Construction Begins on New Cruise Terminal in Naha, Japan
Cubierto por 4 fuentesPublicado
- cruise industry newsCruise Terminal Groundbreaking at Naha Marks Cruise Growth in Japan
- MSC cruiseLa Autoridad Portuaria de Naha, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruceros y Royal Caribbean Group inician la construcción de una nueva terminal de cruceros en el puerto de Naha, Okinawa.
- sea-trade cruiseMSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group break ground on new Naha terminal
- prnewswireNAHA PORT AUTHORITY, CRUISE PORT NAHA G.K., MSC CRUISES AND ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CRUISE TERMINAL AT NAHA PORT, OKINAWA
The Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new cruise terminal at the Port of Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The event, which included a traditional Japanese ritual at the terminal's future site, marked the formal start of construction and was described as a significant milestone for the growth of cruising in Japan and across the East Asia region.
Agreement and timeline
Cruise Port Naha G.K. is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., representing the interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group. Under the Cruise Hub Formation Agreement signed with the Naha Port Authority in August 2026, this partnership will develop and operate the new terminal, with completion and the start of operations scheduled for March 2028.
Project features
The new terminal will feature modern facilities designed to enhance the passenger experience and improve operational efficiency. Naha, considered one of Japan's most strategically located ports, offers year-round accessibility and serves as a gateway for cruise itineraries in the region. Once completed, the terminal will strengthen the port's capacity to welcome some of the world's most advanced cruise ships, meeting rising demand for cruise vacations in Asia.
Executive statements
Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, noted that Japan is one of the most important cruise markets in Asia and that the investment in Naha, Okinawa, will benefit the local community for years to come. For his part, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, stated that Okinawa is positioned at the crossroads of some of Asia's most appealing cruise destinations and that the project is part of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys' vision to expand their year-round presence in the region.
Institutional support
The project comes after Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism designated the Port of Naha as an International Cruise Hub Formation Port in 2019, and represents a public-private partnership for Okinawa's long-term tourism development. The ceremony brought together public officials, including Okinawa Governor Genta Koja, and representatives from Japan's Cabinet Office, along with representatives of the companies involved.
