Maiden season | Wetravel2u's Weblog

Asuka III Arrives in Japan Ahead of Maiden Season

The new Asuka III arrived in Japan earlier this week after her long journey from Europe to Asia.

Built by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the new Asuka Cruise ship arrived at the port of Yokohama on June 2, 2025.

The LNG-powered vessel is now getting ready to embark on its inaugural season in late July, kicking off a series of cruises departing from ports in Japan.

Upon being delivered, the Asuka III sailed from Northern Europe in mid-April, embarking on a journey that included technical stops in Africa and Asia.

With no guests onboard, the ship sailed to the Canary Islands, South Africa and Singapore before arriving in the Far East.

In an update on its website, Asuka Cruise highlighted the ship’s rendezvous with the previous Asuka ships.

According to the company, in late April, the ship met at sea with the original Asuka off the Canary Islands.

Currently operated by Phoenix Reisen, the 1991-built vessel, which now sails as the Amadea, sailed for the brand until 2006.

Asuka also arranged a meeting of the new ship with its fleetmate, the Asuka II, which is currently offering a world cruise.

The two vessels sailed alongside near the coast of the island of St. Helena, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic.

To mark the occasion, special ceremonies were held onboard the vessels, with crew and guests taking part in a themed celebration.

According to Asuka III’s Chief Engineer Takaaki Nakano, the ship’s delivery voyage was key to evaluating and testing various systems onboard.

“We inspected the operating conditions of various equipment, striving to provide a comfortable cruise experience for the future passengers of the Asuka III,” he said.

“We did our utmost to deliver the Asuka III safely to Yokohama so that everyone can see its beautiful sight,” he added.

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, the MSC World America, arrived in Miami on Monday morning.

After being delivered by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in late March, the vessel visited MSC’s private island of Ocean Cay before arriving in South Florida on Monday, April 7.

As the second ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class series, the MSC World America is now set to be christened before kicking off its inaugural cruise on April 12, 2025.

Photo credit – https://eatsleepcruise.com/msc-world-america-arrives-miami/

Sailing from Miami on a year-round basis, the 5,400-guest ship will offer a series of seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Itineraries sail to both the Western and Eastern Caribbean, visiting destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras.

All of the ship’s sailings also feature a visit to MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Before welcoming its first paying guests, the MSC World America is set to be christened during a ceremony at the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal.

With actress Drew Barrymore serving as the ship’s godmother, the naming celebrations will take place on April 9, 2025.

The LNG-powered ship then embarks on a three-night pre-inaugural cruise to Ocean Cay before welcoming its first paying guests.

A sister to the 2022-built MSC World Europa, the new World America features a tweaked design aimed at the North American market.

According to MSC, the ship will be the first in the fleet to feature seven onboard districts, including The Harbour, an outdoor family venue with the Cliffhanger over-water swing ride, a ropes course, a water park, a playground, relaxation areas and complimentary grab-and-go dining.

Other highlighted features include the new All-Stars Sports Bar, which features an ocean-facing terrace and classic American fare while broadcasting popular sports.