NYK Cruises has officially taken delivery of its newest cruise ship, the ASUKA III, from the MEYER WERFT shipyard. Onboard, Mr. Hiroyuki Endo, President of NYK Cruises, celebrated the official handover alongside Bernd Eikens, CEO of the MEYER WERFT Group, shipyard executives, NYK Cruises employees, and the ship's captain, Hisashai Kogue. The traditional flag-changing ceremony also took place during the event.
The ASUKA III represents a new concept of Japanese luxury at sea. With a capacity for 740 passengers, this ship will complement the NYK Cruises fleet and offer cruises from various ports in Japan.
The ship is distinguished by a unique design that blends open spaces with traditional Japanese aesthetics. It will also feature works by renowned Japanese artists, such as a fresco by Hiroshi Senju in the Gallery Café and paintings by Reiji Hiramatsu in the Noblesse restaurant.
During its first season, the ASUKA III will visit more than 30 destinations across the country, including Hakodate, Otaru, Takamatsu, Shingu, Muroran and Moji.
The highlight of the season will be the "Circumnavigation of Japan Cruise," departing from Yokohama in early August. During this 12-night itinerary, the Asuka III will visit Hakodate, Otaru, Kanazawa, Maizuru, Moji, and Beppu before returning to its home port.
The ASUKA III is one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships ever built, and represents a major milestone in the commitment to reducing emissions and carbon intensity.
“We are delighted to welcome the ASUKA III,” said Endo. “Offering the best vacation experiences in our country responsibly is what drives everything we do. We are fortunate to have exceptional people working together to create unforgettable moments for our guests.”
“The entire Meyer Werft team, together with our partners, has worked tirelessly to bring this ship to life, and today we are completing another major project. Many of the interior elements will be installed directly in Yokohama, the ship’s home port, but it is already clear that it will be a wonderful ship for the Japanese public,” Eikens added.
After being moved from Meyer's shipyard in Papenburg, traveling about 40 km up the Ems River, the ASUKA III successfully completed its technical and nautical tests in the North Sea on March 18, under the supervision of shipyard captain Wolfgang Thos and experienced offshore pilots.
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