• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
(10:03 a.m. EDT) — Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises have broken ground on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa.
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 an agreement signed with Naha Port Authority in August 2026, it will develop and operate the new cruise terminal.
The new terminal is expected to be completed and begin operations in March 2028.
The groundbreaking included a traditional Japanese ceremony to mark the formal start of construction. Attendees included Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and representatives from the Cabinet Office of Japan, alongside representatives from Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
"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," said 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."
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, MSC Group, Cruises Division, added: "Okinawa is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of some of Asia's most exciting cruise destinations, and we see real potential for its future. 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 travelers while strengthening connections across the region. We are proud to partner with Royal Caribbean Group and the Naha Port Authority in bringing this vision to life, and I thank all those whose commitment, collaboration and shared ambition have made today's milestone possible. 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 as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port in 2019 and aims to support the long-term development of tourism in Okinawa.
