Asuka II, operated by NYK Cruises Co. Ltd., will undergo a 45-day makeover at the Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard in Singapore from the middle of January 2020. Asuka II is the nation’s largest cruise ship flying the Japanese flag (tonnage: 50,142 GT; capacity: 872 passengers).

Features to be added during the dry dock include a large open-air bath, Western-style rooms featuring traditional Japanese-style tatami-mat sleeping areas, and a reading lounge where guests can enjoy a little quite time with books, smart devices, and computers. Some restaurants will also be refurbished, and a large high-resolution LED display will be placed in the entrance hall. Wi-Fi will be accessible in all staterooms and the ship’s public areas (with the exception of a few quiet zones), and video-on-demand will be made available in each stateroom.

Additionally, an SOx scrubber* will be installed to address tightening global environmental regulations.

The NYK Group will continue its efforts to further improve the Asuka Cruise brand and sustain growth by offering its customers high-quality, environment-friendly cruise experiences emphasizing traditional Japanese hospitality, known as “omotenashi” in Japan.

These upgrades are as of May 2019 and are subject to change.

* SOx scrubber
A system that effectively addresses the strengthened SOx (sulfur oxides) fuel regulation that will soon enter into force. Scrubber systems use seawater and chemicals to remove sulfur from ship exhaust gases, effectively eliminating 86 percent of SOx emissions.

NYK Cruises Co. Ltd.
Head office: Yokohama
President: Fukashi Sakamoto