NYK Cruises has unveiled its early 2026 schedule for the Asuka III, the first new passenger ship launched by the Japanese cruise line in 34 years.
The Japanese-flagged vessel, which made its maiden voyage in July 2025, will embark on 17 cruises ranging from four to ten days in length between January 29 and May 2, 2026. The itineraries include stops at locations of seasonal beauty and wellness throughout Japan, including national parks and World Heritage sites, as well as tourist destinations in Guam and South Korea.
All 381 cabins feature private oceanfront balconies and are decorated with works by prominent Japanese artists. The ship also offers six restaurants, a 24-hour gym, a swimming pool, an outdoor bath, work facilities, and stargazing areas.
The ship and routes are designed to appeal to a wider range of customers, including first-timers and busy professionals with few vacation days, as part of a Japanese government-led plan to revive the cruise market in Japan.
The Asuka III is designed to "satisfy both body and mind, creating a new era of cruising," said NYK Cruises, adding that its goal is "to develop the cruise culture in Japan.".
The company held information sessions in Nagoya and Fukuoka in late August and early September, focused on attracting both new and existing customers.
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