Asuka Cruises, NYK Line's subsidiary and Japan’s premier luxury ship travel brand, has plotted an ambitious schedule of nearly 50 voyages for late 2025 and early 2026, honouring its dual traditions of modernity and refinement.
Bookings, which opened in May, will cover a blend of domestic coastal cruises and regional expeditions to Pacific isles and Taiwan, as the line readies its new flagship, Asuka III, alongside the enduring Asuka II.
Constructed at Germany’s Meyer Werft, the 230‑metre Asuka III was delivered in April and arrived at Yokohama in June, poised to embark on its maiden season in late July.
Between October 2025 and January 2026, the vessel will sail 53 distinct departures. Highlights include a 10‑night New Year’s voyage from Yokohama to Guam and Saipan, as well as a 12‑night autumn foliage circumnavigation of Honshu, visiting ports such as Miyako, Moji, and Shodoshima.
Departures from Kobe, Osaka, and Nagoya will range from 4 to 12 nights, granting passengers flexibility in voyage length and embarkation point.
Meanwhile, Asuka II, in service since 1990, will return from its final world voyage in July to resume domestic cruises from Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, and Hakata starting October 5, offering a lineup of 25 journeys spanning 2 to 10 nights.
That program includes a celebratory 10‑night Kobe–Taipei New Year’s voyage calling at Keelung and Kaohsiung.
Both vessels will host themed cruises embracing gastronomy, classical music, seasonal rituals, and cultural showcases, each voyage designed to enrich passengers’ understanding of regional heritage.
Asuka III further distinguishes itself as the largest Japanese‑flagged liner at 52,200 GT, powered by LNG and built to blend open-deck design with traditional Japanese art, with onboard exhibitions and performances enhancing its cultural ambience.
This dual deployment of Asuka III and Asuka II reflects Asuka Cruises’ blend of modern sophistication and time‑honoured elegance. By offering extensive options—from short coastal jaunts to extended voyages—Asuka positions itself as a leading purveyor of luxury cruising rooted in Japanese style and hospitality.