Asuka III to Take Over Annual World Cruise After Asuka II's Farewell

NYK Cruises’ Asuka Cruise is preparing to shift its annual world cruise to Asuka III after Asuka II’s final world cruise sailed in March 2025, as the line builds toward its 35th anniversary in October 2026.

Managing Corporate Officer Kenji Atsuta said Asuka II and Asuka III are being deployed with distinct onboard concepts and itinerary roles, while continuing to reflect the brand’s focus on Japanese hospitality and cultural programming.

Two ships, different roles as the anniversary approaches

Asuka Cruise operates two Japanese-flagged ships, Asuka II and Asuka III, and Atsuta framed the lineup as a two-ship strategy rather than a simple handover of capacity. “The Asuka II and Asuka III form the foundation of Asuka Cruise, each thoughtfully shaped by a distinct concept while embodying the brand’s core values,” he said.

Under the transition plan described by Atsuta, Asuka III is set to inherit the line’s annual around-the-world sailing, while Asuka II is positioned for other extended itineraries and seasonal programs.

Asuka II: long-haul itineraries and Japan’s seasonal calendar

Even as it steps away from the world-cruise format, Asuka II is continuing a mix of longer voyages and Japan-focused seasonal sailings tied to festival periods and regional travel patterns.

• Asia Grand Cruise (36 days): Earlier in the year, the ship sailed a 36-day itinerary calling at Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.
• Alaska and Hawaii (46 days): A 46-day sailing departing in April features a long-haul itinerary that includes Alaska and Hawaii.
• Summer and autumn domestic deployment: The summer schedule includes cruises linked to Japan’s festival season, along with short “no port” cruises, including two-night voyages without port calls and one-night options aimed at weekend travel. In autumn, the ship is slated to operate an All Around Japan Cruise as part of anniversary-related programming.

Asuka III: shorter cruises, plus select longer sailings

Asuka III is being positioned around shorter and mid-length cruises in Japan, with an emphasis on accessibility for new guests. Atsuta said the ship will offer three-night cruises scheduled for weekends and public holidays, describing them as an easier entry point for first-time cruisers.

While the core focus is shorter cruising, Asuka III is also slated to operate select longer itineraries, including a longer voyage to Guam scheduled for May.

Onboard concepts and anniversary programming

Atsuta described a clear onboard split between the two ships. He said Asuka II is guided by a concept centered on tailoring the journey to individual preferences, supported by a wide range of itineraries, and that it stands out for onboard programming such as daytime lectures and workshops.

Asuka III, he said, operates under a concept described as “Expanding the Horizons of Your Personal Journey,” and includes a digital environment designed to support “workations,” or work-friendly travel.

Anniversary-related elements are also being built into the forward calendar. Atsuta said Asuka III will feature anniversary menus in its restaurants for one month leading up to the ship’s first anniversary on July 20, and the schedule includes a 23-day Japan circumnavigation voyage calling at 15 ports, which was described as a first for the company.

How Asuka Cruise picks ports and builds itineraries

Atsuta said itinerary planning is shaped by performance and guest response, including repeat business and the perceived value of onboard events and port calls, while also weighing operational considerations at destinations.

“When selecting ports of call, we place the highest priority on ensuring that they are attractive to guests and can be visited safely and comfortably,” Atsuta said. He added that planning incorporates seasonal elements and depends on collaboration with local governments and tour operators.

A separate reunion in Kobe brings the Asuka name’s history into focus

In Kobe, Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea met up with Asuka II and Asuka III in what was described as a notable moment for cruise observers following the Asuka brand’s history. Amadea previously sailed as the original Asuka, and the ship was built in 1991 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at its shipyard in Nagasaki before being acquired by the German operator in 2006.

Michael Schulze, Director of Cruise at Phoenix Reisen, pointed to long-standing ties around the call. “We have a friendly long-term relationship with the Japanese cruise line, their executives and officers, and the port of Kobe,” Schulze told Cruise Industry News.

Amadea is sailing a 146-day world cruise and has been in Japanese waters since March 7, calling at multiple destinations. Ports cited for the Japan segment include Shimizu, Kochi City, Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, and Okinawa, with the ship also routing toward Tokyo and Hiroshima before continuing onward. Schulze said the Tokyo-to-Hong Kong segment of the world cruise was fully booked, and the ship is scheduled to finish the overall world cruise in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands on May 16.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which ship will operate Asuka Cruise’s annual world cruise going forward?

Kenji Atsuta said Asuka III will take over the annual world cruise after Asuka II sailed on its final world cruise in March 2025.

What longer itineraries were highlighted for Asuka II beyond its world-cruise era?

Asuka II’s longer voyages highlighted in the schedule include a 36-day Asia Grand Cruise with calls including Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, as well as a 46-day sailing departing in April that visits Alaska and Hawaii.

What is included in Asuka III’s anniversary-related onboard programming?

Atsuta said anniversary menus will be offered in the ship’s restaurants for one month leading up to Asuka III’s first anniversary on July 20, and the ship is also scheduled to operate a 23-day Japan circumnavigation voyage calling at 15 ports.

Why did Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea meet Asuka II and Asuka III in Kobe?

Amadea previously sailed as the original Asuka and was built in Japan in 1991 before joining Phoenix Reisen in 2006. Michael Schulze said Phoenix Reisen has a long-standing relationship with the Japanese cruise line and the port of Kobe.