Asuka2 Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On February 8, 2026, at approximately 10:45 PM, a critical medical emergency unfolded aboard the cruise ship 'Asuka II' as Japanese tourist Kosuge Kimiko, born in 1949, suffered a stroke while navigating the waters off Quang Ninh province in northern Vietnam. With 617 Japanese passengers and 511 crew members on board, the vessel was journeying from Ho Chi Minh City to the scenic Ha Long Bay when urgency dictated a swift response. Upon notification of the incident, local border guards promptly mobilized a dedicated rescue team comprising ten skilled officers and soldiers. This operation was expertly coordinated with the Border Guard's No. 2 Squadron alongside the provincial emergency response center, known as No. 115. Demonstrating courage and efficiency, the rescue unit approached the cruise ship during the night and successfully brought Ms. Kimiko ashore. She was then swiftly transported to Quang Ninh General Hospital, where she received immediate and critical medical care. For further details and visuals, please visit the [report here](https://lecourrier.vn/une-croisieriste-japonaise-secourue-apres-un-accident-vasculaire-cerebral-a-ha-long/1341340.html).

On June 16, 2020, a fire erupted on the upper deck of the 'Asuka II' at 1:30 p.m. local time, as the cruise ship remained docked in Yokohama since April 1 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Thick smoke poured from the fore section of the ship, prompting immediate action from the crew. A combined effort from the ship's staff, as well as dozens of firefighters and Coastguard personnel, was instrumental in bringing the blaze under control after approximately three hours. The origin of the fire, which began in a storage area on the upper deck, remains undetermined. At the time of the incident, 153 crew members were on board to maintain essential operations, and thankfully, there were no reported injuries. For more details and photos, visit the report here: https://news.yahoo.com/black-smoke-billowing-cruise-ship-063741233.html

NYK Cruises Co. celebrates a significant milestone with its Circle Japan Grand Cruise, honored with an Award of Excellence at the prestigious 2016 Cruise of the Year Awards, organized by the Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association (JOPA). This opulent voyage, which spanned a month from June 5 to July 8, 2016, aboard the Asuka II, received accolades for achieving an impressive 85 percent occupancy rate despite its extensive duration of 33 days. The cruise, which navigated around Japan, also featured alluring stops, including Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (IMO PPLKY) in northern Russia and the southern destination of Keelung in Taiwan. A noteworthy aspect of the voyage was its commitment to local engagement; the cruise implemented a 'local production for local consumption' approach, enhancing the experience with local cuisine and collaborative efforts with regional chefs and restaurants at each port of call. Moreover, the cruise has successfully catered to solo travelers, with single guests representing 25 percent of the total passenger count, reflecting its inclusive pricing strategy. This significant recognition not only highlights the luxury and quality of the Circle Japan Grand Cruise but also underscores NYK Cruises' dedication to creating memorable and accessible travel experiences for all guests.

The Asuka II, a stunning cruise ship operated by NYK Cruises Co. Ltd., has been awarded the title of 2015 Cruise Ship of the Year by the readers of Japan's renowned magazine, Cruise. This remarkable achievement marks the 24th consecutive year that either Asuka II or its predecessor, Asuka, has garnered this prestigious accolade. Since its inception in 1992, the readers of Cruise have actively voted each year for their favorite vessel, and this time, 628 voters once again crowned Asuka II as the premier Japanese-flagged ship as well as the best overall cruise ship. Asuka II's exceptional service and steadfast reliability were primary factors in earning this honor. Enthusiastic comments from voters highlighted the ship's striking design and attentive crew, with one voter noting, "Though it is the largest Japanese-flagged ship, Asuka II boasts a beautifully proportionate hull." Another praised the crew's dedication to service as "excellent," emphasizing the ship's cleanliness and elegance. Additionally, guests can indulge in a delightful selection of light meals between main courses, with offerings that include hamburgers, traditional udon noodles, and refreshing shaved ice.