Frequently Asked Questions
For international guests booking AsukaIII
These answers were prepared jointly by Anchor Infinite and Yusen Cruise Co., Ltd. (the operator of AsukaIII) to address the questions we hear most often from international guests. For the full legal terms governing your voyage, please see our English-language Contract of Carriage.
Booking & Documentation
What documents do international guests need to board AsukaIII?
For domestic Japan cruises, no special government documents are required beyond your boarding pass. For voyages that visit foreign ports, a valid passport is required, plus any visas mandated by the destination countries. In all cases — whether the cruise is domestic or international — you'll need to present both your boarding pass and a government-issued photo ID (passport or equivalent) at check-in.
Is the cancellation policy the same for international guests as for Japanese guests?
Yes. The same cancellation schedule applies to all guests regardless of country of residence. For full details, please see our English-language Contract of Carriage (linked at the bottom of this page).
Can I make changes to my booking after it's confirmed?
Yes, with some conditions. Changes within the same cruise (number of guests, cabin category, dates within the same voyage) can be accommodated when space is available; any difference in price is settled at the time of change. Switching to a different cruise after the cancellation-fee window has begun requires cancelling the original booking (cancellation fees apply) and creating a new booking on the new cruise, subject to availability.
Onboard Experience
Are children welcome aboard AsukaIII?
Children aged 2 and over are welcome and follow the standard fare structure. Infants between 6 months and 2 years of age may board at no additional charge but cannot be assigned a bed, and we are unable to provide infant supplies such as baby formula. Infants under 6 months cannot be accommodated.
Can the kitchen accommodate food allergies or special diets?
Yes. We accommodate documented food allergies for the eight Japanese-regulated major allergens (shrimp, crab, walnut, wheat, buckwheat, egg, dairy, peanut) plus 20 additional ingredients including sesame, soy, beef, pork, chicken, salmon, mackerel, almond, and gelatin. Please visit the onboard guest services desk shortly after boarding so our team can prepare allergen-free alternatives. Religious dietary requirements (halal, kosher) cannot currently be accommodated. For vegetarian or other preference-based diets, please let us know in advance via our inquiry form.
Is AsukaIII accessible to wheelchair users or guests who need assistance?
Yes. Accessibility provisions are the same for all guests regardless of country of residence. Please share any specific accessibility needs at the time of booking so we can prepare accordingly and confirm cabin selection.
What languages are spoken on board?
Reception staff and restaurant staff are equipped to assist in English. English-language menus are provided, and shipboard announcements are made in both Japanese and English. Most onboard activities — cultural programs, lectures, and demonstrations — are conducted primarily in Japanese, but the daily activity schedule is published bilingually so you can choose what to attend.
Is there a dress code on board?
During the daytime you're welcome to dress comfortably. From around 17:00 onward, the onboard dress code is Elegant Casual — please feel free to express your personal style. International guests are warmly welcomed in traditional attire from your home country. For safety reasons, please wear closed-back footwear when moving around the ship; open-back sandals are appropriate only when going to and from the pool deck or Grand Spa. After 17:00, please refrain from wearing shorts, sleeveless T-shirts, beach sandals, heavily distressed clothing, and baseball caps in public spaces.
Travel Considerations
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not required to book, but we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive international travel insurance before leaving your home country. The onboard medical clinic operates on a fee-for-service basis (charges are not covered by AsukaIII), and unexpected situations can arise during shore excursions or while at sea. Insurance protects you in either case.
What happens if the itinerary changes or a port call is cancelled due to weather?
Before departure: if the cruise itinerary is changed for reasons within our control, you may cancel without penalty. If the change is caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as typhoons or sea conditions (force majeure), our standard cancellation fees may still apply per Articles 6 and 10 of the Contract of Carriage. After departure: refunds are not generally provided for itinerary changes that occur after sailing; if the voyage is significantly shortened after sailing, a partial refund may apply per the Contract of Carriage. Please note that because international guests book under the Contract of Carriage rather than a Travel Agency Act package contract, the Tour Itinerary Guarantee (旅程保証) does not apply — the English-language Contract of Carriage governs all such changes.
For the full legal terms governing your voyage, please refer to the English Contract of Carriage (PDF). Have a question we haven't answered? Please send us an inquiry.