The full schedule of 23 cruises aboard Asuka II — departing between December 2026 and April 2027 — has been announced by Asuka Cruise, operated by Yusen Cruise Co., Ltd. (Nishi-ku, Yokohama). Bookings open on June 10, 2026 (Wednesday) at 10:30 AM.
The lineup spans a wide range of durations and themes, from a one-night cruise to an eight-night, nine-day New Year voyage, with departures from Yokohama, Kobe, and Hakata. Highlights include festive Christmas sailings, a Taiwan New Year cruise, spring island hopping along the Japanese coast, and the "A-plus Cruise" series departing from Naha. Special entertainment is woven throughout, with guest performers including singers May J., Moriyama Ryoko, Natsukawa Rimi, and jazz pianist Yamanaka Chihiro, as well as the popular "The Glenn Miller Orchestra Cruise" featuring classic swing jazz.
Reservations open June 10, 2026 (Wednesday) at 10:30 AM through the Asuka Cruise Desk, the official website, and authorized travel agencies.
Official website: https://www.asukacruise.co.jp/
A Glamorous Christmas at Sea
The Christmas cruises bring a festive atmosphere aboard with special dinners, exclusive seasonal shows, and sparkling onboard decorations. Routes depart from Yokohama, Hakata, and Kobe, offering options from multiple embarkation points.
Guest performers headline each sailing: May J. appears on the "Yokohama Christmas Weekend Cruise," Moriyama Ryoko on the "Hakata Christmas Weekend Cruise," and jazz pianist Yamanaka Chihiro on the "Yokohama Special Christmas ON ASUKA II."
Selected Christmas Cruises:
- Yokohama Christmas Weekend Cruise — December 11 (Friday) to December 13 (Sunday), 2026 — 3 days
- Yokohama Special Christmas ON ASUKA II — December 13 (Sunday) to December 15 (Tuesday), 2026 — 3 days
- Hakata Christmas Weekend Cruise — December 19 (Saturday) to December 21 (Monday), 2026 — 3 days
Ringing in the New Year Aboard Asuka II
The "Kobe New Year Taiwan Cruise" offers a chance to welcome the New Year at sea, complete with a countdown event, osechi cuisine, and port calls in Taiwan's warm, exotic destinations. Back in Japan, New Year sailings visit auspicious domestic landmarks with themed shore excursions and the special "Asuka New Year's Kaiseki" dinner to mark the start of the year.
Selected New Year Cruises:
- Kobe New Year Taiwan Cruise — December 26 (Saturday), 2026 to January 3 (Sunday), 2027 — 9 days
- Shimizu New Year's Cruise — January 11 (Monday, national holiday) to January 14 (Thursday), 2027 — 4 days
Spring Island Cruises
The spring cruises visit some of Japan's most scenic island destinations — including the Goto Islands, Tanegashima, and Amami Oshima — where guests can encounter nature, history, and local culture. Onboard, seasonal menus highlight spring ingredients, including a spring set lunch and a "Spring Day Dinner" available for the season.
Selected Spring Island Cruises:
- Kobe Spring Kamigoto & Sasebo Cruise — March 24 (Wednesday) to March 29 (Monday), 2027 — 6 days
- Nagoya Tanegashima & Furuiniya Spring Island Tour — March 30 (Tuesday) to April 4 (Sunday), 2027 — 6 days
A-plus Cruises: A New Way to Explore
The "A-plus Cruise" concept lets travelers combine the cruise with their own flights, sightseeing, or accommodations for a personalized itinerary. The "A-plus Okinawa" series departs from Naha and covers routes to Miyakojima, Ishigakijima, and Taiwan — allowing guests to explore Okinawa's outer islands or travel internationally in a compact schedule.
Convenience services include luggage delivery from Naha Airport to the ship and a dedicated boarding bus.
Selected A-plus Cruises:
- A-plus Okinawa: Miyako & Ishigaki — March 9 (Tuesday) to March 12 (Friday), 2027 — 4 days
- A-plus Okinawa: Ishigaki & Keelung — March 12 (Friday) to March 16 (Tuesday), 2027 — 5 days
Guest Entertainers and Guest Chefs
A variety of guest performers bring special experiences to each sailing. The "The Glenn Miller Orchestra Cruise" treats guests to beloved swing jazz performed live at sea. The weekend premium cruise "Hakata A-style Cruise: Spring Colors" combines a special stage by Natsukawa Rimi with a natural Italian cuisine menu crafted by guest chef Takamasa Uetake.
Selected Entertainment Cruises:
- Hakata A-style Cruise: Spring Colors — March 5 (Friday) to March 7 (Sunday), 2027 — 3 days
- The Glenn Miller Orchestra Cruise — April 14 (Wednesday) to April 16 (Friday), 2027 — 3 days
Member Discounts
Discounted fares for members of the Asuka Cruise loyalty club "My ASUKA CLUB" are available across all 23 announced cruises. Select sailings offer member discounts of 20 to 30%, and first-time Asuka II guests receive an onboard coupon. Membership is free and open to anyone aged two or older, regardless of whether they have sailed before.
More information: https://myac.asukacruise.co.jp/
Asuka II: Ship Overview
- Flag: Japan
- Home Port: Port of Yokohama
- Gross Tonnage: 50,444 GT
- Overall Length: 241 m
- Passenger Capacity: 872
- Crew: Approx. 490
- Cabins: 436 (all ocean-facing)
