With the debut of the newly constructed cruise ship ASUKA III, the company will operate its cruise business with a fleet of two ships, alongside the existing ASUKA II. ASUKA II, which succeeding the first ASUKA by building a history of cruises over the past 20 years, will embark on world cruise, after which it will host cruises in Japanese waters and elsewhere for shorter periods. The businesses’ world cruises will be taken over by ASUKA III.

NYK Cruises Co., Ltd., will launch the newly built cruise ship ASUKA III (registered port: Yokohama) in 2025. Weighing 52,200 gross tons, the ship is classified among the largest cruise ships in Japan. Combined with the currently operating ASUKA II (launched in 2006; registered port: Yokohama; 50,444 gross tons), the total passenger capacity will be approximately 1,600, making it the largest among Japanese cruise ships.

ASUKA III will continue to provide the hospitality and high-quality service unique to Japanese ships cultivated through ASUKA Cruises, aiming to build a new cruise culture. What specific features of ASUKA III differ from ASUKA II? The company’s Public Relations & Branding Team explains as follows.

“The ships are almost the same size, but ASUKA III accommodates fewer passengers to offer more space per person. Each room has a balcony from which guests can enjoy a private view. ASUKA III does not host one-night cruises, thereby providing passengers with relaxing quality time in their rooms or in other areas of the ship.”
In response to high demand from users, ASUKA III also offers single rooms.
“In recent years, an increasing number of solo travelers are taking cruises, so we decided to make them available.”

Simply put, according to the company’s Public Relations & Branding Team, the two ships differ in that ASUKA II offers an “authentic” experience, while ASUKA III offers an “authentic” experience with personalized service.

“ASUKA III provides services more tailored to the preferences of individual guests. For example, guests can enjoy meals at any time they prefer, selecting from six restaurants with unique styles. Additionally, each room comes with a tablet that enables them to receive customized services in various situations.”
ASUKA III also has improved capabilities as a vessel. It is an ecologically friendly ship, fueled by both natural gas and heavy oil. Equipped with a dynamic positioning system, it can also maintain its position without dropping an anchor, allowing it to turn in smaller areas and dock at ports that could not be accessed by its predecessors. Furthermore, it is the first cruise ship in Japan to employ an onshore power supply system. Both of these systems are designed based on environmental considerations.

ASUKA III is not the successor of ASUKA II, as the ship is not retiring. The company will operate two cruise ships, thereby expanding its fleet.

“While ASUKA II is primarily boarded by passengers aged 60 and above, ASUKA III has expanded its target customers to include those in their 40s to 60s and beyond. We expect ASUKA III to be used by a wider range of passengers who wish to enjoy long, relaxing journeys.”
Generally, cruise ship travels are considered challenging for those in their 40s and above, especially when they are in the child-rearing stage of life. In fact, cruise ships offer enjoyable opportunities particularly for such generations. Public Relations　& Branding Team explains as follows.

“During summer vacations, ASUKA II sees an increasing number of families, including those with three generations spanning parents, children, and grandchildren. In fact, cruising is comfortable for the child-rearing generation as well. Family-oriented cruises have babysitters aboard, allowing children to freely play on the ship. With a pool and a large public bath on the cruise, as well as various events held both on the ship and at each port of call, children will never be bored during the voyage. Meals are served from breakfast to late-night snacks, which are all-you-can-eat or drink except for alcoholic beverages and certain menu items. Also, passengers can enjoy perfect views of fireworks from ASUKA II with a height almost equivalent to a 12-story building. Cruise services come in a package that includes events, transportation, meals, and accommodations. When considering the total cost for hotel stays, meals, and transportation, cruising is actually not very expensive.”

In fact, according to Public Relations & Branding Team, their service is used by many repeat customers, including those from younger generations. Quite a few of them begin using the company’s cruises after coming aboard to attend guest entertainers’ concerts or to experience a cruise during a long vacation, such as summer holidays or Japan’s Golden Week vacation period. “You cannot fully enjoy a cruise on a one-night stay, because the ship is so spacious. You will find yourself disembarking just as you are starting to get used to the cruise. This often motivates our guests to enjoy longer stays. We recommend a cruise of at least two nights to enjoy the voyage to the fullest.” The rates start at around 100,000 yen per person per night. The sales for both ASUKA II and III cruises are currently performing well.

Following the debut of ASUKA III, ASUKA II, which succeeded the first ASUKA to build a history of cruising over past 20 years, will embark on its final cruise around the world in 2025, after which it will host cruises in Japanese waters and grand cruises overseas for about a month. World cruises will be taken over by ASUKA III.
The final schedules for the ASUKA II world cruises are as follows: Yokohama departure and return from Monday, March 31 to Friday, July 11, 2025, over 103 days; and Kobe departure and return from Tuesday, April 1 to Saturday, July 12, 2025, over 103 days. ASUKA II will be calling at ports overseas, including Singapore, South America, Namibia, Spain, the UK, France, the United States, and Mexico.

“The staff onboard will handle guests’ immigration procedures for each country on their behalf, providing support in Japanese. This will free them of the hassles encountered during regular overseas trips. Passengers can travel around the world without having to constantly repack their belongings. Additionally, ASUKA II features a large public bath and an open-air bath, allowing guests to bathe while enjoying views of the world’s oceans. Some guests use the bathtubs in their cabins to store the souvenirs and items they have purchased at each port of call. Of course, passengers can also enjoy exploring the city at each destination. This final world cruise will allow our guests to select a preferred section to board, making it easier for those in the working generation to participate.”

The standard price starts at eight million yen per person for a double room. The Royal Suite, the most luxurious stateroom, costs approximately 40.2 million yen for the same plan. The company also provides discount programs and My ASUKA CLUB (with no enrollment or annual membership fees), an ASUKA CRUISE membership organization that provides extensive membership benefits, open to anyone who wishes to join without the need to board the ship.
“Many people tend to think that our world cruises take place throughout the year, but they are offered only once a year, between April and July. This is the period when the weather is most pleasant worldwide, especially in Europe, where May to June is considered the best season. In addition to Europe, passengers can enjoy beautiful scenery that is unique to the season in other countries along the way.” Why not add the ASUKA III World Cruise to your dream list?

My ASUKA CLUB｜Provides exclusive updates and benefits to its members, such as the latest information about ASUKA CRUISES, discount tickets, and onboard coupons. Free of enrollment or annual membership fees. Open to anyone aged two or older, regardless of whether they will board the ASUKA CRUISE ships.