Douglas Ward
An elegant, spacious ship with fine food, for Japanese-speaking cruisers
The Ship. Although now over 20 years old, Asuka II, formerly Crystal Harmony, underwent a four-month-long drydocking and refit in 2005–6, and further refurbishment in 2009. It is a handsome, well-balanced contemporary ship with raked clipper bow, sleek lines, and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Line’s double red band on the funnel. There is almost no sense of crowding anywhere, and the fact that form follows function means that comfort is built in. There is a wide wraparound teakwood deck for walking, and an abundance of open deck space.
Inside, the layout is completely different from the previous Asuka in that there is a horizontal flow through the public rooms, and this better suits the age range of NYK’s typical passengers. The design combines some large ship facilities with the intimacy of rooms found aboard many smaller ships. There is a wide assortment of public entertainment lounges and small intimate rooms. Fine-quality fabrics and soft furnishings, china, flatware, and silver are used throughout.
Outstanding are the Vista (observation) Lounge and a tranquil, elegant Palm Court, one of the nicest rooms afloat, while adjacent are an Internet room and a Chashitsu (Japanese 12-tatami mat room). Other public spaces and facilities include the Mariner’s Club Lounge (piano bar/lounge), Cigar Bar, Bistro Café, Casino Corner, Mahjong Room with eight tables, Compass Room (meeting and activities room), a book/video library, and the Stars karaoke bar. The theater is a dedicated room with high-definition video projection. There is a self-service launderette on each deck – practical for long voyages.
Asuka II is a relaxing, grand hotel afloat – approximately the equivalent of Tokyo’s top hotels – and provides abundant choices and flexibility. It has just about everything for the discerning traveler prepared to pay for high style, space, and the comfort and the facilities of a mid-size vessel capable of long voyages. The company pays attention to its repeat passengers, particularly those in Deck 10 penthouses and suites.
Unfortunately, dining is in two seatings, which makes its timing highly structured – there are two shows, because the showlounge can’t seat everyone at once. This works well in the Japanese market, however, and you can always choose to eat in a specialty dining venue; overall, though, the arrangement detracts from the otherwise fine setting of the ship and the professionalism of its staff. All gratuities are included.
Asuka II is best suited to Japanese-speaking travelers (typically over 60) seeking a sophisticated ship with high-quality fittings and furnishings, a wide range of public rooms and facilities, and excellent food and service from a well-trained staff. It is the attention to detail that makes this ship so pleasant, such as almost no announcements and little background music.
Accommodation. There are five categories of suites and cabins (including four Royal Suites with private balcony; 26 Asuka Suites with balcony; 32 suites with balcony; 202 cabins with balcony; 172 cabins without balcony). Regardless of the category, duvets and down pillows are provided, as are lots of other niceties. All cabins have a color TV, mini-refrigerator, personal safe, small couch and coffee table, excellent soundproofing, a refrigerator and minibar, full tea-making set, satellite-linked telephone, hairdryer, and slippers. A full range of toiletries (including Shiseido shampoo, hair rinse, shower cap, soap, cotton pads, razor set, hairbrush, and more) is provided, and cotton towels are plentiful.
Deck 10 penthouses. Four Royal Suites, whose entrance doorway has a door phone and camera, measure 949.4 sq ft (88.2 sq m) and have outstanding ocean-view Japanese-style bathrooms, with quality German fittings including a large overhead shower, jet bathtub, two washbasins, and abundant storage space for toiletries (L’Occitane products are provided).
Other Deck 10 suites. All Deck 10 suites/cabins are attended by social officers, and complimentary in-room dining service is offered.
Deck 9/8/7/5 cabins. Many cabins have a private balcony (in fact, half of all cabins have private balconies, with outside lights) and are extremely comfortable. But they are a little tight for space, with one-way traffic past the bed. Some cabins have lifeboat-obstructed views, so do check the deck plan carefully.
Although well appointed, the bathrooms (except for those in Deck 10 accommodation) are of the ‘you first, me next’ variety, but they come with generously sized toiletries and amenities, and all have electric ‘washlet’ high-cleanse toilets.
Dining. The Four Seasons Dining Room is the pleasant main dining room and has a raised central section. It has ample space around each table, well-placed waiter service stations and tables for two to eight.
Dinner is in two seatings, with no set table assignments. Afternoon tea and coffee can be taken in the Vista Lounge.
Umihiko is a Japanese extra-charge restaurant, complete with a wholly authentic sushi bar and live fish tanks for absolutely fresh sashimi. It provides a refined, intimate dining experience with fine ocean views. Reservations are required.
Prego, with 40 seats and ocean views to starboard and aft, is for occupants of the Royal Suites and Asuka Suites. The menu is the same as the main dining room, but with more intensive waiter service.
For casual meals, beverages, and ice cream, the Lido Café has a good self-serve buffet area; it is located high in the ship and has ocean views from large picture windows. There is also a Lido Garden Grill, a large area with wooden tables and chairs, and bar.
Additionally, The Bistro, located on the upper level of the two-deck-high lobby, is a casual spot for coffees and pastries; it has the atmosphere of a European street café.
Entertainment. The Galaxy Lounge (showlounge) is a large room on one level, with a sloping floor. The sight lines are good from most seats, although a few pillars obstruct the view from some of them. Both banquette-style and individual seating is provided.
Spa/Fitness. The Grand Spa includes a large Grand Bath/cleansing center (one for men, one for women), with integral sauna and steam room. Other facilities include five treatment rooms (longevity, water, wind, prosperity, harmony) including one for couples. There’s a separate sauna, steam rooms, changing rooms for men and women, a beauty salon, and a relaxation area. Another part of the spa houses the gymnasium, with ocean-view windows on one side.
The Asuka Aveda Salon and Spa offers a wide range of body-pampering treatments using Aveda brand products. The spa also offers a kimono dressing service, which costs ¥12,600 (about $115).
There is an excellent amount of open deck space, including a long swimming pool. Sports facilities include a full-size paddle tennis court, putting green, and golf driving range.