99 which also runs on LNG. Launched on 18 January 2025 at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg yard in Germany, the third ship in the NYK Cruises ASUKA series is registered in the port of Yokohama. The vessel will cater to Japanese customers and accommodate 744 passengers and 470 crew – a higher ratio of crew to guests than ASUKA II. “An impressive number of around 1,500 individuals came together for the launch,” says Yoko Endo, NYK Cruises’ public relations manager. “It was truly astonishing to realise how many staff members were involved in the creation of ASUKA III. The sight of the staff celebrating each other’s efforts was striking, and this strong team spirit at Meyer Werft has forged an invaluable bond for NYK Cruises.” Japan’s calligraphic tradition was celebrated at the launch as the ship’s name was inscribed on the hull in the style of renowned Japanese calligrapher Shunkei Yahagi. Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises’ eighth ship, Oceania Allura, will join the fleet in July 2025. Under construction at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente yard near Genoa in Italy, the vessel is intended for Eastern Mediterranean itineraries and will then sail immersive North America cruises. With capacity for 1,200 guests and 800 crew, it is the second ship in the Allura class after Oceania Vista, which launched in May 2023. River cruise newbuilds are continuing the trend towards providing more facilities traditionally found on larger oceangoing ships, with a focus on expansive pool and spa areas. TUI Cruises’ new river cruise ship, TUI Alma, is set to begin cruising Portugal’s River Douro in the summer. The 62-cabin ship, under construction at West Sea, will offer ‘full board plus’ cruises as standard, with facilities including a shallow top-deck pool (complete with space for sun loungers), three dining venues and three bars. West Sea is also building two new ships for AmaWaterways, both of which will debut in the first half of 2025: AmaMagdalena, followed by AmaSintra. The yard, which specialises in river cruise vessels, says that it can build and deliver a newbuild in about 12 months and that its production capacity allows it to turn out eight 100-metre ships per year. AmaMagdalena’s delivery was moved from November 2024 to March 2025 due to delays finalising the ship’s itinerary in Colombia, which is a new destination for the brand. Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways, said of the delay: “This is the first time a major river cruise line is offering a journey of this nature on the Magdalena River. We’ve encountered challenges that are simply part of being pioneers.” Like its trailblazing sister vessel, AmaSintra will appeal to cruisers seeking fitness and wellbeing facilities with its sundeck pool, fitness room and onboard spas. NYK Cruises’ ASUKA III was floated out of dry dock at Meyer Werft’s yard in Germany in January 2025 Photo: NYK CRUISES CRUISE ORDER BOOK
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