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ASUKAⅡ Cruise Schedule Download

10.15.2024-03.29.2025(121KB)Download

07.15.2024-10.15.2024(48KB)Download

The Onboard Experience

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ASUKAⅡ Onboard Experience Guide(3MB) Download

ASUKAⅡ Deck Plan

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ASUKAⅡ Deck Plan 2022(12.9MB) Download

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Former names: Crystal Harmony, MHI hull 2100

Asuka 2 cruise ship

Cruise line NYK Cruises Japan (Small Cruise Lines)

Asuka 2 current position

Asuka 2 current location is at West Africa (coordinates 12.84419 N / -17.65259 W) cruising at speed of 16.1 kn (30 km/h | 19 mph) en route to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Specifications of Asuka 2

  •   Review
  •   Wiki

Asuka 2 Review

Review of asuka 2.

The 1990-built (as Crystal Harmony) cruise ship MS Asuka II is owned and operated by NYK Cruises Co Ltd (1989-founded) - a subsidiary of the Japanese container shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha/NYK Line (1885-founded). The ship's namesake (MS Asuka) is currently operated under charter by Phoenix Reisen under the name Amadea .

Like the 2025-built fleetmate Asuka 3 , the Asuka 2 vessel (IMO number 8806204) is currently Japan- flagged (MMSI 432545000) and registered and homeported in Yokohama .

Besides NYK Cruises' fleet, Japan-flagged cruise companies/brands include MOL's Mitsui Ocean Cruises ( passenger fleet ).

History - construction and ownership

Asuka II was built in Japan and originally named "Crystal Harmony". The vessel was constructed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at MHI's shipyard in Nagasaki Japan , and was ordered by and built for NYK's former subsidiary Crystal Cruises .

In 2006, Crystal Harmony was transferred from Crystal Cruises to the parent company NYK-Nippon Yusen Kaisha, starting operations under its current name "Asuka II".

Asuka 2 ship (NYK Cruises)

In 2015, NYK Line sold its premium travel brand "Crystal Cruises" to GHK (Genting Hong Kong).

In February 2019, 50% of NYK's Asuka Cruise company (Yusen Cruise Co Ltd) was sold to the Japanese company Anchor Ship Partners (2010-founded) specializing in ship management and investments. The sale price was not disclosed. The acquisition's closure was planned for March 2019. Also announced were plans for extensive drydock refurbishment of the Asuka 2 liner and the building of a new liner (Asuka 3).

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 .

Each year, the cruise ship spends up to 2-week in drydock as annual drydocking is required by Japan's flag-state laws.

During Crystal Harmony's Maiden Voyage in South American and Caribbean waters, the ship caught on fire (after water entered the engine room) and drifted for 3 days. All passengers were offloaded in Panama City , then the ship was towed to Curacao Island for drydock repairs.

Decks and Cabins

Of all Asuka II staterooms (436 total, all outside), 260 have private step-out balconies, and the remaining 176 accommodations are Oceanview (cabins with windows).

All passenger staterooms are fitted with a Queen-size double bed (convertible to twin beds), a wall-mounted TV (infotainment system, CD/DVD player/MP3 connection), refrigerated mini-bar, 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 set, hairdryer, en-suite bathroom (wall-hung toilet, LED mirror, single-sink vanity/washbasin, shower, full range of toiletries).

The boat has 12 decks , of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

There are several dining venues on Asuka II. The non-smoking Four Seasons Dining Room has a raised central section and a lot of space around each table. Dinner in the MDR is in two seatings. There are no set assignments.

Other dining options include the Japanese extra-charge Umihiko restaurant (sushi and sashimi dishes) and the 40-seat Prego (exclusive restaurant for Royal and Asuka suite passengers).

For casual meals, there are Lido Cafe, Lido Garden and Lido Grill.

Additionally, The Bistro is a casual spot for pastries and coffees.

Asuka 2 ship (NYK Cruises)

Asuka II has 8 passenger-decks, two swimming pools, one outdoor Jacuzzi/whirlpool hot tub, 8 bars and lounges, a Tea Room, two gaming venues (Casino and Mahjong Room), a Theater Lounge, a spacious wellness complex (Spa & Fitness), an outdoor Sports Area.

The one-level/full-capacity Galaxy Lounge is the main show lounge, with a sloping floor.

The Palm Court (top-deck bar lounge) has a huge LCD TV displaying maps related to the current cruise itinerary as well as information on its ports of call.

A new Library/Reading Lounge (added during drydock refurbishment 2023) provides a quiet space for relaxation and has an extensive book selection, WIFi and Internet (for smart devices), as well as PC stations.

The ship has plenty of open deck space for relaxation and enjoying the port and sea views.

Despite her age, Asuka 2 is well maintained (regularly drydock refurbished) and among the top-rated luxury cruise ships serving the Japanese source market.

Asuka II ship review (venues by deck)

A total of 9x lifts/passenger elevators (3x aft, 3x midship, 3x forward) interconnect all cabin decks, as well as Plaza Deck (6) and Lido Deck (11). Sky Deck (12) is accessed only via the aft lifts.

Tender Deck (deck 4) houses the Infirmary/Medical Center as well as most crew facilities and venues (Mess Hall, bar lounge, dining room, crew/staff cabins).

Midship on Main Deck (deck 5) are the Lobby Hall (Reception Desk), Asuka Plaza (Atrium) and the Piano Bar. Aft is the Four Seasons Restaurant (Main Dining Room). Forward are located staff and crew cabins.

Plaza Deck (deck 6) is the lounge deck and also houses the Cruise Sales Office (midship).

  • Aft/stern-facing is the Sports Area (open-air sundeck) with Table Tennis (2x ping-pong tables) and Golf Driving Range (2x golf swing practice cages).
  • Club 2100 (aft bar lounge) has a large central stage/dance floor and plenty of comfortable seating (plush armchairs and cocktail tables).
  • Mariner's Club is a premium bar lounge (with leather couches and armchairs, serving a selection of top-brand alcohol) adjacent to the Smoking Lounge (Cigar Room, which also houses an Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Crafts).
  • Aft-portside there are lined three adjacent venues - Compass Room (meeting room), Card Room (with several 4-seat tables for playing cards and board games), and the Library (with a large collection of books and magazines).
  • Midship are the ship's four boutique shops selling duty-free merchandise. Portside are the stores Le Bleu (perfumes, cosmetics, skincare and beauty products) and FLAP-FLAP (casual clothing, accessories, travel essentials). Starboard are the stores Pegasus (fashion clothes, bags, leather goods) and La Stella (jewelry, watches). La Stella also has a space dedicated to the Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Crafts.
  • The Bistro is a patisserie/cafe for casual dining, with 4-seat glass tables and bar seats. Here are served a selection of sweets, pastries and specialty coffees/teas, sandwiches, salads.
  • Monte Carlo Casino (served by Club Stars Bar) is adjacent to the Mahjong Salon (gaming room with eight 4-seat tables for playing). The Casino has a roulette table, as well as poker tables and plenty of slot machines.
  • The fore-located Galaxy Lounge is the main show lounge with a large stage for grand-scale productions, including dance shows, musical concerts, theatrical pieces, magician and comedy acts, fashion displays.
  • The midship Hollywood Theatre is a large Cinema with amphitheater seating and a large stage. The venue also hosts daily activities like media presentations, conferences, lectures, bingo and trivia games.

On deck 7 (Promenade), deck 8 (Horizon), deck 9 (Sea Breeze) and deck 10 (Asuka) are located passenger cabins and on each deck there is a Self-Service Laundry Room. On Deck 10 are all Suites (two categories - Asuka, and Royal/midship) as well as the bow-facing Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse (with adjacent Captain's Suite and officers' quarters).

Aft on Lido Deck (deck 11) there is an outdoor space for relaxation and smoking. However, smoking during meal times is forbidden. Lido Deck houses the Lido Cafe (portside/complimentary casual restaurant), Premiere Dining The Veil (starboard/ complimentary restaurant exclusive for guests staying in staterooms types S, W, and A), Sushi Bar Umihiko (starboard/specialty restaurant), Lido Garden (indoor casual dining area) and Lido Grill (complimentary food bar serving the sundeck), Seahorse Pool (midship/outdoor swimming pool with a Jacuzzi/whirlpool and sunbathing area with loungers and deckchairs).

  • Forward is the Palm Court - an indoor relaxation space with comfortable seating (padded rattan furniture/round tables with armchairs) and scenic views (portside and starboard).
  • Part of the Palm Court are the Japanese-style Room YUSEN (portside, can be rented for private meetings and celebrations) and e-Square (starboard/office-type computer room with desks and a large TV), both with a space dedicated to the Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Crafts.
  • The fore-located Vista Lounge is a bow-facing bar lounge with premium seating and 270-degree views from large slanted windows.

All venues on Lido Deck are with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows providing unobstructed panoramic views.

Aft on Sky Deck (deck 12) is the wellness complex (gym & spa) which consists of Fitness Center, Asuka Aveda Salon & Spa (studio for hairdressing and barber services, treatment rooms for massages), two Grand Spa facilities (one for men, and one for women) with two adjacent Open‐air Baths (one for men, one for women). All facilities are with large windows for unobstructed top-deck views.

Sky Deck's forward section is occupied by the Sun Deck (sunbathing area with loungers, deckchairs, and shaded seating) accessible only via stairs from Lido Deck below. The midship area is open-floor providing views of the swimming pool below.

NYC Cruises Itineraries

NYK Line's Asuka II cruise itinerary program offers short Japan-based voyages leaving out of homeports Yokohama and Kobe . An annual World Cruise (roundtrip from Yokohama) is also offered. The 102-day-long itinerary in 2023 visited ports in Asia ( Singapore , Hong Kong , other ports in China), also (via Suez Canal ) in Europe (the Mediterranean, Azores Islands) and USA ( NYC New York , Florida, California, even Alaska).

NYK Line's "World Cruise 2018" feature call ports were Lisbon, Rome-Civitavecchia, Valencia, Gibraltar, Bilbao, Hamburg, Halifax (NS Canada) Saint John (NB Canada), Baltimore (MD USA).

The Yokohama-based NYK Cruises witnessed huge demand for its 6- to 13-day trips to Nansei and Ogasawara Islands in autumn 2017 and beyond. In addition, the company resumed its 102-day 'round-the-world cruises in March 2018 (departure March 25th) after suspending the service in 2016 because of a series of global terrorist attacks and a variety of other factors.

NYK's roundtrip world voyages depart from Yokohama and visit ports in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia.

In 2019 (February) the ship had scheduled a 33-day Southeast Asian itinerary to ports in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.

NYK Cruises planned for Asuka 2 a 103-day World Cruise in 2020, with a scheduled departure on April 2nd and ending on July 14th (2020). The Yokohama roundtrip had scheduled visits to ports in Southeast Asia, India, Red Sea ( Suez Canal transit ), and Europe (Mediterranean and Baltic). Followed a westbound Transatlantic crossing from Europe to Iceland and USA East Coast (visiting NYC New York ). Next destinations were the Caribbean, Panama Canal (transit) , USA ( San Francisco CA and Hawaii), then back to Japan.

NYK Asuka cruise schedule 2023 (itineraries/ports/prices)

Next are listed several exemplary itineraries part of Asuke II's schedule for 2023 (August to November) with prices (lowest and highest) per person in JPY (Japanese Yen).

Note: JPY 150,000 is ~USD 1,000 (JPY 1 million is ~USD 6,700).

Note: Cruise pricing is based on double occupancy and without flights

NYK Asuka cruise schedule 2024 (itineraries/ports/prices)

Next are listed several exemplary itineraries part of Asuka II's schedule for 2024 (February to April) with prices (lowest and highest) per person in JPY (Japanese Yen).

Asuka 2 - user reviews and comments

Photos of asuka 2.

Asuka 2 ship (NYK Cruises)

Asuka 2 ship related cruise news

First steel cut for NYK Cruises’ LNG-powered ship Asuka 3

First steel cut for NYK Cruises’ LNG-powered ship Asuka 3

The German shipbuilder Meyer Werft on September 21st marked a significant milestone with the commencement of steel cutting for a new ship for NYK...

Cruise ships are back in Japan with COVID safety measures

Cruise ships are back in Japan with COVID safety measures

Japan's cruise business is getting back on track as ships gradually resume sailings with COVID safety measures in place after canceled voyages due to...

Passenger tests positive for COVID-19 aboard NYK Cruises' ship Asuka 2

Passenger tests positive for COVID-19 aboard NYK Cruises' ship Asuka 2

NYK LINE's subsidiary and travel brand NYK Cruises revealed on Friday, April 30, that its luxury cruise ship Asuka 2 was returning to port after a...

Meyer Werft is the world's first shipbuilder to sign contract for a new cruise ship since the COVID crisis

Meyer Werft is the world's first shipbuilder to sign contract for a new cruise ship since the COVID...

The cruise shipping company NYK Cruises Japan (part of NYK LIne) and Meyer Werft signed a contract for the construction of a new cruise ship. Meyer...

Asuka 2's shipowner NYK Line to build Japan's biggest cruise ship

Asuka 2's shipowner NYK Line to build Japan's biggest cruise ship

The Japanese shipping company NYK Line, which is also the owner of Asuka 2 (Japan's currently biggest cruise liner at 50,444 GT-tons) announced on...

Crew tests positive for COVID-19 on NYK Cruises' ship Asuka 2

Crew tests positive for COVID-19 on NYK Cruises' ship Asuka 2

The Japanese shipping company NYK Cruises (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) announced that 3 upcoming voyages on the Asuka 2 ship were suspended after a crew...

Japan cruise ships resume domestic services

Japan cruise ships resume domestic services

Japanese cruise ships are resuming domestic operations following long service suspensions caused by the pandemic. The Nippon Maru ship operated by...

Fire breaks out on Japan's largest cruise ship Asuka 2

Fire breaks out on Japan's largest cruise ship Asuka 2

A fire broke out on Tuesday, June 16, on Asuka II - Japan's largest cruise ship, currently docked at Port Yokohama (close to Tokyo). According to...

Asuka II to Be Renovated 2020

Asuka II to Be Renovated 2020

Nippon Yusen K.K. plans to renovate the 50,142 GT Asuka II ship in 2020. As more foreign lines are entering the Japanese cruise market, the shipping...

NYK to Sell Half of Its Cruise Business

NYK to Sell Half of Its Cruise Business

NYK, that operates one-ship luxury cruise line Asuka Cruises, is selling 50% of its cruise business to the Japanese ship management & investment...

  •   show more news

Other NYK Cruises Japan cruise ships

Asuka 2 wiki.

The vessel (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-MHI Nagasaki yard/hull number 2100) has volume 50444 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 8642 tons, max draught 8 m. The powerplant is based on 4x MAN marine diesel engines (model 8L58/64) with combined output 32,8 MW (43985 hp). The propulsion is based on 2x propellor shafts (FPPs/fixed pitch propellers) and 1x bow thruster. The registered shipowner and manager is NYK CRUISES CO LTD (Tokyo-based subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kaisha-NYK Line ).

When operated by Crystal Cruises in the period 1990-2006 (as CRYSTAL HARMONY) the ship was owned by NYK's subsidiary CRYSTAL SHIPS BAHAMAS LTD, Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 309343000) and registered in Nassau .

MS Crystal Harmony's Godmother was Mary Tyler Moore (1936-2017) - an American producer, movie and TV actress. She was best known for her sitcom roles in "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-66) and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970-77). Mary Moore was also popular as a social advocate for animal rights and vegetarianism.

In 2017, the Japanese liner was honored "Cruise Ship of the Year". The award marked the 26th straight year that NYK LIne-owned ship (Asuka 2, and the boat's predecessor Asuka 1/now Amadea ) has been selected for this award. The highest rating was given to the vessel by the readers of the Japanese magazine "CRUISE". Each year they vote for their favorite ship, also sharing the reason for their vote. Many readers underscored the boat's modern interior, stylish atmosphere and superb hospitality (omotenashi) marked by the highest-quality service and the staff's exquisite manners.

In 2017, Asuka 2 was awarded in 2 categories - "Best Japanese-flagged" and "Best Overall" ship. Fun fact is, that the Asuka cruise brand has received the "Cruise Ship of the Year" award every year since 1992.

In January 2018, all passenger staterooms were upgraded with new power adaptors and USB charger ports A large flat TV was installed in Palm Court (top-deck located bar lounge) to display cruise itinerary maps and call port information.

On on December 9, 2018, NYK Cruises arranged an onboard welcome party for kids with rare and serious diseases and their families. A total of 74 such guests attended the Christmas event on the liner while it was docked in Yokohama . The special guests, escorted by 60 volunteers (including NYK Cruises employees) toured the Xmas-decorated Asuka II and enjoyed themed entertainment with a hula dance lesson, gifts exchange, Las Vegas-styled production show.

NYK Asuka II refurbishment 2023-2024 review

In May 2023, Asuka Cruises announced the ship's remaining 2023 schedule (voyages out of Yokohama, Kobe-Osaka, Hakata and Kanazawa). The program included a total of 22 departures (between August 21st and November 5th) after which Asuka 2 was scheduled to enter a drydock for a 4-month-long full-scale refurbishment and refit.

The drydocking (November 2023 thru February 2024) will result in significant changes and upgrades to all staterooms, facilities and venues.

MS Asuka II refurbishment 2020 review

In 2020 (January 15 - February 28), the liner entered drydock in Singapore for a 45-day long refit and refurbishment project (USD 50 million) at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard (shipyard owned by Sembcorp Marine Ltd).

During the drydock refurb, the vessel received the following new/upgraded facilities and amenities.

All staterooms were extensively renovated and redesigned by adding the traditional for Japan tatami-mat (flooring material) in the sleeping area. All cabins received smart HDTVs with infotainment system (Internet and on-demand movies).

A new reading lounge provides a quiet space for relaxation and has an extensive book selection, WIFi and Internet (for smart devices), as well as PC stations.

Some of the ship's restaurants were refurbished.

In Lobby Deck's entrance hall was mounted a large UHD LED display.

Wi-Fi coverage was upgraded to shipwide - accessible in all staterooms and public areas, except only a few quiet zones.

A large outdoor Jacuzzi (whirlpool bath) was installed on Sun Deck.

Technical enhancements during the drydock included installing a scrubber system (gas scrubber) - an air pollution-controlling system that removes particulates and some green gases (SOx and NOx) from the exhaust streams.

NYK GROUP

  • News Releases

NYK Cruises Announces WORLD CRUISE 2018 Schedule -A Blissful Voyage of Over 100 Days on Asuka II-

  • Japanese page

March 8, 2017

nyk cruises

Cruising The Past Cruise News

Rms titanic – photos talen onboard on the last voyage, crystal cruises and the nyk line history….

Posted by: Michael Grace June 19, 2014

Crystal Cruises Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of NYK Line,  currently has two large, luxury-class cruise ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity .

These ships are highly regarded around the world, and the company has won the prestigious Travel & Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line award for 16 consecutive years, an unprecedented achievement in the industry.  Cruising

The Past awards the Crystal Cruises one of the best and most reliable cruises lines operating. Carrying on the great tradition of the NYK Line.

THE M/V HIKAWA MARU was operated by the NYK Line (now Crystal Cruises).

She was the only Japanese passenger vessel to survive WW 2. In her 30 years of service, the HIKAWA MARU crossed the pacific 254 times, carrying around 25,000 passengers and a great volume of cargo.

5 Stars Rating: Crystal Cruises maintains the great glamor,  first class standards and excitement of ocean travel.   When getting there was half the fun.  

A brief history of NYK Line… 

Michael L. Grace is an authority on the history of NYK Line and trans-Pacific passenger services.

Cruise Ship History: JAPAN’S Trans-Pacific Liners – Were the fastest between the US and Japan prior to World War II.

In 1935, at the invitation of Waseda University, the Yale University Baseball Team came to Japan from New Haven, Connecticut on NYK’s Tatsuta Maru , and returned aboard Asama Maru.  The team is seen with the captain and a ship’s officer.  Six years Japan and the USA would be at war.

One of Japan’s proudest periods in passenger shipping was the 1929 building of two of the finest and most luxurious ships ever to sail the Pacific Ocean – the Asama Maru and Tatsuta Maru.  They were Japanese-designed and built, coming from the renowned Mitsubishi shipyard. At some 17,000 tons, they were then-traditional class-divided ships, and had provision for cargo as well as the all-important mails. They were routed on NYK Line’s premier express service, regularly sailing from Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kobe and Yokohama to Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Their passenger areas were of the highest quality, much of it in traditional European style. There were polished woods, stained glass skylights, fine dining rooms, lounges, library, gift shop, hair salon, comfortable cabins and a swimming pool on deck. This was luxury cruising at its finest.

 Until the completion of the Seto-Ohashi in Shikoku, Japan, the Bay Bridge between San Francisco and Oakland had been the longest in the world. In 1937 the Asama Maru suffered a mishap when she was driven aground in Kowloon Bay during the Great Hong Kong Typhoon. After the outbreak of the Second World War both ships were requisitioned as troopships but unfortunately both were sunk and did not survive the war and it was left to the Hikawa Maru to re-establish the trans-pacific service.

Ad from Travel Magazine in the late 1930s.

CRUISE HISTORY – SAILING ACROSS THE PACIFIC – ABOARD THE NYK LINES AND OSK LINES

Jazz Age Destination – 1920s – YouTube video – great films of the fabulous Orient before WW2.

Crystal Cruises Brings You Symphony and Serenity 

When parent company NYK entered the luxury cruise business in 1988, the ‘Crystal Difference’ was but a distant concept.  Today, Crystal Cruises celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2010, the line ranks at the top in the industry.  For 15 consecutive years and 17 years, respectively, discriminating readers of such prestigious publications as Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler have accorded Crystal Cruises the industry’s most coveted ranking:  World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line. The company’s first ship, Crystal Harmony, entered service in 1990, and in November of 2005 left the fleet to join Crystal Cruises’ parent company Japan’s NYK’s cruise division.  Crystal Symphony, Crystal Harmony’s sister ship, was launched in 1995.  A third ship, Crystal Serenity, was introduced in July 2003.

How did this relative newcomer propel itself to the top of an established and competitive industry?  What sets its fleet well above the rest?  Its absolute commitment to the company’s simple but all-encompassing goal: To provide its guests with the finest travel experience available in the luxury service business, not just the luxury cruise industry.  The success of the ‘Crystal Difference’ is best illustrated by the company’s number of repeat guests.  It is one of the highest in the industry.

This commitment is apparent in every aspect of the Crystal experience, where attention to detail and an availability of choices are unsurpassed in the world of travel.  It is reflected in a feeling of spaciousness and the highest quality furnishings, including Riedel leaded crystal wine glasses, Royal Doulton bone china tea service, Frette or Garnier Thiebaut table linens, and Brown Jordan Mission teak deck furniture.  Most importantly, it is reflected in the utmost care, attention, and warm hospitality.

The company’s modern standard of luxury is often compared to the world’s finest land-based hotels such as Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton.  First and foremost, however, luxury Crystal-style is neither stuffy nor intimidating.  It represents the very best personal experience a cruise can deliver, from experienced captains, officers, and staff to crew and shoreside personnel who genuinely look forward to welcoming guests into the Crystal family.

Through its uncompromising focus on classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and quality, Crystal Cruises has redefined the luxury vacation.  As a result, it has become the benchmark against which guests and travel agents now measure all other cruise lines.  (For detailed comparisons, see the ship profiles with specifications, venues, and detailed amenities.)

Los Angeles-based Crystal Cruises is headed by President Edie Bornstein who was appointed president in October 2013. Senior management, with decades of combined experience in the luxury travel market, includes Chairman Nobuyoshi Kuzuya; Vice Chairman, Jack Anderson; and Executive Vice President, Thomas Mazloum.

Crystal Cruises is owned by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), one of the largest and most successful shipping companies in the world.  Headquartered in Tokyo, the firm operates over 800 ships and has offices around the globe.

M/S Asama Maru (1929) and M/S Tatsutu Maru (1930) – NYK Line

The OSK AND NYK LINES were the equivalent of Japan’s Cunard and US Lines before WWII. The Japanese trans-pacific service was booming during the interwar years following the First World War. NYK and OSK were ordering new and more luxurious ships for the prestigious trans-pacific service. Seen below are elegant postcards from Japan’s two major shipping companies – during the heyday of their passengers service between WWI and WWII.

OSK AND NYK LINE POSTCARDS – PROMOTING THEIR LINERS

NYK LINE HISTORY

michael l grace, cruising the past, cruise history, liner history, steamship history, japan, crystal cruises, cruise critic, cruise reviews, ss normandie, pan american airways, pan am, social history, cunard line, holland-america line, cruising, maritime history, maritimes news, steamship lines, nyk line history, nyk line, trans-pacific liners, american liners, top cruise ships, 5 star cruise ships,atlantic, Australia,awatea, blue ribband, books, cruise line history, cruise ship history, french line, liners,mariposa, matron lines, new zealand,ship buffs,Steamships, super-liner,sydney morning herald,union steam ship company of new zealand, michael l grace, liner history, steamship history, cruise critic, cruise reviews, cruise line reviews, titanic, white star line, canard line history, pan american airways, pan am, ss normandie, ss united states, Australia ships, world war 2, ghost-ships

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Owner of Asuka II to build Japan's largest luxury cruise ship

KYODO NEWS

The owner of Japan's largest cruise ship, Asuka II, said Wednesday it will build an even bigger yet eco-friendly 51,950-ton ship with completion aimed for 2025, anticipating a post-pandemic recovery in travel demand.

Passenger capacity will be reduced to about 740, or 85 percent of that of the 50,444-ton Asuka II, which was built in 1990, operator NYK Cruises Co. said. The firm is expected to raise 71 billion yen ($642 million) to fund the construction, mainly via syndicated loans from 30 banks, according to sources familiar with the matter.

nyk cruises

Manufactured by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft GmbH, the new ship's engines will be powered by liquefied natural gas, which emits less carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide than diesel. The vessel's name has yet to be decided.

It will be equipped with ventilation and ion sterilization systems as well as no-contact elevators enabling passengers to ride without touching the buttons as part of steps to reduce infection risks.

The Asuka II has been a popular cruise ship with 436 rooms onboard but has been aging. The new ship will have about 385 rooms, giving its passengers more space.

NYK Cruises is expected to secure a total of 60 billion yen by taking out loans from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank as well as 29 regional banks, with the remaining 11 billion yen coming from financial markets, according to the sources.

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Meyer Werft cuts steel for new NYK Cruises ship

The German shipbuilder expects to deliver the 744-guest Asuka III in 2025

Meyer Werft cuts steel for new NYK Cruises ship

Meyer Werft

By Laura Hyde | 02 October 2023

Meyer Werft has cut the steel for NYK Cruises’ new ship, Asuka III, during a traditional ceremony at its yard in Papenburg, Germany.  

Representatives from the Japanese shipping company NYK were present for the symbolic ceremony, wishing the project good luck by painting a Daruma doll in keeping with Japanese tradition.  

“In the ship’s designing, we are all grateful to the cooperation rendered by Meyer so far,” said Hiroyuki Endo, president of NYK Cruises. “We wish to continue this excellent relationship with them to the successful delivery of Asuka III and beyond.” 

Meyer Werft is working closely with NYK Cruises, learning about Japanese culture to optimise the cruise ship for the Japanese market.  

“The order from NYK Cruises in 2021 in the middle of the pandemic was a strong signal for shipbuilding in Papenburg, Germany,” said Thomas Weigend, managing director of Meyer Werft. “Therefore, we are very pleased to have won NYK Cruises as a customer and to be able start in the construction of this modern cruise ship.”  

The 52,200gt ship, which was ordered by NYK Cruises in 2021 , will have capacity for 744 passengers. Asuka III will be LNG-powered, 230 metres in length and 29.8 metres in width, and is scheduled to be delivered by Meyer Werft in 2025. 

Tags: Meyer Werft     News     building and refurbishment     NYK Cruises

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Cruise Ship for NYK Cruises under construction

mw_s721_dh9_2382

Construction of the new cruise ship for NYK Cruises, a company of the Japanese ship-ping group NYK, has now begun at MEYER WERFT with the symbolic steel cutting ceremony. The ship will be named ASUKA III and is scheduled for delivery in 2025.

"The order from NYK Cruises in 2021 in the middle of the pandemic was a strong signal for shipbuilding in Papenburg. Therefore, we are also very pleased today to have won NYK Cruises as a customer and to be able start in the construction of this modern cruise ship", says Managing Director Thomas Weigend. The teams of MEYER and NYK Cruises are working extraordinary close together to create the ASUKA III. For the MEYER team, learning about Japanese culture and optimising a cruise ship for this market is a very appealing task.

Representatives of the Japanese company were guests at the shipyard for the tradi-tional ceremony and wished the project good luck with painting Daruma in the Japanese tradition. “In the ship’s designing, we are all grateful to the cooperation rendered by Meyer so far. We wish to continue this excellent relationship with them to the successful delivery of ASUKA III and beyond”, says Hiroyuki Endo, President NYK Cruises.

MEYER WERFT will use numerous customised solutions for the new cruise ship. These include hydrodynamics optimised according to the planned routes, contactless controls as well as on-board facilities adapted to the needs of Japanese passengers. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest fuels currently avail-able for shipping. In addition to the reduction of CO2 emissions, the emission of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter can be almost completely eliminated, and sulphur oxides completely avoided.

Delivery of the 52,200 GT ship ASUKA III is scheduled for 2025. With a length of 230 metres and a width of 29.8 metres, it will offer space for 744 passengers.

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Bolidt delivers an extensive decking solution to NYK Cruises newbuild Asuka III (source: Bolidt)

NYK Cruises moves ahead with decking for newbuild

Bolidt has secured its first order to supply and install decking and flooring for the Japanese cruise and ferry market, after a breakthrough order covering the NYK Cruises ship Asuka III

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and due for delivery in Q2 2025, 229-m Asuka III was the first cruise ship ordered following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accommodating up to 744 guests, the luxury ship will run on LNG and feature optimised hydrodynamics for its planned Asian routes.

With its homeport in Yokohama, Japan, the luxury ship is being tailored to the preferences of Japanese travellers.

In 2023, representatives from NYK Cruises, SMC Design and shipbuilder Meyer Werft visited Bolidt headquarters to create the colour palette for onboard areas – with special attention given to the sports courts. Working in collaboration, a selection of new colours was developed to achieve a perfect match. Subsequently, Bolidt secured a contract covering an extensive scope of supply for Asuka III , including the Bolideck systems Future Teak, Select Hard and Select Soft.

“Although we have previously worked with east Asian operators such as Genting Hong Kong, Japan is a new market for us, and as such, it presents new opportunities,” said Bolidt director, maritime, Jacco van Overbeek. “Bolideck systems – in particular Future Teak – are the ideal choice for modern, environmentally friendly vessels like Asuka III , and we are delighted to be collaborating with NYK Cruises on this exciting project.”

Bolideck Future Teak – a lightweight, hardwearing, cost-effective alternative to real teak – will be used extensively over seven decks, featuring in gangways, in lifts and stair lobbies, and on the balconies of decks 7–11. Launched in 2005, it has become a fixture across the cruise and ferry segments, offering the luxurious look and feel of teak without the environmental impact.

Bolideck Select Hard, and Select Soft, meanwhile, will feature on Asuka III ’s boat deck on deck-7, on the deck-12 sundeck with sports court, and the outdoor crew area including basketball court. All areas will benefit from the anti-skid properties and UV resistance of both products.

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Meyer Werft Begins Construction on New Asuka III

  • September 27, 2023

Asuka III

Meyer Werft has started construction on a new cruise ship for NYK Cruises, according to a press release.

A steel cutting ceremony was held September 25 at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg to mark the beginning of construction on the ship, which will be named ASUKA III.

The new vessel will be tailored specifically for Japanese travelers. It will feature optimized hydrodynamics for planned Asian routes, contactless controls, and onboard amenities adapted to Japanese preferences, according to the press release.

The Asuka III will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which emits less air pollution compared to traditional marine fuels. The use of LNG will reduce carbon emissions as well as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides.

Scheduled for delivery in 2025, the ship will be 230 meters long and 29.8 meters wide. With a gross tonnage of 52,200, it will have capacity for 744 passengers.

Meyer Werft managing director Thomas Weigend said the order in 2021 during the pandemic was an important signal for the shipyard. He said Meyer Werft is pleased to partner with NYK Cruises on creating a modern cruise ship optimized for the Japanese market.

NYK Cruises president Hiroyuki Endo expressed appreciation for the cooperation from Meyer Werft on the ship’s design. He said the company aims to continue the relationship through successful delivery of the new ship.

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America’s Favorite Boat Ride offers world-renowned tour guides paired with spectacular views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty. One of the only tours to offer a complete loop around Manhattan, custom-designed boats have massive windows, snack bars and a choice of both on-deck and in-cabin seating. 

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  4. NYK Cruises Announces WORLD CRUISE 2018 Schedule

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  6. Asuka 2 Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review

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COMMENTS

  1. Other Business Services

    NYK offers cruises to the Japanese market aboard the company's luxury cruise ship Asuka II, which is operated by NYK Cruises, a wholly owned subsidiary of NYK. The first vessel in the Asuka series was launched in 1991 and was the first Japanese cruise ship to conduct a world cruise. Since then, the Asuka brand has become synonymous with the ...

  2. English

    Company Name: NYK CRUISES CO.,LTD. President: Hiroyuki Endo: Head Office: The Landmark Tower Yokohama, 2-1, Minatomirai 2-chome, Nishi-ku Yokohama, 220-8147 Japan

  3. Asuka 3 Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review

    The 2025-built Asuka 3 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) will be Japan ...

  4. Asuka 2 Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review

    The 1990-built (as Crystal Harmony) cruise ship MS Asuka II is owned and operated by NYK Cruises Co Ltd (1989-founded) - a subsidiary of the Japanese container shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha/NYK Line (1885-founded). The ship's namesake (MS Asuka) is currently operated under charter by Phoenix Reisen under the name Amadea.. Like the 2025-built fleetmate Asuka 3, the Asuka 2 ...

  5. NYK Cruises orders luxury ship from Meyer Werft

    Japanese operator NYK Cruises has contracted Meyer Werft to construct an LNG-powered cruise ship, making the Germany shipbuilder the first shipyard in the world to receive a newbuild order since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. To be constructed at Meyer Werft's site in Papenburg, the 51,950gt vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2025 and will be able to accommodate 744 guests and 470 crew ...

  6. NYK Cruises Announces WORLD CRUISE 2018 Schedule

    Latest News about NYK. The 2018 voyage will be a 102-day cruise departing from Yokohama, Japan, on March 25, 2018, crossing the northern hemisphere, and making stops in or sailing through Asia, the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean, Europe, the Atlantic, North America, the Panama Canal, and the Pacific.

  7. CRYSTAL CRUISES and the NYK LINE HISTORY…

    Crystal Cruises Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of NYK Line, currently has two large, luxury-class cruise ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. These ships are highly regarded around the world, and the company has won the prestigious Travel & Leisure magazine's World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line award for 16 consecutive years, an unprecedented achievement in the industry.

  8. NYK Orders New Cruise Ship for 2025 Delivery at Meyer Werft

    March 31, 2021. NYK Group has ordered a new 744-guest cruise ship from Meyer Werft for its Asuka Cruises brand, which currently operates the luxury Asuka II. The 51,950-ton ship will be delivered in 2025. "It is another, very important step in securing the Papenburg location. For our current future program with enormously important savings ...

  9. Owner of Asuka II to build Japan's largest luxury cruise ship

    Japanese shipping and logistics firm NYK Line is planning to build the largest Japanese cruise ship, aiming for completion in 2025 to meet an expected post-pandemic recovery in travel demand, sources close to the matter say. ... NYK Cruises is expected to secure a total of 60 billion yen by taking out loans from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank as ...

  10. NYC Cruises, Boat Rides & Tours

    Dining cruises in New York City are also a must-do! Brunch and dinner cruises in NYC offer a delicious way to see the city while enjoying a meal. There are also many sightseeing cruises that focus on specific NYC landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and more. boat tours in New York City are a great way to see the ...

  11. Nippon Yusen

    NYK Maritime Museum and NYK's Yokohama branch NYK Line container. The Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (日本郵船株式会社, Nippon Yūsen kabushiki kaisha, lit. ' Japan Mail Steamship Company '), also known as NYK Line, is a Japanese shipping company. The company headquarters are located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan.It operates a fleet of over 800 ships, which includes container ships, tankers ...

  12. Meyer Werft cuts steel for new NYK Cruises ship

    The 52,200gt ship, which was ordered by NYK Cruises in 2021, will have capacity for 744 passengers. Asuka III will be LNG-powered, 230 metres in length and 29.8 metres in width, and is scheduled to be delivered by Meyer Werft in 2025. Meyer Werft has cut the steel for NYK Cruises' new ship, Asuka III, during a traditional ceremony at its yard ...

  13. NYK Group orders LNG powered luxury cruise ship at Meyer Werft

    In a surprise move, Germany's Meyer Group has secured the first contact for a cruise ship newbuilding since the outbreak of COVID-19 last spring. Japanese NYK Group has signed a contract for a 51,950gt vessel carrying up to 744 passengers and 470 crew. The luxury vessel, tailored to the Japanese source market, will be delivered in 2025.

  14. Construction starts on NYK Cruises' LNG-powered Asuka III

    Construction of the new cruise ship for NYK Cruises, a division of Japanese shipping company NYK, has begun at German shipyard Meyer Werft with a steel-cutting ceremony. NYK Cruises placed the order for the ship back in 2021. The ship, which will be named Asuka III, will have a length of 230 metres and a width of 29.8 metres.

  15. Meyer Werft begins building NYK Cruises' Asuka III

    The Meyer and NYK Cruises teams are working closely together on this special project so the Meyer team can get to know Japanese culture and optimize a cruise ship for this market. At the steel-cutting, a Japanese tradition, a Daruma painting, was included for good luck. 'We are all grateful for the cooperation Meyer has provided so far.

  16. NYK Cruises Opens Office at Meyer Werft

    NYK Cruises Opens Office at Meyer Werft. June 18, 2023. false. As it prepares to receive a newbuild in 2025, NYK Cruises opened an office at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. According to the Japan-based company, the facility was opened in late May. Attended by executives of both NYK Cruises and Meyer Werft, the Japanese-styled ...

  17. Cruise Ship for NYK Cruises under construction

    Papenburg, 25.09.2023 -. Construction of the new cruise ship for NYK Cruises, a company of the Japanese ship-ping group NYK, has now begun at MEYER WERFT with the symbolic steel cutting ceremony. The ship will be named ASUKA III and is scheduled for delivery in 2025. "The order from NYK Cruises in 2021 in the middle of the pandemic was a ...

  18. NYK Cruises moves ahead with decking for newbuild

    Bolidt has secured its first order to supply and install decking and flooring for the Japanese cruise and ferry market, after a breakthrough order covering the NYK Cruises ship Asuka III. Currently under construction at Meyer Werft's shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and due for delivery in Q2 2025, 229-m Asuka III was the first cruise ship ...

  19. Meyer Werft Begins Construction on New Asuka III

    Meyer Werft has started construction on a new cruise ship for NYK Cruises, according to a press release. A steel cutting ceremony was held September 25 at Meyer Werft's shipyard in Papenburg to mark the beginning of construction on the ship, which will be named ASUKA III. The new vessel will be tailored specifically for Japanese travelers.

  20. New York Cruise Lines

    New York Cruise Lines is an industry-leading maritime sightseeing, entertainment, dining and transportation company. Since our founding in 1945, we have delighted over 85 million guests from around the globe. We currently maintain and operate a fleet of over 25 state-of-the-art boats from our offices in midtown Manhattan, in the heart of the ...

  21. Manhattan, New York City, NY

    Start your Carnival cruise from the city that defined 'cosmopolitan': New York City. This urban island overflows with art and architecture, lively ethnic neighborhoods, designer shops... and the best restaurants in the world, from the ultra-high-end to the comfy neighborhood hole-in-the-wall. The top sights are clustered in Midtown Manhattan ...