Asuka 3

The 2025-built Asuka III cruise ship is currently under construction at Meyer Werft's yard in Papenburg Germany.

Curiously, when the shipbuilding order was signed (March 2021), the vessel (yard/hull number 721) was announced under the name "NYK Yokohama".

Like the 1990-built fleetmate Asuka 2, the Asuka 3 vessel (IMO number 9936355) is Japan-flagged (MMSI 431547000) and registered/homeported in Yokohama.

Asuka III was initially scheduled for delivery on April 10th, 2025, but it was postponed through July.

NYC Cruises' order with Meyer Werft for Asuka III includes a second/optional vessel (of the same design) which could be launched/delivered in 2026.

History - construction and ownership

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

NYK Cruises signed with Meyer Werft GmbH & Co KG the shipbuilding order on March 31, 2021. Curiously, this made the ship (then named NYK YOKOHAMA) the first newbuild cruiser ordered since the beginning of the COVID crisis. This was also the Papenburg shipyard's/Meyer Werft company's first order (in its 226-year history) in which all contract documents and design plans were created and negotiated online/via video conferences.

As of 2021, NYK Group had ~800 vessels and 37000+ employees. NYK's fleet includes 361 bulk carriers, 119 RoRo ships/car carriers, 95 container ships, 71 LNG tankers, 65 oil tankers, 42 woodchip carriers, 1 cruise ship (Asuka II), plus 42 other vessels. NYK's sales in FY2019 amounted to ~EUR 12,9 billion. The NYK Group employs around 37,000 people worldwide. NYK's main headquarters are in Tokyo and has regional headquarters in the UK (London), USA (NYC), China (Shanghai) and Singapore.

Decks and Cabins

MS Asuka III has a total of 385 staterooms and a max capacity of 770 passengers, in addition to the 470 crew/staff.

The cabin categories are 12.

All passenger accommodations have private step-out balconies and are in 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 cabins/19 m2). All cabin sizes include the balcony's size.

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

Suite category accommodations have whirlpool bathtubs.

The boat has 13 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.

A total of 6x lifts/passenger elevators (3x midship and 3x forward) interconnect all decks.

Asuka III's total passenger deck space is ~1500 m2 (16146 ft2).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship's six restaurants serve Kaiseki (Japanese multi-course dinner), French, and Italian cuisine, and offer flexible dining seating options.

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

The dining venues include Almare (Italian restaurant on Deck 6 aft-portside, specialty), Umihiko (Deck 6 aft-starboard, dinner-only, specialty, sushi and sashimi dishes), Noblesse (French restaurant on Deck 6 aft, dinner-only), Four Seasons Dining Room/MDR (Deck 5 aft, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner), M's Garden (Deck 11 aft, open from morning to late night), and Grill Restaurant Papenburg (Deck 11 aft, dinner-only).

The restaurants Almare and Umihiko are not available to children under the age of 13. Both are open for dinner and operated with advanced reservations and seat fees, excluding Penthouse Class passengers who dine there for free. To make restaurant reservations before boarding (first come, first served), you must register for "My ASUKA CLUB".

• At Noblesse's entrance is displayed a large artwork by Hiramatsu.
• At Four Seasons Dining Room's entrance are displayed four paintings by Noriko Tamura (themed on the four seasons).
• Almare is decorated with artworks by Hiroshi Senju.
• At the Four Seasons restaurant, alcohol and some non-alcoholic drinks are subject to a charge.
• At M's Garden/EMS Garden, dinner includes designated brands of sparkling wine, wines, and beers. All other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are charged.
• Grill Restaurant Papenburg specializes in charcoal-grilled dishes with selected spices served on the aft open deck.

Traditionally for a medium-sized Japanese ship, Asuka 3 has a full-capacity MDR Restaurant (Main Dining Room), Mariner's Club, Theater (Lumiere Theatre/Main Show Lounge), Casino Ante/Gaming Lounge & Bar, Anchor Bar, Tea Room, Reading Lounge/Library 721 Books & Cafe, Lido Deck (two swimming pools, two outdoor Jacuzzies/Whirlpools, Lido Buffet Restaurant), Vista Lounge, top-deck Sundeck and Panoramic Lounge (bow-facing), wellness complex (Spa & Gym), Asuka Field (full-size outdoor Sports Course for playing football/basketball/volleyball).

The Albatross Pool (a resort-style swimming pool midship on Deck 11) has a large sunbathing area (with padded sun loungers and double sunbeds with low tables), shaded seating areas, and two jet baths/Jacuzzies. The Pool Deck is served with light food, beverages and refreshments by the Poolside Bar. The venue also offers cocktails made with seasonal vegetables and fruits, and original Japanese dishes.

The Vista Lounge (on Deck 11 forward) is a bow-facing observation offering 270-degree unobstructed views.

The Sky Terrace (Deck 12 aft, sundeck) has a sunbathing area furnished with loungers and shaded seating (sofas) in the observation area at the stern.

The ship's wellness complex (forward on deck 12) comprises The Grand Spa (reception, a large observation bath and an open-air bath), Asuka Salon & Spa (relaxation room, treatment rooms, studio for hairdressing and barber services) and The Asuka Wellness Club (a 24-hour-open Fitness Center/Gym). At the Gym is also provided training support from instructors. Yoga classes are also held regularly.

Studio A3 (Deck 11) is a venue hosting various wellness programs (yoga, aerial yoga) and various themed lessons/courses and classes divided by level (from beginner to intermediate to advanced). These events are prescheduled and held periodically. Some lessons are paid, excluding Penthouse Class guests (inclusive).

The Links" (Deck 12) is a full-size Golf Simulator (Full Swing) where passengers can play on the world's most famous golf courses.

Asuka Field (Deck 12 midship) is a full-size outdoor Sports Course for playing football/basketball/volleyball.

On Deck 13 (forward) is the Star Light Beach (a small sundeck area).

Asuka Plaza Atrium's central piece is the 3-floor/deck-high lacquer mural. The ship carries an expansive collection of Japanese crafts and artworks on display in public areas and venues. The traditional art pieces include works by Hiroshi Senju (Nihonga painter known for his large waterfall paintings), Murose Kazumi (an Urushi artist/aka Japanese lacquerware) and Noriko Tamura (contemporary painter).

Casino Ante (Deck 6) is a gambling lounge equipped with 8x gaming tables (4-seat tables for playing roulette, blackjack, poker) and slot machines. Digital shuffleboard and "split counter" are also available. The Casino is paid, and chips and coins cannot be exchanged for cash or souvenirs.

Mariner's Club (Deck 6) is a premium bar lounge with leather couches and armchairs. It serves a selection of top-brand alcohol.

Gallery Cafe (Deck 6) is a casual eatery/patisserie bar.

Asuka Collection Shop (Deck 6) sells Asuka Cruises-logoed merchandise and convenience goods.

Boutique Sherme (Deck 5) is a select shop selling high-quality apparel, including imported brand products.

Jewelry Orb (Deck 5) is a select shop selling a wide selection of jewelry, including casual pieces.

Anchor Bar (Deck 5) offers a selection of fine Japanese sake and is decorated with Japanese paintings by Sohei Iwata.

Also on the 5th floor is the ship's Lobby Hall, housing the Reception Desk and the Travellers Salon.

Lumiere Theater (Deck 6) is the main show lounge with amphitheater seating and a large stage. Modern digital technology complements the professional performing arts presented, combining dynamic digital art images on holographic and LED screens with live dance performances. The venue hosts the original grand production KAGUYA. The show (produced by "Ichihata") pays homage to "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter". The venue also hosts daily activities like media presentations, conferences, lectures, bingo and trivia games.

On Deck 7 (7th floor) are located the "721 Books & Cafe" (library bar), "Flower House" (flower shop) and "Playroom All Blue" (for virtual gaming).

Split Counter (Deck 6) is a casual night bar (attached to the Casino) fitted with a digital shuffleboard.

Dress code is comfortable (during the day) and elegant (casual attire is recommended for evening wear).

When using the shipboard facilities after 10 PM, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

At the following facilities and times, minors are not permitted even if accompanied by a parent/guardian: Almare (Deck 6), and Umihiko (Deck 6), kids under 13 are not allowed.

At the Mariners Club (Deck 6), and Casino Ante (Deck 6), children under 18 are not permitted to play games.

At the Asuka Wellness Club (Deck 12) and The Links (Deck 12), kids under 16 are not permitted.

At the Smoking Room (Deck 12), persons under 20 are not permitted.

NYK Cruises Itineraries

NYK Line's Asuka III cruise itinerary program starts with the Inaugural Cruise (6-day roundtrip itinerary "Maiden Voyage: Hakodate & Otaru") currently scheduled to depart on July 20th, 2025, from homeport Yokohama.

During the inaugural season (2025), the new ship visited 30 Japanese ports.

Bookings opened on April 3rd (2025).

With Asuka III, NYK Cruises introduced experience-based shore excursions at each call port, allowing tourists to engage in cultural and historical activities ashore.

It is expected the ship to offer an annual World Cruise (at least 3-months-long roundtrip from Yokohama) to ports in Asia, Europe, North America (USA and Canada), and probably Australia.