Asuka Cruise

Asuka Cruise is the premium cruise brand of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) – Japan's largest shipping conglomerate. The company is headquartered in Tokyo. The cruise line operates two ships and caters exclusively to the Japanese domestic market: all programs in Japanese, an onboard atmosphere centered on Japanese culinary culture (Kaiseki, Sushi bars), onsen-style wellness areas, and Tatami lounges.

The current flagship is the Asuka II (1990, ex Crystal Harmony, acquired by NYK in 2006, refitted multiple times, most recently in 2020). At 50,142 GRT and accommodating 872 guests, she is one of the largest and oldest premium ships in Asia. In 2025, the newly built Asuka III (Meyer Werft, 52,400 GRT, 740 guests) will join the fleet – the first Japanese-owned premium newbuild in decades.

The onboard language is Japanese (English only to a limited extent), and the onboard currency is the Japanese Yen. Key itineraries include round trips around Japan, Asia (Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam), and regular world voyages. The target audience is exclusively Japanese repeat guests – those holding Western passports can only make bookings through NYK partners.