February 23, 2025 –The Port Authority of Guam proudly welcomed the first cruise ship of the year as the MS Asuka II arrived at the Port this morning at 6:34 a.m. Carrying approximately 642 passengers and 511 crew members, the vessel marks the beginning of what is anticipated to be an exciting year for tourism and maritime activity on the island.
Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio expressed the Port’s enthusiasm in welcoming the ship and its passengers, stating, ““The arrival of the MS Asuka II reaffirms Guam’s status as a premier destination in the Pacific. Converting our terminal yard to accommodate a cruise ship takes careful planning and a lot of hard work, and I want to thank our Port employees for making it happen. Their dedication ensures a smooth and welcoming experience for every vessel that comes through. We look forward to more cruise liners visiting this year, bringing new opportunities for our island’s tourism and economy.”
The MS Asuka II is scheduled to depart from Guam at 5:00 p.m. today, allowing passengers to explore the island’s rich culture, history, and hospitality before continuing their voyage.
Notably, this same ship was the last cruise ship to call on the Port in 2024, making today’s arrival a fitting continuation of Guam’s role as a key destination in regional cruise travel. Furthermore, the MS Asuka II has historically visited Guam in time to ring in the new year. However, this year, its newest passenger vessel, the MS Asuka III, is scheduled to arrive instead.
The Port Authority of Guam remains committed to supporting the tourism industry and ensuring smooth, efficient operations for visiting passenger vessels. Currently, seven additional cruise ships are scheduled to arrive this year, including the Le Jacques on March 14, Le Soleal on March 31, Asuka II on April 29, Seabourn on September 12, Villa Vie Odyssey on October 13, Asuka III on December 30, and Mitsui Ocean Fuji on December 31, 2025.
