Century Cruises, China’s premier river cruise operator, has announced its official entry into the international market through a strategic partnership with UNITED WATERWAYS. The agreement designates UNITED WATERWAYS as Century’s turnkey partner for operations and infrastructure development across Europe.
This major milestone is marked by the signing of a comprehensive service agreement aimed at attracting Century Cruises’ worldwide guests to Europe’s iconic rivers, expanding access to premium river cruise experiences throughout the region.
A centerpiece of the partnership is the development of a new, state-of-the-art vessel – named Century Star – to be built by the renowned Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen. Internationally recognized for its innovative and environmentally sustainable shipbuilding practices, Concordia Damen’s involvement further underscores Century Cruises’ commitment to modern maritime technology and ecological responsibility.
“Europe represents a strategic growth market for us,” said Alex Ye, CEO of Century Cruises. “With UNITED WATERWAYS as our European liaison, we benefit from their deep expertise in infrastructure and compliance, allowing us to confidently introduce our clientele to the cultural richness of Europe’s waterways. Concordia Damen’s reputation for excellence aligns seamlessly with our values of quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship.”
UNITED WATERWAYS brings extensive operational and regulatory knowledge of European waterways, positioning the company as a vital enabler of Century Cruises’ market entry.
“We’re proud to support Century Cruises in their global expansion,” said Stefan Bloch, COO of UNITED WATERWAYS. “Together, we aim to elevate the river cruising experience for Century’s guest, showcasing the best of European craftsmanship and service.”
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional cruise experiences to a global audience – while also highlighting continued investment in Europe’s shipbuilding sector.
World market leader in one-stop-shop white label ship management
UNITED WATERWAYS is the largest European provider of modular, white label ship management services on all waters. This makes it a one-stop shop for its customers. The company’s brands include KD, Oceandiva, Weiße Flotte Sachsen, Thames Luxury Charters, STARLING FLEET shipping company, Feenstra Rijn Lijn, and the service brands of the River Advice Group, which are located along European waterways. Ocean Advice is the counterpart for managing passenger ships on the world’s oceans. The company started in 2004 under the River Advice label. In 2019, the group was consolidated under the umbrella of UNITED WATERWAYS. The company’s headquarters are in Basel, Switzerland.
About Century Cruises
Century Cruises is a globally recognized luxury cruise line and destination management company (DMC) with offices in China, the EU, Egypt, the U.S., and Japan. Operating a fleet of 12 award-winning, eco-friendly vessels on iconic rivers such as the Yangtze, Danube, Rhine, and Nile, the company provides immersive journeys that celebrate the world’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Backed by over 32 years of expertise, Century Cruises delivers integrated DMC services – including land logistics, customized shore excursions, and MICE solutions – ensuring a seamless and premium experience from ship to shore. www.centurycruise.com