ZENCO CASA | Shi Ji Rong Yao Cruise ShipOn the landscape of the Yangtze River cruise industry, the birth of the Century Glory itself marks a leap—it is an upgraded masterpiece six years in the making by Guanda Century Cruise Line, following the Cent ury Myth and Century Legend which pioneered the era of electric propulsion back in 2013. Unlike ordinary river cruise ships, it carries the anticipation of the "Five Firsts": The first inland river cruise ship to receive the CCS Green Ship Certification; The first large-capacity passenger cruise ship powered by full electric propulsion; The first cruise ship to achieve the triple integration of "full soundproofing", "paint-free construction", and "superior comfort"; The first inland river flagship cruise ship to incorporate designs by the renowned Dutch firm Studio-L; The first "smart palm-held cruise ship" that integrates a smart all-in-one card and full-ship WiFi coverage into daily operations.
ZENCO's task was not merely furniture production, but the customization of "breathable safe furniture" for this "mobile inland river palace." These pieces had to cope with the Yangtze River's high-humidity environment (with an annual average humidity of 60%-80%), slight swaying during navigation, and high-frequency usage demands from 650 passengers—let alone guard against extreme scenarios. To avoid repeating the tragedy of the Eastern Star, where floating furniture blocked escape routes, all furniture had to meet the dual standards of "weight control + mandatory securing." From the outdoor lounge chairs on the sun deck to the dining tables in the VIP restaurant, from the sofas in the Glory Suites to the modular sofas in public areas, ZENCO took "material adaptation, structural safety, scenario integration, and extreme situation prevention" as its core, embedding every detail into the cruise ship's overall safety framework.
On the top deck of the Century Glory, the over 2,000-square-meter sun deck serves as a dedicated "sky-high leisure oasis" for passengers. Instead of the oppression of enclosed spaces, there is only the embrace of the river breeze and sunlight—and the outdoor furniture here stands as the scenery where safety and aesthetics coexist in this oasis. In the leisure area of the deck, light gray outdoor sofas line the guardrails. Their fabric is a water-resistant and UV-protective material custom-made for maritime environments—not only does it resist the Yangtze's dampness and ultraviolet rays, but it has also passed fire safety certification: during the 30-minute standard fire resistance test, no flame spread was observed, and the temperature rise on the unexposed side did not exceed 139°C. Even if splashed, a simple wipe with a dry cloth restores the sofas to their clean state. The sofas' metal fasteners are galvanized for rust prevention, ensuring no rust forms even after long-term exposure to the river breeze. In the interactive area at the center of the deck, modular leisure tables and chairs take center stage. Crafted with a detachable and modular design, individual chairs can be freely paired with square tables, while multiple sets can be arranged into circular conversation areas or temporary lounging spaces—accommodating passengers' themed events, from birthday parties to Three Gorges photography sharing sessions. Step inside the interior of the Century Glory, and the "progressive courtyard" concept designed by Studio-L greets you at once—from the bar to various public functional areas, the spaces unfold in gradual layers, akin to the gorges of the Three Gorges. The furniture placed throughout these spaces serves as both the "rhythmic threads" and "safety tethers" that link them together. As the atmospheric focal point, the bar area resembles a cove in the gorges bathed in neon and soft light. Light-colored sofas, paired with patterned cushions, complement the marble-topped coffee tables beautifully. Dark-colored tables and chairs are arranged in a scattered, irregular pattern around them; the polka-dot carpets on the floor evoke the look of sparkling ripples on water; linear lights on the ceiling and the central chandelier weave together a dreamy glow. In the interplay of colors, light, and shadow, a relaxed yet elegant sense of leisure is woven into every corner. The gym space, by contrast, resembles a vibrant tidal flat in the gorges—bright and airy. Mirrors on the walls stretch its visual boundaries, while light wood-grain flooring adds warm undertones to the high-tech fitness equipment. Sleek silver-gray treadmills, exercise bikes, and other professional gear are arranged in neat rows; their sleek tech-enabled displays glimmer under the lights, and the ample workout space ensures every stretch feels unrestricted. As functional "furniture," these fitness tools stand as energetic beats within the "rhythmic threads," perfectly suited to the scenario of efficient exercise—each whir of the equipment deepens the vivid rhythm of vitality.
Meanwhile, the theater space unfolds like a spacious performance platform nestled in the gorges. Seats in a magenta-dominant hue are arranged in a stepped pattern, resembling layers of spread-out stone steps. Above the stage, lighting equipment and the backdrop screen stand ready—setting the stage for immersive audio-visual experiences, allowing the rhythm of art and sharing to resonate richly within this space. The KTV private rooms, by contrast, feel like small caves in the gorges hiding the secret of joyful singing. Walls inlaid with mirrored panels and dark stone are paired with warm yellow sofas and glowing coffee tables. Acoustic soft panels on the walls not only ensure sound quality but also add depth to the space. Here, the rhythm of joyful singing—unleashed freely—dances without restraint, turning these rooms into exclusive nooks for relaxation and uninhibited fun. Lobby Leisure Area: Modular Flexibility and Safety In the public lounge area of the lobby, single-seat, two-seat, and three-seat sofas seamlessly align with the spatial layout. Single-seat sofas can be placed independently, catering to passengers seeking quiet solitude; two-seat sofas suit traveling companions engaged in whispered conversations; and three-seat sofas accommodate small family gatherings. The sofas are upholstered in high-grade wear-resistant fabric—tested to withstand 5,000 friction cycles without damage—while also boasting stain-resistant properties; coffee or juice stains can be easily removed with a damp cloth. Their frames are crafted from moisture-proof treated solid wood. The off-white main bodies of the sofas, paired with throw pillows, aptly echo Studio-L's "River and Sky in One Hue" design concept, creating a visual dialogue with the Yangtze River outside the windows.
Beyond the lobby, the spacious and open reading room unfolds as another oasis of tranquility. At its center stands the room's focal piece of furniture: a sleek and substantial long table. Crafted from large planks of solid wood, it exudes a warm texture, its surface adorned with fine, natural grain that speaks to its organic quality. Arranged around this table are over a dozen modern-style reading chairs, their slim black metal frames lending clean, lightweight lines to the space. The chair seats are upholstered in high-grade fabric—skin-friendly and breathable—remaining comfortable even during long stretches of sitting. What's more, the points where the chair legs meet the floor have undergone sound-dampening treatment; no screeching metal sounds escape when users stand up, perfectly aligning with the cruise ship's "full soundproofing" quality standard. Custom-built bookshelves line the reading room's two sides, stretching along the walls. Their dark-toned cabinets blend seamlessly with the space's color palette, harmonizing with the room's serene ambiance.
The guest room cluster of the Century Glory is concentrated on the forward deck, far from the mechanical area at the ship's bottom. Combined with its vibration and noise reduction design, this configuration achieves the highest-level noise reduction standard certified by CCS. Based on the positioning of different room types, ZENCO has customized differentiated furniture for the ship's 28 suites, 208 balcony cabins, and 22 inside cabins. Each piece of furniture incorporates safety considerations, allowing every guest room to blend "the warmth of home" with "the sense of security unique to a cruise ship."
Honor Suite: The Ultimate of Light Luxury and Safety Nestled at the forward end of the deck, the Glory Suite stands as a luxurious microcosm of "the best on inland rivers." Furniture here centers on high-end fabrics, embodying its premium positioning. The living room sofa, crafted from top-tier fabric, boasts a cloud-like soft touch while being stain-resistant and wear-proof. Its frame is made of moisture-proof treated solid wood, and USB ports are thoughtfully integrated into the sofa's side—convenient for connecting laptops or tablets. The drawers feature silent soft-close slides: the damping feel is gentle when pulled open, and no clattering sound is heard when closed. In the bedroom, the lounge chair is custom-designed for sightseeing. Passengers can recline slightly and gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the Three Gorges scenery unfurling outside. Parent-child Family Theme Suite: Balancing Safety and Childhood Fun
Selected Deluxe Room: A Fusion of Comfort and Safety The Premium Deluxe Cabins strike an exquisite balance between residential comfort and safety assurance. Inside the cabin, a large bed is draped in soft bedding; the delicate piping detail along its edges not only elevates the sense of quality but also prevents snags. Decorative cushions at the head of the bed infuse the space with a warm, inviting ambiance. A red sofa in the room adds a touch of vibrancy to the interior. The desk boasts a spacious surface, ample enough to meet both work and reading needs. The overall layout is open and elegant—every piece of furniture weaves together comfortable experiences with safety details, allowing the cabin to exude the effortless grace of high-end accommodation.
Double-layered Global Restaurant: Harmony of Transparency and Safety
VIP Viewing Dining Bar: The Fusion of Privacy and Security The VIP Observation Dining Lounge at the bow of the 3F deck is synonymous with ultimate river views and premium privacy. Expansive panoramic windows here act like natural picture frames, gently embracing the river and mountain scenery within the dining view—blending every meal with the poetic charm of the Yangtze in seamless harmony. Inside the lounge, a variety of dining tables are arranged, with round, rectangular, and other shapes catering to different dining scenarios. They are paired with warm-toned dining chairs that exude a soft texture, blending seamlessly with the space's ambiance. The floor is covered with textured carpets, which take on an even more elegant glow under the warm lighting. The ceiling's lighting design boasts thoughtful ingenuity, adding a touch of refinement to the dining experience. The overall layout not only ensures a comfortable dining experience but also, through its unobstructed views and detailed design, creates a natural connection between the river scenery and the lounge space.
Intelligent Adaptation: Hidden and Convenient Design Smart interfaces are built into the desk in each guest room, allowing passengers to connect to the room's smart system via their mobile phones. This lets them adjust the brightness and color temperature of the light above the desk, catering to diverse needs across scenarios such as "working," "reading," and "makeup application." Inside the desk drawer, a compact USB hub is installed—convenient for charging multiple devices simultaneously. What's more, the hub has undergone waterproof treatment, preventing short circuits caused by accidental spills. Security Redundancy: Full Dimensional Protection from Daily to Extreme ZENCO has implemented meticulous safety measures in the design of all furniture. Take the sofas in public areas, for instance: in addition to being double-secured with bolts and chains, their center of gravity is optimized through internal weighting. This not only prevents shifting due to slight swaying but also avoids adding unnecessary load to the ship's hull. Stringent checks are also applied to the safety of furniture materials. All fabrics have passed fire resistance tests, with smoke emission levels far below maritime standards. Metal components are made of 304 stainless steel, which showed no rust after a 48-hour salt spray test. The moisture content of wood and boards is strictly controlled to prevent mold or cracking caused by the high-humidity environment along the Yangtze River. More crucially, the weight of every piece of furniture has been precisely calculated—not only to ensure sufficient inherent weight to prevent easy displacement but also to strictly control the total weight, avoiding any impact on the ship's balance. This dual consideration for "daily safety" and "extreme situation prevention" is a profound reminder of the Eastern Star tragedy for ZENCO, and a solemn commitment to the safety of passengers' lives. From initial engagement with the project in 2018 to the completion of furniture production and installation for the entire ship in 2019, ZENCO went through four key phases: "detailed blueprint refinement, prototype testing, mass production, and on-site debugging." At every stage, ZENCO took "cruise ship scenarios," "historical lessons," and "passenger safety" as its three core pillars—breaking free from the conventional mindset of traditional hotel furniture design.The success of the Century Glory is not only a testament to ZENCO's capability in customizing luxury cruise ship furniture, but also sets a new safety-first standard for the inland river cruise furniture industry. It proves that cruise ship furniture is not a downsized version of land-based furniture, but a specialized creation tailored to scenarios and dedicated to safety—one that must balance safety with comfort, environmental friendliness with weather resistance, and intelligence with aesthetics. More importantly, it must honor historical lessons and be prepared for extreme situations.Today, as the Century Glory carries 650 passengers through the Three Gorges, ZENCO's furniture continues to play its quiet role: on the deck, sofas and lounge chairs greet the sunrise and sunset, secured by chains; in the restaurants, tables and dining chairs cradle delicious meals and laughter, supported by stabilizing fixtures; in the guest rooms, sofas and desks accompany passengers into slumber, protected by dual-securing systems. These pieces are not cold objects—they are warm, safety-focused companions. Together with the Yangtze's breeze, the Three Gorges' scenery, and passengers' smiles, they weave the legendary tale of "the finest on inland rivers" in travel and accommodation.Looking ahead, ZENCO will continue to focus on scenario-based customization and safety assurance as its core, while deepening its presence in the hospitality furniture sector—whether for ocean liners, inland river cruises, or high-end trains. ZENCO will use furniture as a link to connect "functional needs," "experience enhancement," and "safety bottom lines," ensuring that every journey becomes more comfortable, beautiful, and reassuring with the companionship of ZENCO's furniture. |