Century Cruises’ new European flagship, Century Diamond, has floated out at Kladovo Shipbuilding in Serbia. This completes hull construction and brings the ship’s 2027 maiden voyage a step closer.

Century Diamond joins sister ship Century Star, which made its maiden voyage in August 2026, to form the brand’s European “Twin Star Fleet”. The ship will now be towed to the Concordia Damen shipyard in Werkendam, the Netherlands, for outfitting, interior fit-out and systems testing, ahead of sea trials in July 2027.

At 134.99 metres long, Century Diamond has 87 staterooms for up to 174 guests, including French balcony staterooms and executive suites. It also has a panoramic restaurant, aft lounge and fitness centre.

Hybrid power and electric propulsion reduce noise, vibration and emissions. More than 60% of the hull is recycled steel, and the ship can run solely on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).

Interiors by Dutch studio MDesigns follow the theme “Rivers Entwined”, pairing Nordic-influenced design with Chinese ink wash and peony motifs.

“Century Diamond’s successful float-out represents a pivotal milestone for our European Twin Star Fleet,” said David Fredericks, President & CEO of Century Cruises Inc. “We eagerly anticipate delivering river-cruise holidays defined by Eastern warmth and world-class quality.”

Supported by a strategic partnership with United Waterways, Century Diamond will sail 8-day Rhine and Danube itineraries and 15-day Danube, Main and Rhine voyages. It will call at Amsterdam, Cologne, Strasbourg, Basel, Budapest and Vienna. Its East-West Gastronomy menu offers more than 50 chef-curated dishes.

Owned by Chongqing Gaund Holding Group, Century Cruises operates river cruises on the Yangtze in China, the Rhine and Danube in Europe, and the Nile in Egypt. It has more than 30 years of heritage on the Yangtze.