Asuka 2

Asuka 2 is a cruise ship owned and operated by NYK Cruises, the cruise division of Nippon Yusen Kaisha. She was originally built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan, as Crystal Harmony for Crystal Cruises. In 2006, she transferred to NYK and entered service under her current name. As of August 2022, she was the largest cruise ship in Japan. The ship holds 480 staterooms and accommodates 872 passengers at standard capacity, with a maximum of 960, supported by 545 crew, making her a mid-sized vessel built for a discerning Japanese and international audience.

During Crystal Harmony's maiden voyage through South American and Caribbean waters, the ship caught fire due to a fuel leak some 200 miles from Cristóbal, drifting without power for sixteen hours before reaching port and later sailing to Curaçao for repairs.

Asuka 2 was carefully designed with passenger comfort in mind. The ship has eight passenger decks, two swimming pools, an outdoor whirlpool, eight bars and lounges, a tea room, two gaming areas for casino and mahjong, a theater lounge, and a large wellness complex with spa and fitness facilities. Specialty dining includes the Umihiko restaurant for sushi and sashimi, available for a supplement, and the 40-seat Prego restaurant reserved for suite guests, while casual options include the Lido Café, Lido Garden, Lido Grill and the Bistro for pastries and coffee. The Galaxy Lounge serves as the main show venue, built on a single level with a sloped floor for clear sightlines. The Palm Court on the top deck offers a bar lounge with a screen displaying route maps and port information, while a Library and Reading Lounge, added during a refurbishment, provides a quiet retreat with an extensive book collection and internet access.

The ship undergoes annual drydocking of up to two weeks in compliance with Japan's flag-state regulations, and a scrubber system was installed to reduce particulates and certain emissions from her exhaust. She is Japan-flagged and registered in Yokohama, which also serves as her homeport.

Asuka 2 suits discerning travelers who appreciate Japanese hospitality and attention to detail, from experienced cruisers who value a smaller ship with a refined atmosphere to those seeking cultural immersion in Asia and beyond.

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