Offering sailings on China's Yangtze River for the past 30 years (mainly as the Chinese partner of Western river cruise lines Viking, Uniworld, and AmaWaterways until the 2020 pandemic), Chongqing-based Century Cruises now operates its own fleet of six modern and eco-conscious river ships.
In September 2026, it will expand its operations into Europe with itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers.
The Yangtze is home to five Century ships — Century Voyage, Century Oasis, Century Victory, Century Glory, and Century Legend — each accommodating about 600 guests, while 174-guest Century Star cruises the Danube and Rhine. Designed to appeal to international travelers, all ships on the Yangtze feature both Asian and Western cuisine (with beer and wine included with meals), and signage that's both in Chinese and English.
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What We Love
Spacious and Modern Eco-Conscious Ships with All-Balcony Staterooms: The size and depth of the Yangtze, which flows for 3,915 miles and is the world's third-longest river, allows for much larger ships than the rivers of Europe. Century's vessels, all constructed since 2019, are therefore spacious, as well as decorated in a contemporary and upscale style that features a mix of traditional and modern Chinese motifs.
The energy-efficient ships have seven decks and a light-filled multi-level atrium, similar to those found on small luxury ocean liners. There are also several elegant restaurants (including a two-level main restaurant and one solely for suite guests), as well as a main lounge for evening gatherings (with an open bar available at certain hours) and another exclusive to suite guests. Most accommodations on Century's Yangtze ships feature a private balcony, with options that include standard 280-square-foot Deluxe Cabins, 409-square-foot Executive Suites, two 559-square-foot Suites, and two 915-square-foot Presidential Suites. There are also 366-square-foot Family Suites with a kids' bed tucked into an adorable Hello Kitty- or panda-decorated alcove.
Varied Itinerary Options: With a choice of either in-depth 10- and 11-night Chongqing to Shanghai (or vice versa) cruises or shorter 3- and 4-night sailings between Chongqing and Yichang, Century's ships on the Yangtze can be incorporated into a variety of China itineraries. The company also offers 12- to 17-night Cruise Tours that seamlessly combine one of the shorter sailings with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Hong Kong — all guided by a single tour director from start to finish. In Europe, Century offers 7-night itineraries on the Rhine between Basel, Switzerland, and Amsterdam; and on the Danube between Passau, Germany, and Budapest, as well as 14-night sailings between Amsterdam and Budapest that cruise both rivers.
Immersive Onboard Activities for All Ages: In addition to a library, Century's Yangtze ships feature a Junior Cruisers Center with arcade games as well as a karaoke room for groups looking to belt out their favorite songs. Guests can enjoy Tai Chi and calligraphy classes, a modern theater with comfortable seating for watching films and live performances, colorful dance shows on the sun deck, and multiple Mahjong Rooms. There's also a small gym with treadmills and other equipment. Plus, unlike most river ships, which typically feature a small nook selling jewelry, hats, and other items, Century's ships on the Yangtze have a dedicated Century Shopping Center that rivals the boutiques on some larger ocean ships.
Best Known For
Yangtze River Access: Travelers can visit as many as 12 ports along the Yangtze River, where 21st-century Chinese architecture co-exists with historic cultural and spiritual landmarks in charming towns along the water. These include Wuhan (home to the famous Yellow Crane Tower), Fengdu (known for its Ghost City complex dedicated to the afterlife), Nanjing (for access to Mount Niushou, an important Buddhist site), Yueyang (known for Yueyang Tower and other traditional buildings), and Yangzhou (to explore Slender West Lake and its photogenic bridges).
A Spacious Spa: While not as large as those featured on most ocean ships, the Zen Spa Center on Century's Yangtze ships is surprisingly spacious and features multiple treatment rooms for affordably priced Chinese and Western treatments that include reflexology, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine therapies, and massages.
Expert Local Guides: Century employs expert English-speaking local guides who really know each destination and can offer both historical and current context about the sites visited. In addition, a knowledgeable Tour Director accompanies all Cruise Tours from start to finish, even on the cruise portion.
Who It's Good For
Those Who Want To See It All: Touring China generally involves changing hotels every few days and taking trains, buses, and flights between cities, but Century's longer cruise itineraries let you unpack once and visit up to a dozen destinations along the scenic Yangtze. The Cruise Tours, meanwhile, offer a more ambitious way to see even more of China, although a bit more stamina and mobility are required.
Culture-Seeking Families: If visiting China with your kids (children aged two and older are welcome aboard) is on your wishlist, Century ships are a convenient, hassle-free, and family-friendly option.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
Cruises Alone Don't Visit Key Sights: In order to see the big-three sights that most travelers to China want to experience — Beijing's Forbidden City and Great Wall, Xian's Terra Cotta Warriors, and Hong Kong's iconic skyline and harbor — you'll need to book a Cruise Tour. The river cruise itineraries alone do, however, visit Shanghai as well as fascinating cities and lesser-known historic and cultural landmarks along the Yangtze.
There's No Pool: Unfortunately, the only thing splashy about these ships is the décor. You may want to keep this in mind if booking a Yangtze cruise during the hot summer months.