NYK, that operates one-ship luxury cruise line Asuka Cruises, is selling 50% of its cruise business to the Japanese ship management & investment company Anchor Ship Partners, established in September 2010.
A sales price has not been listed, and the deal is due to close in March 2019 for 50% of Yusen Cruise Co Ltd. shares.
According to Anchor, it plans to procure further funding for cruise operation in order to maintain a high-quality operation aboard the 960-passenger Asuka II.
Anchor said in a statement that it was a long-term investment and it planned to continue further development of Asuka brand as well as a major refurbishment to the 1990-built vessel. Plans include a new building that would be regarded as “No 1 in the world cruise market.”
NYK will still be involved in the management of the ship.