Thursday, July 17, 2025
A festive naming ceremony of Asuka III, a state-of-the-art new luxury cruise ship expressing a combination of tradition and innovation, was held at Osanbashi in the Port of Yokohama today. This event, hosted by NYK Cruises, represented a landmark in their growing business, as the Asuka III was their second ship in the brand.
The naming ceremony took place on July 11, 2025, and various big names were in attendance—including Yuji Nishijima, President and CEO of NYK Cruises. The ceremony took place onboard Asuka III, in port on the other side of Asuka II. The naming also showcased how the company continues to invest in expanding its fleet and ensuring its other ships offer unforgettable experiences to passengers.
A Momentous Occasion for NYK Cruises
Yuji Nishijima, President and CEO of Asuka Shipping & Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, expressed gratitude for the successful delivery of the Asuka III and appreciation for the hard work of the team in building the ship. He noted that the contract for the Asuka III was awarded in 2021 when the world was gripped by the worst-ever impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these difficult circumstances, the construction in Germany was completed successfully after approximately 1.5 years of work, and the ship was delivered to its homeport in Japan.
Nishijima also highlighted the environmental-friendliness of the Asuka III. He mentioned that the ship was constructed with a focus on being eco-friendly, which is crucial as NYK Cruises addresses the more stringent environmental regulations currently being implemented. He also pointed out that, despite being a greener alternative, the LNG-powered ship still boasts the same high standard of luxury Asuka is known for.
The Unique Onboard Experience
The Asuka III’s mission is to offer its guests a truly special cruise experience. Inside the ship, there is a great collection of artworks and craftworks by famous artists, allowing guests to enjoy the cultural aspects along with luxury accommodations, according to Nishijima. He ensured that guests’ time aboard would be the most comfortable and enjoyable, leaving them with unforgettable memories throughout the whole trip.
The ceremony also included the ceremonial breaking of a bottle of champagne, followed by a party hosted by Captain Takashi Okue. The event took place in Lumiere Theater aboard the ship, further emphasizing the significance of this historic day for the brand.
VIP Guests at the Ceremony
Many leaders were present for the event, underlining the importance of the Asuka III to the cruise sector, and the local community. Among the attendees were Hiromasa Nakano, Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama. Tatsuya Kataoka, President and CEO of the Bank of Yokohama, an important partner of NYK Cruises, also joined the celebration.
The wife of the President of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Takaya Soga, Mrs. Tamiko Soga, had the pleasure of being the godmother of the symbolic Asuka III, marking the official birth of the new luxury passenger ship.
Preparing for the Maiden Voyage
The Asuka III is set to embark on its maiden voyage on July 20, 2025, departing from Yokohama. This next trip represents a new chapter for NYK Cruises, as the addition of the Asuka III guarantees an even more memorable experience for cruise enthusiasts. On the ship’s inaugural journey, passengers can expect to enjoy lavish cabins, excellent service, and unforgettable memories.
The Asuka III’s inaugural journey will transport passengers to some of Asia’s most picturesque locations, where they will explore the region’s diverse culture, beautiful scenery, and unique sites. The ship features first-class facilities, is designed to be sustainable, and is set to set new benchmarks in the cruising sector.
The Future of Asuka Cruises – A Green One
The Asuka III is part of NYK Cruises’ long-term plans to replace its fleet with sustainably-built and technologically-advanced ships. The introduction of the Asuka III is a positive step forward, particularly with the growing scrutiny of the cruise industry’s environmental impact. The LNG-fueled engine is being hailed as part of the company’s effort to reduce its carbon emissions and adopt more ecological operations.
Aside from being environmentally friendly, the Asuka III incorporates several new technologies to enhance the passenger experience. With cutting-edge entertainment and dining experiences at every turn, the Asuka III has everything the modern traveler could wish for.
Asuka III and the Rest of the Journey
In the future, the Asuka III is planned to emerge as the showcase and flagship of NYK Cruises, catering to international travelers seeking a luxury cruising experience. Featuring eco-friendly innovations and world-class amenities, alongside fully customized service, the ship is set to revolutionize the cruise industry. The maiden voyage marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and successful era for NYK Cruises.
As the world recovers from the devastating effects of the pandemic, the Asuka III symbolizes the strength, creativity, and hope that the travel industry can evolve into something better and greener.
Source Credit: www.cruiseindustrynews.com
Tags: Asuka III Maiden Voyage, Asuka III Naming Ceremony, Japan cruise industry, LNG cruise ship, luxury cruise, NYK Cruises, Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal, sustainable cruises, Yokohama, Yokohama Cruise, Yokohama port
