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Crystal Harmony

Asuka II in Kobe
Asuka II moored at Kobe, Japan in September 2006.
History
Name:
  • 1990–2006: Crystal Harmony
  • 2006 onwards: Asuka II (飛鳥II)
Owner:
Operator:
  • 1990–2006: Crystal Cruises
  • 2006 onwards: Nippon Yusen Kaisha
Port of registry:
Builder: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki, Japan
Yard number: 2100
Launched: 30 September 1989
Acquired: July 1990
Identification:
Status: In service
General characteristics
Type: Cruise ship
Tonnage:
Length: 241 m (790 ft 8 in)
Beam: 29.6 m (97 ft 1 in)
Draught: 7.8 m (25 ft 7 in)
Decks: 8
Installed power:
  • Four MAN diesel Engines
  • 32,800 kW (combined)
Speed: 21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph)
Capacity: 960 passengers
Crew: 545

MS Asuka II (飛鳥II) is a cruise ship owned and operated by Nippon Yusen Kaisha. It was originally built by the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan, as Crystal Harmony for Crystal Cruises. In 2006, Crystal Harmony was transferred from the fleet of Crystal Cruises to that of Crystal's parent company, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, and entered service under her current name. As of February 2009, it was the largest cruise ship in Japan.

During the Crystal Harmony's maiden voyage in the South American/Caribbean waters, the ship caught on fire due to water entering her engine system. The Crystal Harmony drifted afloat for three days and, after passengers debarked in Panama,she sailed to the island of Curaçao, escorted by a tugboat.

The Crystal Harmony was retired from the Crystal fleet in 2005. It was transferred to the parent company Nippon Yusen Kaisha to replace the Asuka. It underwent some renovations, and re-entered service as Asuka II.

Asuka II features 8 passenger accessible decks. The ship has 2 swimming pools, 8 bars, a casino and fitness centre. There is also a 277-seat theatre. There are 461 outside cabins, 260 of which have private balconies. There are 19 inside cabins.


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