Century Cruises' new river ship Century Diamond has officially floated out at Kladovo in Serbia, completing a major construction milestone ahead of its planned European debut in August 2027.
The float-out marks completion of the vessel's hull and allows work to move into the afloat-outfitting phase. Machinery, technical systems, hotel spaces and interiors can now be completed and commissioned while the vessel is in the water.
Century Diamond will be the second of four new ships planned for the company's European river fleet. Its sister ship, Century Star, entered service on the Danube in September 2026.
A 174-guest ship for the Rhine
The new river vessel will measure approximately 135 metres in length and accommodate up to 174 guests in 76 cabins and suites across four decks.
Century Cruises says the ship will use hybrid propulsion and that approximately 60 per cent of the steel used in its construction will be recycled. The environmental measures form part of the company's effort to establish a new generation of purpose-built European river ships.
Its design follows Century's "Rivers Intertwined" concept, linking the cruise line's heritage on China's Yangtze River with the culture and landscapes of Europe's waterways.
What does a float-out mean?
A float-out is one of the most visible stages in a new ship's construction. It means the hull is sufficiently complete and watertight to leave its building position and float independently.
It does not mean that Century Diamond is finished or ready to carry passengers. The ship must now undergo further outfitting, installation and testing before delivery. Its interiors, guest areas and technical equipment will be completed, followed by trials and regulatory checks.
The milestone nevertheless provides an important sign that the vessel is moving from hull construction towards the final stages of the programme.
Rhine cruises between Amsterdam and Basel
Century Diamond is scheduled to make its inaugural voyage in August 2027. The ship will be based principally on the Rhine, operating seven-night voyages marketed as eight-day journeys between Amsterdam and Basel.
The route places the new vessel on one of Europe's best-known river-cruise corridors, connecting the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Century has also indicated that selected sailings will extend beyond the standard Rhine programme to other European waterways.
The operator's published programme includes Romantic Rhine itineraries in both directions between Amsterdam and Basel, alongside seasonal and longer European journeys.
Century Cruises builds its European presence
Century Cruises is already well established on the Yangtze in China, but its owned European operation is much newer. Century Star became the company's first purpose-built European vessel when it launched its Danube programme in September 2026.
Century Diamond continues that expansion rather than transferring an existing Chinese river vessel to Europe. Its dimensions, propulsion and accommodation have been planned for European river operations.
With two further new ships planned after Century Diamond, the company is positioning itself for a broader long-term presence across the Danube, Rhine and other European waterways.
The float-out at Kladovo is therefore more than a single construction update. It represents the next tangible step in Century Cruises' attempt to establish a four-ship European fleet while bringing elements of its Asian heritage into the competitive European river-cruise market.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Century Diamond floated out?
The ship floated out at Kladovo in eastern Serbia, on the River Danube.
When will Century Diamond enter service?
Century Cruises has scheduled the ship's inaugural voyage for August 2027.
How many passengers will Century Diamond carry?
The river ship is designed to accommodate up to 174 guests in 76 cabins and suites.
Where will Century Diamond sail?
It will be based primarily on the Rhine, with eight-day itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel. Selected voyages may travel beyond the usual Rhine route.
Does Century Diamond have hybrid propulsion?
Yes. Century Cruises says the vessel will use hybrid propulsion technology and will be constructed using approximately 60 per cent recycled steel.
Is Century Diamond complete now that it has floated out?
No. Float-out confirms that the hull is complete enough to enter the water. Afloat outfitting, testing, certification and delivery must still take place before passenger service begins.
Is Century Diamond a sister ship to Century Star?
Yes. Century Diamond is the second of four new vessels planned for Century Cruises' European fleet, following Century Star's 2026 debut.
Construction schedules and inaugural deployment details remain subject to change before the ship enters service.