All Avalon Yangtze River Cruise Programs to Feature the 5-Star Cruise Lines’ Two New Vessels, the “Century Paragon” and “Century Legend”

New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/18/2012 -- Century Cruises, the 5-Star Yangtze River cruise line, has announced the signing of a two-year agreement with Avalon Waterways, a part of the Globus family of brands. Under the agreement, all of Avalon's 2013 and 2014 Yangtze River cruise programs will feature the newest additions to Century's 5-Star fleet, the Century Paragon and Century Legend. The programs combine a scenic Yangtze cruise with an opportunity for travelers to visit China's major cities and must-see attractions, and experience the dramatic changes that are taking place throughout the country.

In addition to countless trade accolades, Avalon Waterways has garnered some of the industry's most prestigious honors: Among them, Avalon was voted the Best River Cruise Line in 2010 by Cruise Critic editors; they were among the top 5 river cruise lines in Travel + Leisure's 2011 World's Best Awards; and they received Cond? Nast Traveler's 2011 Reader's Choice Award.

The Century Legend and Century Paragon provide a level of comfort, luxury, and relaxation never before available on the Yangtze. Among their many industry firsts, the vessels feature the largest Standard Deluxe Cabins on the Yangtze, two exclusive Executive Decks, and a huge indoor pool/spa area. The vessels also boast such technological innovations as 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 Paragon and Legend will also offer passengers an environmentally friendly cruise, with such "Green" technology features as low emission engines and the extensive use of high-tech compound panels for interior decoration and furniture.

"Our partnership with Avalon is another milestone for Century. Along with our new, state-of-the art vessels, it represents a significant accomplishment in our quest to meet the demands of the luxury cruise market. We are extremely proud that Avalon, one of the top river cruise operators in the United States, has selected Century to be their partner", commented Alex Ye, Century's Vice President, Marketing.

The current Century fleet is comprised of the 5-star Century Star, Century Sky, Century Sun, Century Diamond, and Century Emerald. For more information, you can contact Melanie Gravdal at Avalon Waterways (melanie@eda-pr.com), call 888-980-8747, or log on to http://www.centuryrivercruises.com.

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Beginning in 2013, Uniworld Will Operate All of Their Yangtze River Cruises Onboard the 5-Star Cruise Lines’ Two New Builds, the “Century Paragon” and the “Century Legend”

New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/30/2012 -- Century Cruises, a leading Yangtze River cruise line, has announced the signing of a contract with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. The world's only authentic boutique cruise line™, Uniworld is recognized among the "World's Best River Cruises" by Travel + Leisure. The company was also voted the"#1 River Cruise Line in the World" in Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, and was named to Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious Gold List and their Platinum Circle for having made the list consistently for the past five years.

Uniworld offers a variety of China experiences that combine Yangtze River cruises with visits to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. Under the agreement with Century, all of Uniworld's 2013 and 2014 Yangtze River cruise programs will include accommodations and amenities in Uniworld's own branded section of the new, state-of-the art Century Paragon and Century Legend. Uniworld guests will stay in Uniworld Signature Suites and will treated to a host of exclusive onboard services.

The Century Paragon and Legend will offer Uniworld guests an unmatched level of comfort, luxury, and relaxation never before experienced on the Yangtze. Among their many firsts, the vessels feature the largest Standard Deluxe Cabins on the Yangtze, two exclusive Executive Decks, and a huge indoor pool/spa area. The vessels also boast such technological innovations as the first integrated E-Propulsion and Rudder Propeller System on the Yangtze, substantially reducing vibration and noise, and significantly increasing the ships' maneuvering capability.

And with "Green" technology features such as the extensive use of high-tech compound panels for interior decoration and furniture, the Paragon and Legend offer passengers a true sense of healthy cruising.

"We are extremely proud that Uniworld has chosen to partner with Century Cruises. It is fitting that one of the top river cruise operators in the United States will be among the first to feature the newest vessels in our luxurious, 5-star fleet", commented Alex Ye, Century's Vice President, Marketing.

The current Century fleet is comprised of the 5-star Century Star, Century Sky, Century Sun, Century Diamond, and Century Emerald. For more information, call 888-980-8747 or log on to http://www.centuryrivercruises.com.

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Passenger Services, Amenities, and Activities Have Been Improved for 2012

New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2012 -- Century Cruises, a leading Yangtze River cruise line, has announced the completion of an extensive "Quality Enhancement Program" (QEP) encompassing everything from the hotel management to the food quality to the entertainment onboard its luxurious 5-star fleet.

A key aspect of the QEP was additional staff training, which included Century's European Hotel Managers. Some senior staff members were sent to Europe for training and meetings with their counterparts aboard 5-Star ships operated by one of world's premier river cruise lines. The program also included a review of Century's food supply system, which resulted in improvements in the quality of food served onboard, and the addition of new international dishes into Century's menus.

Enhanced Activities and Amenities
As part of the QEP, Century hired a professional choreographer and dancers to improve its program of onboard dance performances that features Chinese folk dances, music and beautiful costumes. Amenities such as "afternoon tea" have also been enhanced with the serving of delicate deserts and cookies, and a more elegant atmosphere in which talented Century staff members play traditional Chinese instruments or teach passengers Chinese. All other onboard activities and amenities have also been subject to a thorough review to ensure that Century's 5-Star standards are maintained or exceeded in its 2012 sailings.

"Our Quality Enhancement Program ensures that Century will maintain its well-deserved reputation for providing our passengers with a world-class river cruise experience while discovering one of the world's most historic waterways," commented Alex Ye, Century's Vice President, Marketing.

A History of Excellence
Since the company's launch in 2003, Century Cruises has been setting the standards for onboard hospitality, service, and amenities among 5-Star Yangtze River cruise lines. Its first ship, the Century Star, was the first cruise ship to feature private balconies with every cabin.

In 2005, the Century Sky was the first ship to have a grand atrium lobby and two mid-ship observation elevators. It also boasted the largest standard cabin on the Yangtze (278 sq. ft). Three years later, the Century Diamond became the first cruise ship to install pure drinking water in every cabin.

And in addition to such state-of -the-art amenities as a 2,150 sq. ft. heated indoor swimming pool, spa and fitness center, Century's two newbuilds, the Century Paragon and Century Legend, feature 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 current Century fleet is comprised of the 5-star Century Star, Century Sky, Century Sun, Century Diamond, and Century Emerald. For more information, contact the company's Senior U.S. Representative, Jeff O'Rourke, at 888-980-8747 or jeff@centuryrivercruises.com. You can also log on to http://www.centuryrivercruises.com.

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New Century “Legend” and “Paragon” Boast Largest Standard Deluxe Cabins, Two Exclusive Executive Decks, and Huge Indoor Pool/Spa Area

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.

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