Key facts
- NYK Line plans to invest over 100 billion yen ($610 million) in a new luxury cruise ship.
- The new ship will replace the Asuka II liner.
- NYK Cruises took delivery of its new ship, Asuka III, on April 10, 2025.
- Asuka III is designed with Japanese aesthetics and features an LNG propulsion system.
- Asuka III is the largest Japanese-owned cruise ship and accommodates up to 740 guests.
Japan's NYK Line is planning to launch a new luxury cruise ship, with an investment potentially exceeding 100 billion yen ($610 million), to replace its aging Asuka II liner. This move taps into a growing tourism market.
NYK Cruises took delivery of its new vessel, Asuka III, from German shipbuilder MEYER WERFT on April 10, 2025. The Asuka III, designed with a blend of open spaces and traditional Japanese aesthetics, will operate alongside the Asuka II. It features artwork by Japanese artists and is noted for its energy efficiency, utilizing an LNG propulsion system.
The Asuka III is the largest Japanese-owned cruise ship, with a gross tonnage of 52,265, and can accommodate up to 740 guests. It is optimized for multi-day itineraries, offering both domestic cruises within Japan and future international voyages. The ship's design includes single rooms for solo travelers and suites themed around Japan's 47 prefectures. It is capable of speeds up to 20 knots and features a dynamic positioning system for enhanced maneuverability.