In the interview “East meets West” with Cruise & Ferry Review (CRF), Richard Xie (Vice President of Century Cruises), Stefan Bloch (COO of UNITED WATERWAYS), and Marloes Boele (Founder of Mdesigns) share insights on the launch of Century Star and the company’s entry into the European river cruise market.
In 2026, Century Cruises will enter the European market with the launch of Century Star on the Danube, its first ship outside of China. Concordia Damen is constructing the vessel, and UNITED WATERWAYS is playing a central role in guiding the project by managing all operational aspects, including regulatory compliance, staffing, safety procedures, and guest services. Leveraging its expertise in European river cruising and understanding of Asian travelers’ preferences, UNITED WATERWAYS will ensure a smooth debut with consistently high service standards. Meanwhile, Mdesigns has developed the interior design that blends Chinese and European cultural elements to create a unique “East meets West” atmosphere. These collaborations aim to establish Century Cruises as a strong competitor in the European river cruise market.
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