MS Asuka II
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.
Service history
1990–2006: Crystal Harmony
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.
2006 onwards: Asuka II
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.
