By Bryan Manabat
bryan@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
ASUKA III, Japan’s newest flagship vessel operated by NYK Cruises, made its inaugural arrival in Saipan on Wednesday, Dec. 31, docking at 6:30 a.m. and departing at 5 p.m. The visit followed the arrival of the Mitsui Ocean Fuji on Dec. 30 and a stop in Guam the day before reaching Saipan.
The Mitsui Ocean Fuji, a Japanese luxury cruise ship sailing from Tokyo, arrived on Saipan on Tuesday morning with 419 passengers and 346 crew members before departing later in the day for Guam.
For Asuka III’s arrival, MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, and representatives from Pacific Development Inc., the ship’s local tourism agent, welcomed the vessel at the port. Norton Lilly International Saipan served as the ship’s shipping agent. Local cultural performers greeted passengers with Chamorro and Carolinian dances as they disembarked.
Commanded by Capt. Hisashai Kogue, Asuka III arrived with 522 passengers and 459 crew members. Throughout the day, many passengers were seen in the Garapan district visiting shops, restaurants, and other establishments.
Tourism officials said the ship’s arrival reflects renewed interest in the Marianas among cruise operators and aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify the CNMI’s visitor markets. Local leaders also noted that cruise calls provide opportunities for small businesses, tour operators, and cultural groups to engage directly with international travelers.
Passengers spent the day participating in island tours, shopping, and cultural activities before the ship’s 5 p.m. departure.
PDI officials said they anticipate continued collaboration with cruise operators to bring more calls to the CNMI in the coming year.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
