NYK Cruises takes delivery of Asuka III

Japanese cruise operator NYK Cruises has taken delivery of its new cruise ship from Meyer Werft.

Asuka III stands for a new and Japanese kind of luxury at sea. The 740-passenger ship, which sails alongside Asuka II, will offer cruises from various ports in Japan.

The ship’s design combines open spaces with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Japanese artists are also exhibited on the ship, with a fresco by Hiroshi Senju in the Gallery Café and paintings by Reiji Hiramatsu in the Noblesse Restaurant.

Meyer Turku hails the ship as “one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships ever built which represents an important milestone on the way to reducing emissions and carbon intensity”.

"We are very pleased about the acquisition of Asuka III," said NYK Cruises chief executive and president Hiroyuki Endo. "Offering the best holiday experiences in our homeland in a responsible way is the driving force behind our actions. We are fortunate to have the best people working together to create memorable experiences for our guests."

"The delivery of Asuka III is an important milestone for us," said Meyer Group chief executive Bernd Eikens. "Many of the equipment elements will only be brought on board in Yokohama, the ship’s home port, but it is already evident it will be a wonderful ship for the Japanese public," Mr Eikens continued.

After Asuka III had been transferred from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg about 40 km downstream of the Ems, it completed its technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea in March.