AS part of its New Year cruise, Asuka II pulled into the port of Saipan at around 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, with a total of 1,030 passengers and crew members.
Chamorro and Carolinian cultural dancers welcomed the arrival of the cruise ship at the local port.
It was Asuka II’s second visit to the island in 2024; the cruise ship also made a port call on March 4.
The Asuka II left Yokohama, Japan on Dec. 25, according to Pacific Development Inc.’s Japan office general manager, Katsuko Takahashi, who coordinated the trip.
“The New Year cruise is for a Guam-Saipan visit. We left Guam yesterday [Monday], spending the whole day there. Then we arrived on Saipan around 8 a.m. today and we’ll be leaving for Japan around 5 p.m. today,” Takahashi said.
She said the guests and crew would celebrate New Year’s Eve on their way to Japan.
“Many people are interested in cruise ships — especially retirees, who are our main market target — more than flying in because onboard they can enjoy shows and other amenities with less hassles,” Takahashi added.
She said Asuka II would visit Saipan again on Jan. 24.
“We welcome Asuka II to Saipan,” said PDI President Masanori Takahashi. “They made many port visits to Saipan in the past, and they will be back on Jan. 24,” he added.
“They keep coming back and like visiting us because we have a very beautiful island and very kind people. The guests are mostly retirees, couples, and families with children. I hope they enjoy today’s visit,” he said.
For his part, PDI Managing Director Gordon Marciano noted that PDI is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
“We made a ‘shout-out’ on the radio, remembering the pioneers of the tourism industry under PDI,” he said. “This is the seventh cruise ship that made Saipan port under PDI as we close out the year … and we have another ship coming for the new year.”
Asuka II passengers make their way to Pacific Development Inc. buses for an island tour on Tuesday morning, Dec. 31, 2024.
Chamorro and Carolinian dancers perform a special number for the crew and passengers of Asuka II at the port of Saipan on Tuesday morning, Dec. 31, 2024.
Asuka II visits Saipan on Tuesday morning, Dec. 31, 2024.
