on the itinerary. A Chinese dish will also be included on the menu as a connection to the company’s Yangtze operations.
Beyond the core Rhine route, selected departures will extend to other waterways within Century Cruises’ European program.
