Asuka II, a Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Cruises) vessel, accommodating up to 872 guests, blends traditional hospitality with modern luxury. Visitors can expect a sophisticated yet welcoming journey, with meticulously designed amenities and exceptional service on board this Japan-flagged ship.
Reception Areas: A Gracious Welcome
Guests are greeted on Deck 5 in the Asuka Plaza, a spacious atrium featuring a reception desk and a boutique selling jewellery, clothing, and Japanese souvenirs. The area, with its elegant marble floors and soft lighting, creates an inviting atmosphere. Staff provide prompt assistance with check-in and excursion bookings, ensuring a seamless start. Accessible facilities, supported by nine passenger elevators, cater to all passengers, fostering ease and comfort from the outset.
Dining: Culinary Artistry
Asuka II’s dining venues offer a blend of Japanese and international cuisine. The Four Seasons Dining Room on Deck 5 serves complimentary meals, with breakfast and lunch buffets featuring sushi and salads, and table-served dinners with dishes like wagyu beef. The Lido Café on Deck 11 provides casual al fresco dining with burgers and ice cream. Complimentary soft drinks, beer, and wine accompany meals, while the exclusive Premier Dining Room, reserved for Royal and Asuka Suite guests, offers an intimate dinner setting.
Entertainment: ,
Entertainment onboard caters to a range of interests. The Galaxy Lounge on Deck 7 hosts production shows with singing and dancing, alongside popular film screenings on a large screen. The Vista Lounge on Deck 8, with panoramic ocean views, offers live music and dance sessions, while the casino provides blackjack and slots for adult guests. The library and card room offer quieter pursuits with shogi, chess, and mahjong, fostering a relaxed yet social atmosphere.
Accommodation: Spacious and Refined
Asuka II’s 436 staterooms, ranging from 22.9 to 88.2 square metres, all feature ocean views, with 260 offering private step-out balconies. Each includes queen-size beds (convertible to twins) with Simmons mattresses, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs and Japanese toiletries. Suites provide additional space, sofabeds, and tea-making sets, while 2024 refurbishments added tatami-mat flooring in select rooms, enhancing the Japanese aesthetic.
Hospitality: Attentive and Personalised
With a 1:1.6 crew-to-guest ratio, Asuka II’s crew delivers exceptional Japanese hospitality, known as omotenashi. Guests enjoy 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping, and concierge assistance for spa and excursion bookings. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for 30 minutes daily, with unlimited access for suite guests or a fee. The crew’s impeccable service ensures a welcoming experience, with staff anticipating needs to create a seamless journey.
Standout Features
Asuka II’s large communal baths on Deck 11, featuring outdoor rotenburo with ocean views, offer a unique Japanese spa experience. The ship’s eco-friendly upgrades, including low-emission engines, reflect a commitment to sustainability. The Grand Spa provides massages and beauty treatments, while the fitness centre includes modern equipment. The ship’s size allows access to unique ports, and the open-air Lido Deck pool offers relaxation with scenic views.
Guest Experience
Visitors can anticipate a journey that feels luxurious and culturally rich. The ship’s Japanese-inspired design and attentive service create a personalised experience for all guests.
