New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) --12/02/2011 -- With the introduction of its two new ships, Century Cruises, owners and operators of the youngest 5-star fleet on the Yangtze River, is poised to revolutionize the Yangtze River cruise experience. The new Century Paragon and Century Legend, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2012, have been built upon the latest, most innovative ship-building and “green” technologies. They also offer guests an unmatched level of comfort, luxury, and relaxation never experienced on the Yangtze before. Each ship accommodates 398 passengers, and features a choice of accommodations that include 160 deluxe staterooms – all with river view – 34 expansive Executive Suites, and two ultra-luxurious Presidential Suites.

Cruising at the “Executive” Level
Connected by a private staircase, the two “Executive Decks” are located on the Sundeck – a Yangtze River first – and on deck 5. Executive Suite guests may dine at an exclusive a la carte restaurant, and can also enjoy such distinctive amenities as a private reception area, bar, and sundeck area – plus 24-hour concierge service for food and beverages. The elegant, 366 square foot Executive Suites are furnished with an LCD TV with VOD, DVD player, mini-bar, Italian coffee machine, and in-room WI-FI. Guests can also avail themselves of a personalized butler service and free laundry service. Daily in-room snacks and fruits are also included. As a special touch, Executive Suite guests receive a “welcome” bottle of fine red wine and one special Western Dinner in the Executive Club Restaurant.

Setting a New “Standard”
The standard deluxe staterooms on Century’s two new ships are 301 square feet – making them the largest standard cruise ship cabins or suites currently on the Yangtze. All have balconies offering sweeping views of the river and surrounding landscape, and amenities such as direct dial phone, LCD Satellite TV, automatically controlled air-conditioning, and a spacious bathroom with a separate bathtub.

Enhancing the experience of cruising on the Century Legend and Paragon are a host of exclusive features not found on any of today’s Yangtze River cruise ships. These include:

• An over 2,150 sq. ft. heated indoor swimming pool and spa complete with bar, fitness center, private relaxation area and two dressing rooms with shower
• Public area and sightseeing elevators extended to the B1 deck
• A 7-story Grand Atrium lobby that maximizes the onboard leisure area and provides spectacular views of the surrounding Yangtze scenery
• An unobstructed 12 ft. high, multifunctional lounge featuring a center stage with large LED screen
• An auditorium-style HD cinema seating up to 150-guests, and featuring multi-lingual translation equipment for international meetings

The new ships have two elegantly appointed restaurants: a spacious main restaurant featuring floor to ceiling panoramic windows, and the Executive Club restaurant on deck 6 primarily for

Executive Suite passengers. For leisure hours, there are two bars, WI-FI throughout the ships, a variety of shops, game room, library, 2 KTV rooms, card room, and children’s playground. Passengers will also enjoy lectures about the “Three Gorges,” past and present, the migration of the “Three Gorges,” Cooking demonstrations featuring traditional Chinese and “Hot Pot” cooking, and Tai Chi classes every morning. Evenings will be enlivened by performances of the first professional folklore entertainment troupe on the Yangtze.

Breakthrough design, construction and “Green” technology

The new Century Paragon and Century Legend were designed by Yran & Storbraaton, noted Norwegian cruise ship designers, and supervised by EMS and Schiffstechnik Buchloh, two of Germany’s leading ship-building firms. Foremost among the ships’ revolutionary engineering and “Green” technology features are:

• The first integrated E-Propulsion and Rudder Propeller System on the Yangtze, substantially reducing vibration and noise, and significantly increasing the ships’ maneuvering capability
• The first Internet-based remote control surveillance system, providing maximum passenger security and safety
• The first “Zero Paint” Yangtze cruise ships. Extensive use of high-tech compound panels for interior decoration and furniture offer passengers a true sense of healthy cruising

“Century’s two new ships offer the ultimate in comfort and are true ‘green paradises,’ that will cruise in total harmony with the majestic Yangtze River,” remarked Mr. Alex Ye, Century’s Vice President, Marketing. Ye added, “The ships are imbued with the Nordic values of ‘Green Environment, Low-Emission and Sustainability.”

Century cruises are currently featured in the programs of a number of well-established U.S. tour operators, including Gate One Travel, Viking River Cruises, China Discovery Tours, Shanghai Spring International Travel, Asia Journeys, Explorient, and MG Tour Company. And the cruise line is anticipating adding to its roster of tour operator partners in 2012. For more information, contact your travel counselor or any of the above-mentioned tour operators, or log on to http://www.centuryrivercruises.com.