The new Asuka III has its funnel as the ship is under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany for NYK’s Asuka Cruises brand.

According to an update shared by the Meyer Werft shipyard, the equipment was delivered to Building Hall 2, where the ship’s construction is taking place.

The piece is scheduled to be installed after the new ship is floated out in early 2025, the facility explained.

The funnel features NYK Group colors and was inspired by the fleet’s existing ship, the Asuka II.

Originally ordered in 2021, the new Asuka III is scheduled to enter service ahead of the 2025 summer cruise season.

Designed to serve the Japanese market, the 744-guest ship will offer itineraries to the Far East and East Asia.

According to Asuka, the interiors of the new ship will be highlighted by a collection of arts and crafts inspired by the local culture.

Commissioned for the 52,200-ton ship, the collection was created to transform the Asuka III into a “moving museum at sea,” the company said.

With pieces signed by Hiroshi Senju, Noriko Tamura, and Kazumi Murose, the collection is highlighted by a three-deck lacquer mural that will serve as the central piece in the vessel’s main atrium.

The Asuka III was also designed with expansive well-being areas, including a Grand Spa that offers Japanese hot spring facilities and glass-walled saunas.

According to the company, special attention was also put on designing the ship’s pool deck, which aims to offer a natural atmosphere through a combination of darker colors and woody features.