Asuka III Officially Delivered to NYK Cruises
The Asuka III, the new cruise ship for NYK Cruises, has been officially delivered at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg.
The handover ceremony took place on board the ship in the port of Emden, attended by representatives from both organizations, including Hiroyuki Endo, President and CEO of NYK Cruises, Captain Hisashi Kogue, Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group, as well as senior executives and technical teams involved in the project. The event also featured the traditional flag exchange, symbolizing the official transfer of ownership.
Asuka III
Asuka III represents a new vision of luxury at sea, inspired by refined Japanese aesthetics. With a capacity of 740 guests, the ship will sail alongside Asuka II, operating domestic cruises departing from various ports across Japan. The vessel is distinguished by its elegant open spaces harmoniously blended with traditional Japanese style. Onboard artwork includes pieces by renowned Japanese artists, such as a mural by Hiroshi Senju in the Gallery Café (Deck 6) and paintings by Reiji Hiramatsu in the Noblesse Restaurant (Deck 6).
During its inaugural season, Asuka III will visit over 30 destinations throughout Japan, including Hakodate, Otaru, Takamatsu, Shingu, Muroran, and Moji. The highlight of the season will be the “Japan Circumnavigation Cruise,” a 12-night voyage departing from Yokohama in early August and stopping at Hakodate, Otaru, Kanazawa, Maizuru, Moji, and Beppu before returning to its homeport.
Shipyard captain Wolfgang Thos and the captain of ASUKA III at the handshake
Signing of the documents and handover between the managing directors of the shipyard and the president of NYK Cruises
From a technical perspective, Asuka III ranks among the most energy-efficient cruise ships ever built, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategy to reduce environmental impact and carbon intensity.
Hiroyuki Endo, President and CEO of NYK Cruises, emphasized that the ship’s delivery is a moment of great pride for the entire company. He stated that offering the best travel experiences in Japan in a responsible way is the principle guiding NYK Cruises’ daily work. He also praised the high-level team whose cooperation was key to creating an unforgettable experience for guests.
Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group, also highlighted the importance of the project for the German shipyard. He pointed out that the delivery of Asuka III was completed on schedule and represents a significant achievement for the entire organization. Eikens acknowledged the dedication and passion of the Meyer Werft team and their close collaboration with project partners. Although some onboard elements will be completed upon arrival in Yokohama, he stated that the ship already clearly reflects its potential to fully meet the tastes and expectations of the Japanese market.
AsukaIII_Grand_Spa
AsukaIII_Atrium
Before delivery, the ship was transferred from the shipyard along the Ems River for about 40 kilometers to Emden, where, starting March 18, it successfully completed its technical and sea trials in the North Sea. The operations were overseen by Meyer Werft’s shipyard captain Wolfgang Thos, supported by experienced deep-sea pilots.
The delivery of Asuka III is far more than a mere fleet addition—it marks a pivotal evolution in Japan’s cruise offering. It embodies a unique blend of technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and celebration of local culture. This new gem of the sea reflects a modern travel vision, meeting the demands of today’s cruise passengers while staying deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. With Asuka III, NYK Cruises reaffirms and strengthens its commitment to delivering high-quality, responsible, and culturally authentic cruising, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving Asian cruise market.
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