Asuka 3

The 2025-built Asuka III cruise ship was constructed at Meyer Werft’s yard in Papenburg, Germany. Notably, when the shipbuilding order was signed in March 2021, the vessel (yard/hull number 721) was announced under the name "NYK Yokohama."

Like her 1990-built fleetmate Asuka II, the Asuka III vessel (IMO number 9936355) is Japan-flagged (MMSI 431547000) and registered/homeported in Yokohama.

NYK Cruises’ order with Meyer Werft for Asuka III includes a second optional vessel of the same design, potentially to be launched in 2026.

History – Construction and Ownership

MS Asuka III is owned and operated by NYK Cruises Co Ltd (founded in 1989), a subsidiary of the Japanese container shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha/NYK Line (founded in 1885). The ship’s namesake (MS Asuka) is currently chartered by Phoenix Reisen and sails as Amadea.

The shipbuilding contract with Meyer Werft GmbH & Co KG was signed on March 31, 2021, marking Asuka III (then named NYK YOKOHAMA) as the first newbuild cruise ship ordered since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also the first time in the shipyard’s 226-year history that all contract documentation and design planning were conducted online via video conferencing.

As of 2021, NYK Group operated approximately 800 vessels and employed over 37,000 people worldwide. The fleet included 361 bulk carriers, 119 RoRo ships/car carriers, 95 container ships, 71 LNG tankers, 65 oil tankers, 42 woodchip carriers, one cruise ship (Asuka II), and 42 other vessels. In fiscal year 2019, NYK reported revenues of approximately EUR 12.9 billion. The company is headquartered in Tokyo and maintains regional offices in the UK (London), USA (New York), China (Shanghai), and Singapore).

Decks and Cabins

MS Asuka III has a total of 385 staterooms and can accommodate up to 770 passengers, along with 470 crew members.

There are 12 cabin categories.

All passenger accommodations feature private step-out balconies and include the following types/categories: Royal Penthouse (114 m²), Grand Penthouse (93 m²), Captain's Suite (87 m²), Panorama Suite (67 m²), ASUKA Suite (49 m²), Midship Suite (45 m²), Junior Suite (33 m²), ASUKA Balcony staterooms (22 m²/categories A, B, C, D), and Solo Balcony (single-occupancy, 19 m²). All sizes include the balcony area.

Staterooms are equipped with standard industry amenities, including a Queen-size bed (convertible to twins), wall-mounted TV with an infotainment system (CD/DVD player/MP3 connection), mini-bar, mirrored wardrobe with shelves and hangers, electronic safe, lifejackets (in the closet), writing desk with mirrored vanity and chair, seating area with a sofabed and low table, tea-making facility, hairdryer, and en-suite bathroom (wall-hung toilet, LED mirror, single-sink vanity, shower cubicle, and toiletries).

Suites also include whirlpool bathtubs.

The ship has 13 decks, 9 of which are accessible to passengers and 5 of which contain cabins.

There are six passenger elevators (three midship, three forward) connecting all decks.

Asuka III offers approximately 1,500 m² (16,146 ft²) of passenger deck space.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

Asuka III features six restaurants serving Kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese meals), French, and Italian cuisine, with flexible dining arrangements.

Other amenities include Asuka Plaza, Asuka Field, Cielmer, Aube, Split Counter, Playroom All Blue, Flower House, Historia Area, Liber Lounge, Studio A3, EMS Garden, and The Links.

Dining venues include: Almare (Deck 6 aft-portside, Italian specialty), Umihiko (Deck 6 aft-starboard, sushi and sashimi, dinner-only), Noblesse (Deck 6 aft, French, dinner-only), Four Seasons Dining Room/MDR (Deck 5 aft, all meals), M's Garden (Deck 11 aft, all-day dining), and Grill Restaurant Papenburg (Deck 11 aft, dinner-only).

Children under 13 are not permitted in Almare or Umihiko. These venues require reservations and seat fees, except for Penthouse Class guests who dine for free. Reservations are available pre-boarding via “My ASUKA CLUB.”

• Noblesse features a large artwork by Hiramatsu.
• Four Seasons Dining Room displays four seasonal-themed paintings by Noriko Tamura.
• Almare is adorned with works by Hiroshi Senju.
• Alcohol and some non-alcoholic drinks are charged at the Four Seasons restaurant.
• At M’s Garden and EMS Garden, select wines and beers are included at dinner; other drinks are charged.
• Grill Restaurant Papenburg specializes in charcoal-grilled dishes served outdoors with select spices.

Facilities include the MDR, Mariner's Club, Lumiere Theatre (main show lounge), Casino Ante, Anchor Bar, Tea Room, 721 Books & Cafe (library), Lido Deck (2 pools, 2 Jacuzzies, Lido Buffet), Vista Lounge, Panoramic Lounge (bow-facing), Spa & Gym complex, and Asuka Field (full-size outdoor sports course).

The Albatross Pool (Deck 11 midship) features a sun deck with loungers, shaded seating, and two jet baths. The Poolside Bar offers drinks, light meals, cocktails, and Japanese dishes.

Vista Lounge (Deck 11 forward) provides 270° panoramic views. Sky Terrace (Deck 12 aft) is a sundeck with loungers and shaded seating.

The wellness complex (Deck 12 forward) includes The Grand Spa (observation bath, open-air bath), Asuka Salon & Spa (treatment rooms, hair and barber studio), and The Asuka Wellness Club (24-hour gym). Instructors are available, and yoga classes are regularly scheduled.

Studio A3 (Deck 11) hosts wellness programs and themed lessons by skill level (some paid; Penthouse Class included).

The Links (Deck 12) is a full-size golf simulator with access to famous global courses.

Asuka Field (Deck 12 midship) is a sports court for football, basketball, and volleyball. Star Light Beach (Deck 13 forward) is a small sundeck.

Asuka Plaza Atrium features a 3-deck-high lacquer mural. The ship showcases Japanese art, including works by Hiroshi Senju, Murose Kazumi (Urushi lacquerware), and Noriko Tamura.

Casino Ante (Deck 6) has 8 gaming tables (roulette, blackjack, poker), slot machines, and a digital shuffleboard. Games are paid; winnings cannot be exchanged for cash or goods.

Mariner's Club (Deck 6) is a premium bar with leather seating and top-brand liquors. Gallery Cafe (Deck 6) is a patisserie bar. Asuka Collection Shop (Deck 6) sells branded merchandise. Boutique Sherme (Deck 5) offers high-end apparel. Jewelry Orb (Deck 5) offers a wide jewelry selection.

Anchor Bar (Deck 5) specializes in fine sake and features artwork by Sohei Iwata. The ship’s Lobby Hall (Deck 5) includes the Reception Desk and Travellers Salon.

Lumiere Theater (Deck 6) is the main venue with amphitheater seating, digital holography, and live performances. It hosts the original show "KAGUYA" and other activities such as lectures and games.

Deck 7 features the “721 Books & Cafe” library, “Flower House” flower shop, and “Playroom All Blue” for virtual gaming. Split Counter (Deck 6) is a casual night bar with digital shuffleboard, adjacent to the Casino.

Dress code is casual during the day and elegant in the evening. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian after 10 PM.

Age restrictions apply to the following:

• Children under 13: not allowed at Almare and Umihiko (Deck 6)
• Under 18: not allowed at Mariner’s Club and Casino Ante
• Under 16: not allowed at The Asuka Wellness Club and The Links
• Under 20: not allowed in the Smoking Room

NYK Cruises Itineraries

NYK Line's Asuka III cruise itinerary program begins with the Inaugural Cruise—a 6-day roundtrip titled "Maiden Voyage: Hakodate & Otaru"—scheduled to depart July 20, 2025, from Yokohama.

During the 2025 inaugural season, the ship visits 30 Japanese ports. Bookings opened on April 3, 2025.

NYK Cruises introduced experience-based shore excursions for Asuka III, offering cultural and historical activities at each call port.

The vessel is also expected to operate an annual World Cruise—a roundtrip of at least three months—from Yokohama to destinations in Asia, Europe, North America (USA and Canada), and potentially Australia.