NYK Cruises/fleet has released the early 2026 schedule for Asuka III, its first new passenger vessel in more than three decades.
The Japan-flagged ship, which entered service in July 2025, will undertake 17 cruises (4- to 10-day itineraries) between January 29th and May 2nd, 2026.
The itineraries will include seasonal destinations across Japan, such as national parks and World Heritage sites, alongside ports of call in Guam and South Korea. Onboard, the vessel offers 381 guest rooms, each equipped with a private ocean-facing balcony and decorated with works by Japanese artists. Facilities include 6 restaurants, a 24-hour gymnasium, a swimming pool, an open-air bath, business spaces, and areas designed for astronomical observation.
The program has been structured to attract a broader range of passengers, including first-time cruisers and professionals with limited time for travel. The initiative forms part of a wider effort, supported by the Japanese government, to stimulate renewed growth in Japan’s cruise sector. NYK Cruises stated that the ship was conceived to provide enrichment for both body and mind, with the aim of contributing to the development of Japan’s cruise culture.
In preparation for the launch of these voyages, the company held briefing sessions in Nagoya and Fukuoka during late August and early September. Travel agencies, among them JTB Corp., HIS, and Nippon Travel Agency, were presented with details of the planned courses and the principal features of Asuka III, together with guidance on how the ship and itineraries may be best promoted to prospective passengers.