NYK Cruises formally names newest ship

Japan's NYK Cruises formally named its newest ship during a ceremony at Port of Yokohama on Friday, July 11.

The 52,265GT, LNG-fuelled Asuka III was built by German shipyard Meyer Werft. The vessel completed undergoing sea trials in March 2025 and was delivered in April.

The ship has a length of 230.2 metres, a beam of 29.8 metres, a draught of 6.7 metres, and 385 all-outside cabins that accommodate up to 740 guests. The vessel is crewed by 470 personnel.

Three days after her naming ceremony, Asuka III completed her first ship-to-ship bunkering operation when she received LNG fuel from the bunkering vessel KEYS Azalea at Hakata Port.

Asuka III will sail on her maiden commercial voyage on Sunday, July 20. She will subsequently be operated alongside her 50,444GT sister ship Asuka II.

The newbuild is the largest ever Japanese-owned cruise ship as well as the first cruise ship to be built in compliance with Japanese flag requirements in 34 years.