Asuka Cruise: Our Cruise Line Guide

The back story

Fleet: Two ships: ASUKA II and ASUKA III (asukacruise.co.jp, Oct 2026) · ASUKA II: 50,444 GT; 241 m; 872 guests; about 490 crew; 436 cabins, all ocean-facing (asukacruise.co.jp, Jan 2026) · ASUKA III: 52,265 GT; 230 m; every cabin with a private balcony (asukacruise.co.jp) · Operator: NYK Cruises Co., Ltd., Yokohama (established January 1989) · Registry: Yokohama, Japan · Home ports: Yokohama, with departures from Kobe and Hakata · Since: The first Asuka entered service in 1991; 2026 marks 35 years

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   The back story

   Asuka Cruise: the back story

   Asuka Cruise·In depth

   Thirty-five years of Japanese cruising, from the first Asuka in 1991 to the new ASUKA III.

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The fleet

Who it suits. On a budget: ASUKA II’s two-night cruises that call nowhere, built around a show and a special dinner, are the shortest way to try the line. Mid-range: A week of seasonal Japan on ASUKA III in an Asuka Balcony cabin, with a night at the Grill Restaurant Papenburg and a soak in the Grand Spa at sunrise. Luxury: The Royal Penthouse on ASUKA III (two only) or the Royal Suite on ASUKA II, with in-suite dining, on the 2027 Oceania grand cruise.

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   872 guests

   ASUKA II

   Asuka Cruise·Ocean ship·€€€

   The classic Asuka ship: 872 guests, 436 ocean-facing cabins, course dinners and productions in the Galaxy Lounge.

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   All-balcony

   ASUKA III

   Asuka Cruise·Ocean ship·€€€

   The newest ship: every cabin with a private balcony, six restaurants and a Grand Spa at the bow.

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The suites

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   Two suites

   ASUKA III Royal Penthouse

   Asuka Cruise·Penthouse · ASUKA III·€€€

   The top accommodation on ASUKA III, two suites only.

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   Corner suites

   ASUKA III Captain’s and Panorama Suites

   Asuka Cruise·Suite · ASUKA III·€€€

   Corner suites: four Captain’s Suites at the bow and eight Panorama Suites at the stern.

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   Top suites

   ASUKA II Royal Suite and Japanese-Western Suite

   Asuka Cruise·Suite · ASUKA II·€€€

   The four Royal Suites at the top of ASUKA II, and two suites that combine Japanese calm with Western comfort.

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Dining on board

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   Extra charge

   Umihiko

   Asuka Cruise·Sushi and kappo·€€€

   Edomae sushi, sashimi and seasonal kappo cooking, charged separately.

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   Included

   Four Seasons Dining Room

   Asuka Cruise·Main dining·€€€

   The main dining room on both ships: course dinners, Japanese breakfasts and lunches.

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   Suites

   The Vale

   Asuka Cruise·Premier dining · ASUKA II·€€€

   ASUKA II’s premier dining room for top-suite guests, with open seating at dinner.

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   Reservation

   Noblesse

   Asuka Cruise·French · ASUKA III·€€€

   French cooking on ASUKA III, with chosen ingredients turned into ‘Asuka cuisine’.

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   Cover charge

   Al Mare

   Asuka Cruise·Italian · ASUKA III·€€€

   Italian cooking in presentation style on ASUKA III.

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   Reservation

   Grill Restaurant Papenburg

   Asuka Cruise·Grill · ASUKA III·€€€

   Simply grilled meat, seafood and fresh vegetables on ASUKA III.

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Spa and wellness

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   Open-air bath

   Grand Spa

   Asuka Cruise·Japanese bath and spa·€€€

   A bath at the bow of ASUKA III: an observation bath facing the ship’s course and an open-air bath facing the sea.

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Life on board

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   Shows, dancing and art on Asuka

   Asuka Cruise·

   Las Vegas-made productions on ASUKA II, digital performing arts on ASUKA III, a dance hall and a gallery café.

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   Lounges and tea on Asuka

   Asuka Cruise·

   Complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks in the lounges, and afternoon tea under a skylight in the Palm Court.

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Where it sails

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   Japan through the seasons

   Asuka Cruise·

   Cruises from Yokohama, Kobe and Hakata for cherry blossom, festivals, fireworks, autumn leaves and winter lights.

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   Asuka grand voyages 2027

   Asuka Cruise·

   A round-Japan Discovery Cruise of about 10,000 km, a Pacific Discovery Cruise and an Oceania grand cruise.

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What’s included and how to book

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   Booking Asuka Cruise

   Asuka Cruise·

   Book through travel agents or the line’s reservation site; English information and brochures are online.

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