• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean Group, Naha Port Authority and Cruise Port Naha celebrated the groundbreaking of a new cruise terminal at Naha Port, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of cruising in Japan and across the East Asia region.
Cruise Port Naha is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises, representing the respective interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group. Under the Cruise Hub Formation Agreement concluded with the Naha Port Authority in August, Cruise Port Naha will develop and operate the new terminal, with completion and the start of operations targeted for March 2028.
"For Royal Caribbean Group, Japan is one of the most important cruise markets in Asia – not only as a destination, but as a long-term partner in our global business," explained Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
"We do not simply bring guests here, we also invest here and with Naha Okinawa, we are investing in infrastructure that will benefit the local community for years to come.
"The future of cruising in Japan is about shared ambition, collaboration and responsible innovation, and we are honored to be a part of it."
The new terminal will feature modern facilities to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency while supporting cruise tourism growth in Okinawa.
Naha's strategic location provides year-round accessibility and serves as a regional gateway for cruise itineraries.
The completed terminal will accommodate advanced cruise ships, increasing passenger capacity to meet growing Asian cruise demand.
"Okinawa is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of some of Asia's most exciting cruise destinations and we see real potential for its future," explained Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, cruise division, MSC Group.
"This project forms part of our long-term vision to expand our presence in the region and create new opportunities for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to enjoy Asia year-round.
"As we continue to develop our itineraries and invest in infrastructure, we are making cruising more accessible for both international and Asian travellers while strengthening connections across the region."
Vago said MSC is "proud to partner with Royal Caribbean Group and the Naha Port Authority in bringing this vision to life," thanking "all those whose commitment, collaboration and shared ambition have made today's milestone possible."
He added: "Together, we are investing not only in a port, but in the future growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa and across Asia."
The project follows Naha Port's designation by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port in 2019 and represents an important public-private collaboration to support the long-term development of tourism in Okinawa.
The groundbreaking included a traditional Japanese ceremony at the future terminal site, marking the formal start of construction and bringing together several public officials for the event, including Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and representatives from the Cabinet Office of Japan, alongside representatives from Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
